KEVIN SHINE,CEO
The F.I.R.M., Executive Consultant/A&R for Reckless Recording / Universal
A native of Chicago, Kevin Shine is CEO of the F.I.R.M., an entrepreneur, music industry executive / consultant and professor of music studies. He is known for his contribution as an educator to Columbia College in Chicago, where he taught music classes and was responsible for 70% of the students obtaining employment or internships in the music business. He is a recipient of the Outstanding Service Award presented to him by the college in recognition of his commitment in training and teaching students. Kevin also lectured at New York University (NYU) on contract negotiations, and speaks at industry conferences nationwide. He mentors up-and-coming artists who aspire to be in the business of music, as well as assisting with the early development of careers of established artists like Kanye West, Da Internz and Kevin Shek’spere Briggs, to name a few. As an A&R consultant, Shine has contributed his skills on R&B singer, R. Kelly’s Grammy nominated “Untitled” album, secured a major record deal for Jive Records artist Jacob Latimore, and has recently worked with Grammy Award winning gospel singers Ann Nesby and Kim Burrell. Shine is currently working with Reckless Recordings/Universal as a Executive Consultant / A&R, developing his own music-related TV show. He is creator of Writing Sessions America, ATL (#WSAATL) Unplugged “mixer” at Apache Café in Atlanta, for singers and songwriters who network with a common goal to bring more balance back to music culture. Kevin’s motto is “always be humble, stay focused, yet F.I.R.M.