Universal Music Group's Pause on TikTok

The music industry faces a brewing storm as Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok lock horns over the renewal of a licensing agreement. In a letter detailing concerns, UMG raises issues such as inadequate artist compensation, the impact of AI on royalties, and online safety. The repercussions of UMG pulling its music library are felt by disappointed fans and scrambling artists.

In a letter dated January 30, 2024, Universal Music expressed apprehensions about its expiring licensing agreement with TikTok. The missive pointed out problems like insufficient compensation for artists, the adverse effects of AI on human artists, and a lack of online safety measures.

UMG criticized TikTok for proposing a compensation rate significantly lower than other platforms. The letter also accused TikTok of allowing an influx of AI-generated recordings, affecting the royalty pool for human artists, and raised concerns about content infringement, adjacency issues, hate speech, and harassment.

While artists appreciate TikTok's ability to promote their music, they are also concerned about potential impacts on their careers. TikTok heavily relies on licensed music, particularly from Universal, to engage and retain users.

The impasse puts both Universal and TikTok at risk, with potential consequences for artist promotion and the platform's user experience. Previous deals with other labels, like Warner Music, did not face similar challenges, indicating unique complexities in negotiations between Universal and TikTok.

UMG's TikTok "time out" also impacts publishing clients, affecting artists such as Sophie Ellis Bextor (whose song "Murder on the Dance Floor" went viral on TikTok 22 years after its release, following its feature in the movie "Saltburn"), Harry Styles, Bicep, Rina Sawayama, and Fred Again..., whose hits have disappeared from TikTok.

A resolution is critical for the music industry, as the absence of Universal's vast catalog on TikTok could have long-term damaging effects for all involved, straining relationships with affected labels and stakeholders.

TikTok’s Response

TikTok's influence on global music consumption is indisputable. Songs, like Jain's "Makeba," published long ago, can suddenly become mega-hits. TikTok helped elevate Tate McRae's 'Exes' and 'Greedy' to her first number one song. Many more chart-toppers such as Ice Spice’s “Munch (Feelin’ U)” are attributed to TikTok's viral video trends.

On Tuesday, January 30, 2024, TikTok responded to Universal Music Group's decision with disappointment, accusing the label of prioritizing greed over the interests of artists and songwriters.

TikTok dismissed Universal's narrative as false, emphasizing successful 'artist-first' agreements with all other labels and publishers. The statement suggests that Universal's actions are not aligned with the best interests of artists, songwriters, and fans, highlighting TikTok's role as a powerful, free promotional and discovery tool for talent.

Fan Reactions

Universal Music Group's removal of Taylor Swift's music and songs from other major artists elicited shock and disappointment from fans on TikTok. Some humorously suggested Swift create a "TikTok Version" of her albums.

Musicians like Euan Blackman and Talia Sporkin shared their versions, while influencers joined the trend with comical cover videos. Independent artists seized the opportunity to promote their original work in the absence of UMG's big names on TikTok.

UMG vs TikTok: Can this deadlock be resolved?

Universal Music Group's TikTok withdrawal and its issued "time-out" mark a crucial moment in the music business, raising questions about the future of licensing agreements and the delicate balance between artists, platforms, and industry giants. Can this deadlock be resolved, or will it redefine the landscape of music industry partnerships? The outcome will undoubtedly shape the future dynamics of licensing agreements and collaborations between artists and digital platforms.

Building An Effective Music Release Timeline

A successful music release is an orchestrated event that requires planning.

Read our guide to build an effective release timeline, ensuring maximum impact, visibility, and success for your music.

1 - Outline the Pre-Release Phase

Effective music promotion should start months before your release date. While social media efforts can allow you to gain traction, fans will want to know you’ve got new music on the way.

Pre-releases can help build excitement for your new release, increase discovery, and ultimately offer more fan engagement. Discuss tasks like finalizing your album, creating promotional materials, and setting up a pre-save link. This phase sets the tone for what's to come.

2 - Teasers and Countdowns

Engage your audience by introducing teaser content. Whether it's snippets of songs, behind-the-scenes, or countdowns, build excitement and anticipation leading up to the big day.

Here are some examples:

• Share a short snippet of an upbeat track from your album, creating a mood of excitement and curiosity.

• Show a brief behind-the-scenes video of the recording process.

• Share the official tracklist and brief insights into the inspiration behind each song.

• Share a throwback photo or video related to the making of the album.

