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Super Producer Rodney Jerkins and Acoustic Soul Diva India Arie Are Two Hot Additions To This Year's Atlantis Urban Music Conference

Atlanta, GA - The Atlantis Music Conference (AMC), Atlanta's Premier Urban Music Industry Forum, announces the addition of super producer Rodney Jerkins and acoustic soul phenomenom India Arie as part of this year's urban music conference line-up.

Rodney Jerkins, who has penned hits for artists such as Jennifer "J-Lo" Lopez and Brittany Spears, will participate as one of this year's keynote speakers. Jemaine Dupri, Michael Mauldin, and Matthew Knowles are just a few speakers from previous years.

In addition, India Arie will participate in the highly successful Atlantis "How I Wrote that Song" Panel held Thursday July 31 at 12:00pm at the Downtown Sheraton. Four to five singer/songwriters will discuss writing techniques and share insight into the business of songwriting. As a caveat, every songwriter will sing at least one song.

AMC Urban is a premier music industry forum that showcases new and unsigned artists in front of key industry professionals, including major label A&R representatives, entertainment attorneys, business managers, and booking agents from across the country. "Last year, with over 14,000 in attendance, Atlantis successfully brought together music industry professionals with unsigned talent from across the country in the rock, pop and urban music genre," said Sandra Brown, of So So Def Recordings.

Other confirmed panelists/participants include: Bryan Leach, VP of A&R TVT Records; Shante Paige, VP of A&R Universal/Motown; Ivan Berry, Manager A&R BMG International; Billy Clark, Manager A&R Def Jam; Mandume Robertson, Hitco Music Publishing; Tony Rich, Recording Artist; Connie Flint, WPZE Praise; Desmond Pringle, Urban/Gospel A&R Warner Brothers, DJ Smurf and many more.

AMC-Urban will feature seven showcases this year, up from three in 2002, due to increasing demand from industry professionals and the growing number of artists submissions that were received in past years. The showcases will highlight Soul, R&B, Hip-Hop, Gospel and Alternative Urban Music.

The 2003 Atlantis Music Conference dates are July 30 - August 2 in various venues across the city. For more information contact: Atlantis Music Conference at 770-499-8600.

Media Contact: Sheriee Bowman at sherieebowman@yahoo.com