How Ian Burke Shaped the Sound of Atlanta (TLC, Outkast, Akon) | It’s Levels To This

In our very first in-person, in-studio session of *It's Levels To This*, Sensei and Fatboi sit down with a true legendary architect of the Atlanta music scene: **Ian Burke**. From moving equipment as a local roadie in 1984 to discovering and shaping iconic acts like **TLC**, **Outkast**, **Arrested Development**, and **Goodie Mob**, Ian’s parallel journey with the growth of the Atlanta skyline is nothing short of masterclass status. In this episode, we dive deep into: *The Blueprint of TLC:* How Ian envisioned a female version of Guy/Bell Biv DeVoe, and the exact moment Rico Wade introduced him to a cutesy girl in a pleather skirt who blew him away with a quick-tongued rap—Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez. *The Evolution of Arrested Development:* How a Public Enemy-inspired hardcore group transitioned into a multi-platinum, spiritual phenomenon. *Music Business Realities:* A legendary showdown over PRO royalties—how Candy & Tiny made more on "No One Scrubs" with 25% each under ASCAP than the producer did with 50% under BMI, and the Sony PlayStation that sealed the deal. *The Lost Art of Artist Development:* Why today’s "microwave artists" and research-driven A&R algorithms are failing to build the next generation of ultimate showmen like Usher, Beyonce, and Bruno Mars. *Leaving a Legacy:* What it feels like watching his seedlings graduate to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and why Ian Burke will forever be known as the ultimate "Dream Weaver." Plus, stick around for our signature *Level Up Lightning Round* where Ian chooses between New York vs. Atlanta, Michael Jackson vs. Prince, and clears up Fatboi's infamous $9.80-a-spin radio myth! --- 00:00 Introduction to Ian Burke and Atlanta's Music Scene 04:10 The Evolution of Atlanta's Music Landscape 07:18 Personal Journey into Music and Early Influences 10:14 The Shift from Computers to Music 13:08 Building a Career in the Music Industry 16:12 Creating Female Groups in Music 18:58 The Rise of Arrested Development 22:01 The Impact of Arrested Development on Atlanta's Music Scene 25:04 Navigating the Music Industry and Sampling Issues 28:21 The Legacy of Dion Ferris and Interpolation in Music 31:12 Lessons from Master P and the Business of Music 38:12 Sampling in Music: The Queen and Bowie Connection 40:09 The Importance of Follow-Up Records 42:13 Showmanship in Music: A Lost Art? 44:09 Artist Development: The Microwave Generation 46:05 The Role of Labels in the Modern Music Industry 50:24 Understanding Royalties and Revenue Streams 57:11 Consultancy in the Music Business: Navigating the Industry 01:01:27 The Role of ASCAP in Music Royalties 01:02:48 Alternatives to ASCAP and BMI 01:04:14 The Impact of Royalties on Songwriters 01:06:47 The Importance of Loyalty in the Music Business 01:12:43 The Challenges of Royalty Collection 01:17:56 The Future of Music and Mentorship 01:23:04 Legacy and Influence in the Music Industry 01:30:24 Levels 2 This Full OUTRO.mp4 --- 🔗 FOLLOW THE PODCAST *Subscribe to the Channel:* [Insert YouTube Link] *Instagram:* @ItsLevelsToThisPod *Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts:* [Insert Audio Links] 💼 BUSINESS INQUIRIES & CONSULTING For sponsorship opportunities or executive music consulting, contact: [Insert Email] #MusicBusiness #TLC #Outkast #AtlantaHipHop #ItsLevelsToThis #IanBurke #ArtistDevelopment #MusicRoyalties #ASCAP