3 - Host a Listening Party

Whether it's an intimate in-person gathering or a virtual event on Bandcamp, this strategy offers fans a limited opportunity to savor your entire album before its official release. Consider the following strategic steps:

Choose between an exclusive in-person gathering or an online event. Tailor the format to suit the nature of your music and the preferences of your audience. Encourage attendees to secure their copy, ensuring they are among the first to experience your music. Drive pre-orders directly from the event.

4 - Limited Merchandise Drops

Release exclusive merchandise tied to your new EP/single/album. Limited-edition items can serve as additional incentives for fans to engage and invest in your music.

Here are some examples:

• Limited edition merchandise that combine your music with custom-designed apparel or artwork.

• QR-coded merchandise that unlocks exclusive digital content.

• Exclusive merchandise gain VIP access to e.g. virtual events, behind-the-scenes content, or even a private listening session.

More Strategies to Keep In Mind

• Host live Q&A sessions on social media platforms.

• Engage with your audience and answer questions about your new release. If your release features collaborations with other artists, tease these partnerships on social media or through short video snippets. Surprise your fans with occasional unreleased tracks or exclusive remixes of your new works.

• Consider offering exclusive collectables like hand-signed CDs/vinyl/cassettes.

• Launch social media challenges centered around your music, encouraging users to create and share content.

• Encourage fans to share your new music snippets, create user-generated content, or answer trivia questions related to your upcoming release.

• Identify passionate fans who align with your music. Collaborate with them for exclusive content, giveaways, or sneak peeks.

• Create a collaborative playlist where fans can add songs they believe complement or relate to your new release.

• Encourage fans to create and share artwork inspired by your upcoming release.

** Top Strategy Note**

An email list is a valuable asset for any artist, as it allows you to communicate directly with your fans and followers. Use your email list to share exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and previews of your music.

To build your email list, you need to offer something valuable and relevant to your target audience, such as a free song, a video, or a PDF guide. You can also use social media, your website, or live shows to promote your email opt-in.

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The Rise of Interpolation: Why Pop Music Is Embracing the Past

The charts are currently flooded with dance-pop tracks boldly borrowing from 80s, 90s and 00s classics. Is this a creative fusion of nostalgia and innovation, or does it signal a lack of original ideas in the industry?

1 - Interpolation Overload

The charts are currently flooded with singles employing interpolation - the musical technique of incorporating elements from an existing song, such as lyrics or melodies, into a new composition.

Recent examples include FIFTY FIFTY’s “Barbie Dreams” (feat. Kaliii) which features an interpolation of Janet Jackson’s 1997 classic “Together Again” and Charlie XCX’s "Speed Drive" which contains an interpolation of Toni Basil’s 1981 song"Mickey". 

Interpolation isn’t a new practice but the tipping point came in 2023 when David Guetta and Bebe Rexha released "I'm Good (Blue)" in which they interpolated Eiffel 65's "Blue (Da Ba Dee)," reaching No 1 on the UK charts. 

In a recent interview, Jack Melhuish, former general manager of Parlophone Records UK, highlighted the impact of this particular release. This marked a significant moment in the trend's escalation, prompting more producers and artists to embrace it.

2 - Future Nostalgia

Unlike traditional rap music samples that often faithfully recreate vocal hooks or original song productions, tracks that embrace interpolation, create a musical déjà vu by reusing specific lyrics or melodic phrases from dance classics.

When asked about the trend, Radio 1 DJ Natalie O'Leary pointed out that as certain dance classics were cultural phenomena that shaped scenes of the time, they bridge generations.  We say, it’s a delicate balance between honoring the past and shaping the future.

3 - Interpolation & Catalog Acquisition

The rise in catalog acquisition also helps to explain how we’ve arrived at a moment when the pop charts are littered with chunks of old intellectual property. Nicki’s “Super Freaky Girl” and Yung Gravy’s “Betty” are just two high-profile examples. Latto skillfully incorporated elements from Tom Tom Club's "Genius of Love," a track famously sampled in Mariah Carey's "Fantasy," for her own song "Big Energy." To add an extra layer of excitement, Latto even collaborated with Mariah Carey herself.

In March of 2006, Primary Wave announced its first-ever acquisition: the catalog of Kurt Cobain, for which it shelled out $50 million. Since then, they have acquired the rights to music by Bob Marley, Smokey Robinson, Prince, Stevie Nicks, James Brown, and Whitney Houston. Music publishing companies such as Primary Wave, own the rights to some of the most crucial American popular music ever recorded. Instead of passively collecting royalty income alone, catalog owners and managers are now actively marketing catalogues to new generations.

