David Claassen

David is an Executive Producer. He is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Atlanta based Gasoline Films. Claassen is also Director, Writer/Publisher Relations for BMI in the Atlanta office and has been with the Performing Rights Organization since joining in April of 2008. In his position, Claassen is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with BMI songwriters and music publishers in Atlanta and throughout the Southeast region. He has helped produce BMI's efforts at SXSW, Lollapalooza, CMJ, ACL Fest, Shaky Knees Fest, Bonnaroo, Florida Music Festival, ACL Fest and more.

Dave has become a tremendous addition to BMI. Along with signing significant writers he has served an important role in such BMI flagship events such as the BMI Hip Hop & R&B Awards, as well as curating and participating in the many showcases, panels and events nationwide. His keen ability to forge national and local partnerships for BMI has resulted in numerous co-branding opportunities, including successful partnerships with the W Atlanta-Downtown and The Loews Hotel Group with their Live from Loews platform.

Prior to joining BMI, Claassen was Managing Director of Astonish Entertainment in Orlando Fl, where he set up the label, co-managed artists, secured endorsement opportunities, secured key media placements and managed licensing for the company's roster of artists. He went on to co-found Gasoline Films, an independent documentary film company based in Atlanta. David serves as a Board Advisor to The Atlanta Music Project and is a Grammy Voter and Advisor. He holds a Master of Arts in Music Business Management from The University of Westminster in London, UK, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from The University of Georgia.