ALEXIA HELFAND, Co-founder

Alexia has worked in the entertainment industry, since she started working. As a student at New York University, she was a producing and business major. She interned at such places as Fox News Channel, Tribeca Productions (Robert DeNiro) and Creative Film Management (commercial production). She also produced the thesis films of several Tisch film students with budgets ranging from $10,000 to $150,000.

After graduating in 1998, she continued her film career. First working at Miramax films, and then freelancing on such films as The Family Man and Someone Like You with Executive Producer Lynda Obst (now a mentor of sorts). After joining Local 161, she worked as the Assistant Production Coordinator on the television show Big Apple. She decided to move away from her hometown of New York City, to the more relaxed environment of Austin, Texas. In Austin, she worked as the Post Production Coordinator on Spy Kids 2 and Once Upon A Time In Mexico with Elizabeth Avellan and Robert Rodriguez.

"Alexia is the hardest working woman in the independent music business!! You are a true soldier of the independent movement and we see your passion for music, and we're proud to be affiliated with Music Gorilla, partially because you're associated with it. Keep up the good work!!" –Darvio Morrow, Untouchable Clique C.E.O.

LAWRENCE ERLICHMAN, Co-founder

Lawrence is what one would call a self made man. He has been an entrepreneur his entire life. He started working for his father in manufacturing and soon left to start his own business: a stationary store in Nyack, New York.

Eventually he sold his store and left New York, to move to the warmer climate of Florida where he worked as a consultant to other entrepreneurs. He helped people get businesses started by giving them ideas, contacts, financing etc. As an investor of sorts, he then learned the complicated and difficult business of day trading. In Austin, TX he earned a living as a day trader for many years.

Lawrence’s interest in music began when he was in his teens when he developed an insatiable appetite for all different kinds of music. He realized that his forte was in business, and in developing Music Gorilla; he created a venture that would allow him to do what he was good at, incorporate his passion for music, and help get exposure for talented bands.

BETH MITCHELL, Co-founder

Beth Mitchell has made a career of being an advocate for people who need a voice. Growing up in Miami, she was always surrounded by music and developed an appreciation for all different types of music at an early age. Her career path led elsewhere, but music remained an important part of her life.

After graduating from The University of Miami, in 1991, with a law degree she started working for an advocacy group for the mentally ill, first in Miami, and then in Texas. Beth moved to Austin, Texas in 1993 and continued her work in law. She has advocated for important changes in the legislature and is well respected in her field.

When Lawrence Erlichman presented her with the idea for Music Gorilla, she was excited to be a part of it. It gave her an outlet for her music passion. She wanted to be involved in Music Gorilla, not as a lawyer, but as an advocate for musicians. She knew many people trying to break into the music industry, and wanted to help them in any way she could. Music Gorilla was the best way to do that.

FRED BLACK, Chief Technology Officer

Fred Black graduated from Elon College in Elon College, NC in 1985 with a degree in Computer Science. As both a musician and a programmer, Fred brings a vast knowledge and understanding in both the technical and artistic aspects of Music Gorilla. He specializes in audio streaming infrastructure and has worked for the following Corporations:

• 3M (formally Guardianet Systems Inc.) in Greensboro, NC as a senior software engineer responsible for web server infrastructure, network analysis and created software tools to analyze internet traffic efficiency from customer locations back to the Guardianet web servers. The primary product, now called PAMS is an Internet content filtering and access management application.

• Renaissance Worldwide as a Senior Consultant in their Network Solutions Consulting Practice.

• Datanet Services, Inc (DSi) as Network Engineer Manager.

• Landmark Community Interests as the Directory of Technology.

• NetworkMCI Digital Imaging as Manager of Internal Systems and Support.

• Image Technology as Technical Support Manager.

And the hundreds of artists and industry Reps who

make our jobs worthwhile!