4 - Gen Z Decoding Musical References

Peering into the current pop charts feels like investigating a complex mystery, each song potentially holding hidden references. The art of crate digging has taken a digital twist, with TikTokers and musicians/producers like LUXXURY highlighting musical interpolations in popular songs by artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, and Ava Max, all of whom have achieved chart success through these creative reinterpretations.

Interpolation in songs has become a focal point of analysis and debate in the music community.

The prevalence of song interpolations has led to a trend where music enthusiasts and self-proclaimed theorists engage in side-by-side comparisons of alleged plagiarism instances.

For example, Lil Nas X's "That's What I Want" subtly references OutKast's "Hey Ya," sparking discussions among copyright lawyers and “TikTok detectives”.

Similarly, Harry Styles' "As It Was" unmistakably echoes a-ha's "Take On Me," prompting fans to create mash-ups and even leading platforms like Genius to label "Take On Me" as a "sample" on "As It Was," despite the lack of official credits in the liner notes. 

5 - The Artist's Perspective

If it was a hit once, it can be a hit again. Collaborations like Rita Ora's "Praising You,"feat. Fatboy Slim reimagine classics. Artists are on a creative spree, melding eras and genres. Artists and producers are seeing what works, and giving the market more of what it wants. 

Much like Hip Hop’s inventive sampling in the 90s, today's interpolations are transformative. The industry isn't running out of ideas; it's reinventing them. 

What Emerging Musicians Can Learn from Katy Perry's $225 Million Music Rights Sale.

Katy Perry's $225 million music rights sale to Litmus Music is a landmark moment in her career and showcases how strategic management of music rights can lead to substantial long-term revenue.

Perry's decision to sell her catalog while her music is still widely popular is a valuable lesson for emerging musicians. Understanding the worth of your musical assets is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Other key takeaways from Perry's deal include the importance of building a strong digital presence, keeping an eye on industry trends, and partnering with established entities.

Perry's journey serves as inspiration for those aspiring to make their mark in the music industry. By following her lead, emerging musicians can position themselves for success and achieve their financial goals.

In this case study, we explore Perry's music rights sale in detail, highlighting the key factors that contributed to its success and the lessons that can be learned by emerging musicians

1 - A Legacy Artist's Calculated Move

Perry is a legacy artist still at the prime of her career, with an extensive catalog of music and hits like "I Kissed a Girl", "Firework" and "Roar”. These songs have become part of the cultural fabric and have an enduring appeal. They continue to be played on radio, featured in commercials, and performed at live events, showcasing their longevity.

*Critical Factor: Know Your Catalog's Value

Perry knew the value of her back catalog and sold her music rights when her songs were still widely popular, maximizing the financial returns from the deal.
Emerging musicians should take this as a lesson in catalog evaluation. Knowing the worth of your musical assets can be pivotal in making informed financial decisions. Remember: Timing is Crucial.

2 - The Spotify Influence 

Perry has 51.4M monthly listeners on Spotify signifies that her music continues to resonate with a wide audience. Her catalog is a goldmine for future streaming royalties. With millions of streaming monthly listeners, investors were willing to pay a premium for the assurance that Perry’s music will continue to generate substantial income.

*Critical Factor: Digital Presence Matters

Music rights are seen as investments and not just about immediate gains; they are securing a steady stream of income for years to come. Emerging artists should develop a strategic plan that includes building a strong presence on streaming platforms. However, always maintain a diversified portfolio and keep on top of other opportunities such as synchronization licensing, merchandising, and live performances beyond streaming revenue.

3 - Keeping an Eye on Industry Trends

Katy Perry Is Now Worth $340 Million—And is One Of The Richest Self-Made Women In America according to Forbes. By selling her music rights for a reported $225 million, the pop star saw her wealth take off like a firework.

Katy Perry's sale comes on the heels of other significant music rights transactions in 2023, such as Dr. Dre and Justin Bieber's deals. 

*Critical Factor:  Be Strategic with & Industry Trends

Emerging musicians should study and stay alert of industry trends. Understanding the broader market dynamics can help them make informed decisions about their music rights, publishing, and royalties. By staying on top of the market, they can make better decisions about significant financial moves to maximize their music’s value.

4 - Partnering for Success

Katy Perry's career is full with examples of how partnering with established entities and brands played a pivotal role in her success - from Americal Idol to Adidas. 

Partnering with well-known and reputable industry players lends credibility to an artist's career. It can signal to fans, peers, and potential business partners that the artist is serious and has the backing of experienced professionals.

