Sonic Waves: Building a Successful Career in the Music Industry

Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-Winning Producer, Artist, Author & Entrepreneur Multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning, super-producer, and artist, Timbaland is one of the greatest minds in music history. With more top-ten hits than Elvis Presley or the Beatles, he has taught the world to “say it with sound.” Dubbed the Emperor of Sound and ranked #3 by Billboard on a list of 50 of the greatest producers of the 21st century. Timbaland’ the musical mastermind is behind the most memorable hits of our times. With over 18-Grammy nominations, 4-Grammy wins and 200+ ASCAP Music awards, his indelible imprint has been stamped on countless hits from some of the most successful and legendary artists in the world. From Jay-Z’s “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” and “Big Pimpin,” to Justin Timberlake’s “Sexy Back” and “Cry Me A River,” Aaliyah’s “One In A Million,” Missy Elliott’s “Get Ur Freak On” and “Work It,” Ginuwine’s “Pony,” and One Republic’s “Apologize” amongst many others, Timbaland’s credits have established him as one of the most iconic producers in the last 30 years. Among his long list of accolades are hits he’s produced for artists including Kanye West, Bryson Tiller, Madonna, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Sam Smith, Maluma, Nelly Furtado, Keri Hilson, Brad Paisley, Coldplay, Nickelback, The Fray, Destiny’s Child, Ludacris, Jodeci, Snoop Dogg, Drake, Alicia Keys and countless others.
 

Donn Thompson Morelli, aka "Donn T” Artist, Producer, Songwriter, Studio Owner renowned for her dynamic and innovative artistry. With her familial ties as the sister of Questlove and the daughter of the late legendary singer Lee Andrews– both honored on the Philly Walk of Fame, she carries a deep musical legacy. Alongside Questlove, she curates her late father Lee Andrews' diverse music catalog. 

As National Trustee of The Recording Academy and former President of the Philadelphia Chapter, Donn T aims to underscore her commitment to catalyzing change within the music industry. 

As a vocalist/songwriter Donn T’s contributions, collaborations/appearances include J Ivy,Common, Jill Scott, Michael McDonald, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Bilal, Questlove, The Roots, Chuck D, Antibalas, David Byrne (of Talking Heads), Daru Jones and Ray Angry. Live stage and touring performances include Michelle Obama, John Legend, Esperanza Spalding, St Paul & Broken Bones, Low Cut Connie, Alice Russell, Alice Smith, (the late) Amy Winehouse and Sharon Jones to list a few. Her band &More (Chill Moody & Donn T) performed NPR’s Tiny Desk to promote their debut album Ethel Bobcat. Donn T is contributing author of Behind The Song (Sourcebooks) and Loving Hearts, A Loving Day Anthology (Writers For Diversity).
 

Benjamin Thomas is an engineer, producer, and mixer from Philadelphia, PA. A graduate of Temple University, in 2018, with a degree in Entrepreneurial Studies and Innovation Management, this has carried into Ben’s current work in the Hip-Hop, R&B, and Gospel music genres, helping to shape the sound of Philadelphia’s music scene. Prior to 2018, Ben had the opportunity to engineer the hit song "Insecure" which featured Jazmine Sullivan and Bryson Tiller, as well as work on Brian McKnight's album “Genesis.” This work earned Ben 2 NAACP Image and Soul Train Award Nominations. Since then, Ben has had the opportunity to work with artists including Lil Uzi Vert, Future, Ty Dolla $ign, Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj The City Girls, Chloë, Meek Mill, NLE Choppa, Fivio Foreign, Cochise, Fridayy, Chill Moody, and Asake, among others. 

In 2020, Ben opened the PA-based recording studio After5 Studios, which specializes in single vocalists, duets, rappers, podcasters, and acoustic singer-songwriters. In 2020, Ben successfully earned his first Billboard #1 with his work on the ‘Pluto x Baby Pluto’ Album for rappers Lil Uzi Vert and Future. He also worked on Ingrid Andress’ debut album, ‘Lady Like.’ which was nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Country Album. In 2021, Ben contributed to 4 Billboard #1 albums as well as 4 projects that were nominated for GRAMMYs. Ben also received his first GRAMMY nomination for Album of the Year based on his contributions to Justin Bieber’s album “Justice” (Triple Chucks Deluxe). During 2022, Ben was blessed to be a part of the GRAMMY-winning Album ‘Heaux Tales’ by Jazmine Sullivan, which brought home both Best R&B Album and Best R&B Performance (“Pick up Your Feelings”). In 2023, Ben recorded and mixed Lil Uzi Vert’s hit single ‘Just Wanna Rock’ which went double platinum and made it to the top of the Billboard Hip-Hop Charts in less than 5 months. Most recently, Ben served as engineer, mixer, and producer on Lil Uzi Vert’s Highly anticipated Billboard 200 #1 album ‘Pink Tape.’ This project was the culmination of Ben’s 3 and a half years of hard dedicated work as Lil Uzi Vert’s main engineer. Through Ben’s work on the Pink Tape, he was listed as the #1 Hard Rock Producer for the week of 07.08.2023 on the ‘Billboard Hard Rock Producer’ Charts.

Currently, Ben works out of After5 Studios. He is also a co-owner of an independent record label & management company nicethingsMUSIC . Ben is also a former Governor on the Philadelphia Chapter of The Recording Academy board and remains an active member. Outside of music, Ben has spent time editing podcasts for iHeart Radio’s 'Art of the Hustle' hosted by Ryan Leslie, as well as audio mixing work for the online TV Series 'Single and Anxious'.