Next week, some of the most successful music professionals in New Orleans hip-hop will help lead a free workshop on the topic of licensing music to film, commercials and television.

Best of the Beat Award-nominated DJ, Raj Smoove; Best of the Beat Award-winning bounce artist (and recent Drake collaborator) 5th Ward Weebie; Best of the Beat Award-nominated rapper/producer, Chase N. Cashe; and iconic No Limit Records rapper Mia X will serve as panelists at the event, which is put on as part of  the New Orleans Business Alliance and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s Sync Up partnership. Ashlye Keaton of the Ella Project will also be a host.

“We want to create an economy that works for our local artists,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., president and CEO of the New Orleans Business Alliance. “A crucial step in this process is ensuring our musicians have resources and the knowledge of how to protect and profit from their creative works. Ultimately, we want our artists to benefit from multiple revenue streams.”

The workshop will address not only basic registration but also registering beats and clearing samples. In addition, the first 50 artists who register, attend the Sync Up, sign up and complete an Ella Project assistance session will earn a grant from the New Orleans Business Alliance to substantially offset the fees for copyright registration (There is a standard rate of $500-800 per legal consultation in connection with  copyright filings, which is covered by The Ella Project)

“Make Your Music, Make Your Money” takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, at the Jazz Market (1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.). Folks should note this does not take place at Sync Up’s usual venue, at the Jazz & Heritage Center).

Admission is free but seating is limited. Please RSVP to attend by using this link.