*Critical Factor:  Partner with Established Entities

Aligning with reliable partners can contribute to a stable and enduring career. They offer resources, promotional muscle, and industry connections that can help artists reach a global audience. Emerging musicians should consider aligning themselves with reliable partners. However, it's essential to seek partnerships that also allow creative autonomy, ensuring that their unique artistic vision remains intact.

Katy Perry's $225 million music rights sale to Litmus Music is a milestone moment in her career and a testament to her strategic acumen. Her journey serves as inspiration for those aspiring to make their mark in the music industry. In conclusion, Katy Perry's catalog serves as an example of how smart management of music rights can lead to substantial long-term revenue.

5 Ways to Network Better in the Music Business

shesaid.so at ADE 2019

We often read how important networking is for success. This is true in every industry, but especially in the music business. Knowing powerful people will get you where you want to go in your career, but only If you have the talent and ability to back it up.

Networking is more than just meeting and interacting with new people. It’s about building mutually beneficial professional relationships that last.

Here are 5 simple ways to level up your networking game and make meaningful connections.

1 - Attend Industry Events

Networking events, conferences, and music festivals are goldmines for connections. Prioritize the events that align with your goals, and make an effort to meet new people. Engage in conversations, exchange business cards, and always follow up afterward to strengthen your bonds. Remember, a single encounter can lead to life-changing collaborations!

2 - Seek Collaboration Opportunities

Two heads are better than one, right? Team up on projects, and share skills and strategies. Collaboration not only enhances your creativity but also exposes you to diverse perspectives and industry insiders. Let your collective talent shine brighter together!

3 - Nurture Authentic Relationships

In the music business, authenticity is everything. Build genuine relationships within the communities you are a part of. People will immediately tell if all you want is a favor. Be supportive, offer help, and show appreciation for their work. Remember, a strong network is built on trust and mutual respect.

4 - Leverage Online Platforms

Take advantage of online platforms designed for networking in the music industry. Online communities can connect you with potential collaborators. Create a strong profile and regularly update your portfolio to showcase your growth and achievements. Let the world know what you're good at - some people will take notice and come to you.

5 - Give something before asking for something

This networking tip is also the #1 rule in the #shesaidso community: "Give something before asking for something". When it comes to nurturing relationships, you should always focus on providing value first before expecting others to show up or care about you. Some relationships will take years before they yeld anything back, and that's okay.

BONUS TIP: Persistence Pays Off

Networking isn't always an overnight success story. Stay patient and persistent, as building a strong network takes time and effort.

Keep attending events, engaging on social media, and seeking collaboration opportunities. The more you put yourself out there, the closer you get to your breakthrough moment!

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How Ice Spice Rose to Stardom: A Case Study

Ice Spice is a rapper who has quickly risen to fame in the digital age. She has achieved success through a combination of authentic branding, strategic marketing, and virality.

Ice Spice's rise to fame started in 2021 when she recorded herself taking on Erica Banks' Buss It challenge on TikTok. The video quickly became popular, and Ice Spice gained a large following on the platform. She then released her popular single, "Munch," which also gained attention on TikTok.

Ice Spice's success can be attributed to her authenticity and relatability. She doesn't conform to traditional norms but instead embraces her unique identity and personality. This enables her to form deep connections with her audience, who perceive her as a genuine and approachable figure.

Ice Spice's success is a complex phenomenon with many contributing factors. In this case study, we will take a deeper look at five of the most important factors that have helped her achieve stardom:

1. Community Driven Virality

Ice Spice filmed herself doing Erica Banks' Buss It challenge on TikTok, which was a popular trend in early 2021. This helped her gain exposure and connect with potential fans who resonated with the challenge, leading to a boost in visibility and interest in her music.

2. The Power of #Munch

The song was released in August 2022 and gained popularity after getting support from Drake, who played the song on his Sirius XM radio station, Sound 42.
Gen Z'ers, especially on TikTok, played a crucial role in propelling the song's popularity through user-generated content and remixes. The hashtag #munch now has over 2 billion views on the platform.

*Critical Factor: Authenticity & Relatability

Ice Spice didn't conform to conventional norms but instead embraced her unique identity and personality. This allowed her to connect deeply with her audience, who saw her as a genuine and approachable figure.
Authenticity builds trust and loyalty, creating a strong bond between the artist and fans.

3. Celebrity Endorsements & Brand Deals

The rapper quickly got the attention of industry professionals, got signed to 10K Projects and then Capitol Records by January 2023.
Beyoncé chose Spice to be included in the campaign for her latest Ivy Park x Adidas collection. Brand collaborations with Vogue, Marc Jacobs and more followed soon after.

*Critical Factor: Leveraging Endorsements and Collaborations

Ice Spice leveraged lifestyle marketing to enhance her commercial appeal. She strategically partnered with brands that aligned with her persona, making her brand collaborations look very intentional.
Strategic collaborations can open doors to new audiences, helping emerging artists gain recognition and credibility in the industry. 

4. Artist Collaborations

Collaborations with established artists like Nicki Minaj and Pink Pantheress and her participation on the Barbie movie soundtrack extended Ice Spice's reach and solidified her position as a cultural icon.  
Collaborating with artists from different genres, like Taylor Swift, exposed Ice Spice to new audiences and increased her search volume significantly. 

5. The Spice Cabinet

As Ice Spice's fame grew, a dedicated fandom, known as the Spice Cabinet or Munchkins, emerged on social media platforms.
The fans admire her fashion sense, lush flow, and empowering confidence, solidifying her as an inspiration to many.

*Critical Factor:  Building a Strong Online Community

Ice Spice actively engages with her fans, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity. She nurtures a passionate following that eagerly supports and promotes her music.
Engaging with fans and building a loyal community contributes to continued visibility and success.

Ice Spice's swift rise to stardom exemplifies the power of authentic branding and strategic marketing.  From viral TikTok trends to high-profile collaborations, she harnessed the digital age's potential to create a devoted fan base and dominate the music scene.  

The world can't wait to witness the next chapter of her phenomenal success story.

shesaid.so at All Access Fest Virtual

We're excited to be part of All Access Fest Virtual on August 2nd with a virtual booth.

All Access Fest is a worldwide virtual music and live entertainment career fair that will provide unprecedented access to industry professionals, invaluable knowledge, and countless opportunities to accelerate your career journey.

This free music & live entertainment industry career fair inspires the next generation (ages 16-24) to follow their dream career through tools, resources, and hands-on learning from industry professionals panels, workshops, resume reviews, A&R feedback, and more.

Companies involved include Netflix, YouTube, Billboard, TIDAL, EMPIRE, UnitedMasters, among others.

Whether you’re an aspiring musician, agent, roadie, or interested in other aspects of the industry, All Access Fest is your place to get valuable insights and make connections to help you get to the next level. 800+ attendees from 10+ countries and 30+ states in the US are already signed up!

Register for FREE today at bit.ly/MFF_AAF.

DETAILS

Event Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (PT) / 12:00 - 8:00 PM (ET)

Location: Custom virtual platform (Zuddl)

Registration Link: bit.ly/MFF_AAF

MFF Social Handles:

Instagram – @musicforward

LinkedIn – Music Forward Foundation

Living In A Barbie World

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Are you tired of living in a Barbie world? Too bad and sorry, not sorry for adding yet another Barbie commentary to your digital desk. The iconic doll has pervaded our lives to such an extent this year that I couldn’t help myself. I will aim to keep it music related.

The extent: A total of 20 artists are involved in the soundtrack (including Ryan Gosling whose music career runs deep, and yes I’m also counting Mark Ronson). Mattel’s licensing team locked in 100+ deals with brands spanning fashion, gaming, hospitality, food & more 🥵The movie is expected to gross $100M = Warner’s total marketing spend (it does not include Mattel budget).

The why: Inspired by Marvel’s resurrection, Mattel sees opportunity in exponentially reviving Barbie’s IP through franchising beyond the toy aisle. The campaign’s snowballing effect has been so effective that other businesses around the world hopped on the trend to include pink variations of their offerings. Jealous.

The music takeaway: Much can be learned from a marketing & branding angle - check out this IG post or Twitter thread we did for those insights; before you ask, yes we did mention the massive marketing budget most of us don’t have but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to learn there.

What I’ll add is this: music wasn’t an afterthought but a similarly strategic tool that was leveraged in an incredibly smart way. Whilst the Barbie marketing strategy had a nostalgic focus, Mark Ronson and team carefully curated a diverse lineup of (mostly) young talent with a fresh sound.

If you're a legacy artist, there are many opportunities for you to tap into a younger audience with the right type of partnership (think Kate Bush x Stranger Things although you’re not limited to film & tv; in fact, it’s better to think outside the box here and go to places others aren’t thinking of). For younger talent that’s struggling with TikTok, remember that 30+ year-olds have deep pockets (2bn people still use Facebook daily) and parents, in particular, would do anything to invest in their children’s happiness and education. Something to think about.

Andreea Magdalina, Founder at shesaid.so

What Music Can Learn From The 'Barbie' