Industry veteran, Ian Burke, first got his feet wet some 25 years ago doing roadwork for a local Atlanta band. Since then, he has been involved with the launch of some of the city’s most established acts, including Grammy-Award winning artists like TLC and Outkast. Backed with an impressive resume and sharp eye for talent, he is currently helping launch the careers of the next wave of entertainment royalty.

Burke, a native of Mount Vernon, NY relocated to Atlanta in 1984, when an opportunity to head the Hip Hop Department at Ichiban Records, a Georgia based label and distribution company, led him to the new “Motown” of the South. There he focused on breaking new underground Hip Hop artists including Flint Michigan’s own MC Breed, best known for his hit single “Ain’t No Future In Yo Frontin.” This position helped teach him the inner workings of an independent label and helped prepare him for what was yet to come in his career. “That’s when I decided I wanted to make it a career in Atlanta,” Burke says.

His next career move was to Elektra Records, where he was hired directly by the legendary Sylvia Rhone. As the Southeast Director of A&R, Ian’s focus was delivering quality over quantity. Burke’s accomplishments at Elektra include signing the teen R&B group Mista, which featured a young Bobby Valentino, and super producer and current chart-topping Akon. While there, he also helped introduce the world to one of Atlanta’s signature genres, “Bass Music,” by picking up the independent single, “Bankhead Bounce,” by Diamond & D-Rock (half of the crunk duo, the Ying-Yang twins). During his tenure there, he also spearheaded special events, such as the Church Fire Benefit Concert in Atlanta, which aided in the restoration of churches burned throughout the South. The concert, which raised over $50,000.00 in donations, featured talents Mista, Akon, Keith Sweat, Silk, Michael Speaks, Goodie Mob and Kut Klose.

After Elektra, Burke accepted the position of Senior Director of Creative Affairs for ASCAP (American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers) in Atlanta. Here, he set out to introduce new sounds and talent in the areas of Urban-Alternative, R&B, Hip-Hop and Rock, and successfully aided in re-branding ASCAP as the industry leader in talent representation. Some of the hottest producers and songwriters in the South, including Dallas Austin, Polow Da Don, Shakespeare, Tricky Stewart, The Dream and others were part of the roster that helped Burke bring ASCAP to the forefront of the industry.

Always keeping his ear to the streets, Burke never gave up his passion for independent projects and artists. As an independent manager and A&R consultant, Burke directed the careers of Arrested Development (Chrysalis/EMI), TLC, Outkast (LaFace/Arista), Kris- Kross (Ruff House/Columbia), Xscape (SoSoDef), Sole` (Dreamworks), Debra Killings (Verity/Jive) and Blaque (Track Masters/Columbia). He also served as General Manager of Atlanta-based production companies Organized Noize Productions, Inc. and Playmaker Music, LLC. With a successful and growing list of credits, Jermaine Dupri, self-proclaimed “Mayor of Atlanta,” also sought Burke to consult for his label, So So Def. As consultant for So So Def, Burke brought on recording artists, Jarvis (So So Def/Jive) and 16 year-old actor/singer/songwriter sensation, Maestro Harrell (So So Def/Island), as well as, well-known producer, Chadron “Nitti” Moore (So So Def).

Burke also launched his own consulting and artist development firm, Launch Pad Records, LLC, continuing his passion for discovering, developing and creating opportunities for established and up and coming artists. Under Launch Pad, Burke managed songwriters/producers, Brandon & Brian Casey, better known as the “twins” in the multi-platinum R&B group Jagged Edge and served as A&R Director of their imprint, 581 Music Group.

Currently, Burke is entering a new phase in his career, Television and Film. This interest blossomed after discovering young actresses, the McClain Sisters, including China McClain, who’ve gone on to been featured in movies, The Gospel, House Of Payne, Daddy’s Little Girls, and The A.N.T. Farm. His newest company, Burke Stone Management/Entertainment, run with partner Stone Stafford (Icon Studios), represents The Voice, Season Two contestant, Mathai, and Big Boi’s (Outkast) Purple Ribbon Kidz artist Gabbie Rae, a stellar 13-year-old singer and budding actress who is already making waves in the industry. As for the future, one thing is clear. Ian Burke plans to continue his passion of discovering and launching the careers of the stars of tomorrow.