“It’s not what you know, but who you know” – a hard truth to come to terms with when trying to make it in the music biz. But the University’s Music Business Association is doing some major networking, all while getting class credit. The certification program, which consists of about 60 students, was split up into eight groups in order to create individual record labels. They then were assigned to choose and sign a local band, record its demo and book shows throughout the semester. And they were only given a budget of $200.

“Most of our [budget] went toward our recording session,” said Ashley Ware, a senior from Fayetteville whose record label group signed with local band Ponderosa. “We really lucked out because [Ponderosa's] lead guitarist is an engineer at Nickel & Dimed Studios.”

Tonight, the association will host a showcase of all of the bands signed under the Student-Run Record Label at the Melting Point. All eight bands are unsigned and from Athens, including headliner Blue Flashing Light.

“It’s an early show, and we don’t have much time so each band will play only one song each,” Ware said. “It’s going to be a cool way to sample some Athens music.”

Following the showcase, renowned Atlanta-based producer Dallas Austin will speak in a series he calls “Writer’s Block.” Known for working with big names such as Michael Jackson, Gwen Stefani, TLC and Madonna, Austin will speak about his endeavors and success in the music production business.

Bruce Burch, who has been administrative director for Student-Run Record Label since it was launched three years ago, feels that having Austin at the showcase could be beneficial.

“In the past, we’ve always invited executives, producers and songwriters to the event for the bands to get exposure, and this year we will have Dallas Austin, which is huge,” he said.

But Burch also says that more important than tonight’s showcase, is the experience each group gets from this project.

“Between Athens and Atlanta, you’ve got one of the fastest growing entertainment regions in the country,” Burch said. “If we can take what they learn in the classroom and then give them real world experience and get all aspects of this industry, that is what the music business program is all about.”

So what’s next for these up-and-coming music moguls? Many of them will receive their certification in the 15 minutes before the show.

“Some people keep in touch with [the band], but it’s really up to the band,” Ware said, who is one of the students who will finish her certification program. “But in the end, I think we’ve learned a lot from them, instead of them learning a lot from us.”