The School of Music is delighted to announce the appointment of David Sweeten, widely known as DJ Burn One, as the newest Visiting Professor of Practice in the Music Industry area. With a remarkable career spanning over two decades, DJ Burn One brings an unparalleled wealth of experience and expertise to our institution, enriching the educational landscape for aspiring musicians.
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, DJ Burn One has etched his name as one of the most influential and innovative musicians in the contemporary Southern music scene. Renowned for producing hip-hop tracks that are both ground-shaking and soulfully funky, Burn One’s journey began when he started releasing mixtapes as a high school student. This early endeavor set the stage for his legendary status as the DJ who educated Gucci Mane on the pivotal role of mixtapes, effectively serving as the de facto executive producer for Gucci Mane’s iconic project “Chicken Talk.”
During the dynamic era of music blogging, DJ Burn One made significant contributions as a DJ and tastemaker, playing a pivotal role in catapulting artists like Freddie Gibbs, Yelawolf and Pill into the spotlight. His focus eventually shifted towards production, leading to the creation of the celebrated beat for “Houston Old Head,” a standout track on A$AP Rocky’s critically acclaimed album “Long.Live.A$AP.” Burn One’s production portfolio encompasses a diverse range of talents, from underground luminaries such as Starlito and Young Dro to platinum-selling superstars like Lil Durk, Nicki Minaj, Don Toliver and Rich the Kid.
A true innovator, DJ Burn One stands out as one of the pioneers in crafting original samples for fellow producers, a trend that has left an indelible mark on the industry. Burn One’s Five Points Bakery has become synonymous with high-quality production, with credits spanning from Jidenna to Young M.A. Beyond his compositional work, Burn One’s skills extend to engineering for David Banner and mastering for both independent and major artists, showcasing his versatility and dedication.
Moreover, DJ Burn One’s discerning ear for talent shines through, demonstrated by his instrumental role in the discovery and development of Pi’erre Bourne, a journey that transformed Bourne from an SAE student to one of the most influential hip-hop producers in recent years. Notably, Burn One’s contributions extend beyond music, encompassing sound design for Academy Award-winning films like “1917” and notable movie trailers, including “Justice League.”
In addition to his impressive accomplishments, DJ Burn One plays a vital role in academia, providing curriculum for the University of Illinois School of Music’s “Music Monetization 499” course. This unique blend of real-world experience and educational engagement makes him an ideal addition to Georgia State University’s School of Music, where he will continue to inspire and guide the next generation of musical talents.
“We are thrilled to see our faculty expand to support the growth in this thriving program,” says School of Music director Dr. Chester Phillips. “With his status as a world-class producer and his integral role within the vibrant Atlanta music scene, DJ Burn One brings unparalleled expertise that is set to propel our music production program to new heights,” adds Music Production & Audio Recording professor, Ben Yonas.
Al Thrash, Music Management Professor, also expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “I am beyond thrilled to have DJ Burn One join our music industry faculty this upcoming year. He brings a wealth of knowledge from creating and recording records to managing and developing artists. He is entrenched in Atlanta culture and has a genuine passion for teaching and helping creatives navigate the music industry.”
DJ Burn One describes his signature sound as “retro-future,” embodying a fusion of classic and contemporary elements that resonate across generations. With this appointment, Georgia State University’s School of Music gains an exceptional mentor, educator and influencer who embodies the very spirit of innovation that drives the music industry forward.