About NOLA MusiCon

Since relocating to the New Orleans area over seven years ago, Melissa O’Brien has produced a range of music-focused events alongside NOLA MusiCon, including NOLA MusicTech, a conference exploring the intersection of music and technology. Prior to that, she spent more than two decades at South by Southwest Conferences & Festivals, ultimately served as Head of the SXSW Music Conference from 2012 to 2017. Melissa is actively involved in media production as the co-owner of Five 24 Productions. She is a professional member of the Recording Academy, and for the past several years, has supported the Folk Alliance International Conference as Programming Coordinator.

Kirk O’Brien is a veteran media and event producer with over three decades of experience capturing the rhythm and spirit of cultural storytelling. As the co-owner of New Orleans-based Five24 Productions, Kirk has spent his career at the intersection of music and media, bringing an artist’s perspective to every project he leads. His extensive portfolio spans the full experiential spectrum—from the strategic development of OTT networks and producing original series showcasing arts and culture, to executing the intense logistics of live music events. The foundation of Kirk’s creative vision is rooted in his life as a musician. He remains sonically active as the owner and operator of “The Shop,” his recording studio in the greater New Orleans area. This dual perspective—as both a producer and artist—gives Kirk a resonant approach to media and event production that is as technically precise as it is authentically inspired.

Dericka Miller is the founder of Dericka Writes, where she specializes in providing top-notch copywriting and marketing strategist services tailored for corporations and creatives. Born and raised in Memphis, TN, Dericka’s life experiences have given her a keen ability to infuse creative storytelling into her marketing strategies. She has assisted over 20 industries, brands, and non-profits in establishing a unique online presence while amplifying awareness of their missions, visions, and causes. Over the past 6 years, she has earned a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses and brands seeking to enhance their brand identity and communication strategies. Dericka’s unique ability to bridge the gap between creativity and industry-specific expertise makes her a valuable asset to any organization seeking to stand out in any competitive landscape.