co-founder
VP A&R
is also an industry judge for the 2008 IMA. Pilley was born and raised in Memphis and is an ASCAP a
ward winning songwriter and featured artist in the organization’s showcase series at the Sundance Film Festive, where she has shared the stage with Jen Chapin and India Arie, also performing with Frank Whaley. As a pianist, she had her debut with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra at 16 years old and was First Prize winner of the prestigious Mozart competition. She has appeared as a rock/pop keyboardist in video and television programs on MTV, BET, PBS, HBO & the Lifetime Network and was the featured keyboardist/talent for MTV’s ace award winning show TURN IT UP!, and SPOTLIGHT CARE with Denis Leary, for which she co-wrote both theme songs. Her original band, Ila’s Dress, debut CD IGNORANCE AND BAD MANNERS, received critical acclaim, charting on CMJ and landed her a recording contract with Allen Kovak’s label, BEYOND (BMG), and a co-publishing contract with TRIO PUBLISHING (Nashville). Most recently she has performed with Jo Dee Messina and appeared on THE SOPRANO'S, with Tony Bennett for Tiffany & Co's 2007 Blue Book Gala, Jazz at Lincoln Center and Rollingstone Magazine. Her music is currently featured in several soundtracks. She was the music director for 7 years of the long running NYC hit TONY & TINA’S WEDDING and is currently head of A&R for Mamapalooza Records for which she is also a featured artist. Most importantly, she is mother to 6 year old Aidan , her eternal inspiration. www.pilleybianchi.com www.myspace.com/pilleybianchico-founder
VP Communications, A&R
is a Judge for the 2008 Independent Music Awards. Whether unplugged or backed by the World Women Ensemble, Carol simmers with emotion and passion. An active national leader in the grass roots and social cause music scene, this award-winning ASCAP and UNISONG writer is a featured performer on SOUNDS OF HOPE NYC ARTISTS REMEMBER 9/11. Songs from her three indie CDs have been licensed for use in TV, Film & Radio projects including USA TV Network, The Red Cross, and 9/11 Memorial Commission, among others. And because there are 24 hours in the day, Ms. Lester is a partner in Mamapublooza Publishing, a division of Mamapalooza Records for which she is also a featured artist and a co-founder. Ms Lester is also Board President of one of the most successful urban Charter Schools in New Jersey and runs a local Environmental Coalition to protect local school children from unscrupulous Developers. Visit her website at www.CarolLester.com.