Dee Carreon is an Industry & Engagement Strategist and a member of the Board of Directors for Folk Alliance International. We sat down with Dee live at the Folk Alliance Music Conference in New Orleans to talk about the real engine behind the music industry — operations, strategy, and artist rights. With a background spanning nonprofit leadership, higher education, consulting, and festival management, Dee breaks down why music may feel creative, but it’s built on business. From forecasting and logistics to launching artists the right way, she explains why understanding the structure behind the art is essential for longevity.

We also dive into the biggest challenges facing artists today — ownership, accessibility, publishing complexity, and the fast-moving impact of AI on creative rights. Dee shares why protecting artists is more complicated than ever, why the U.S. system makes it difficult to navigate, and how community spaces like Folk Alliance help keep the industry human. This conversation is about protecting creativity, strengthening community, and remembering that music isn’t just entertainment — it’s the connective tissue that brings us back to each other.

Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home. 

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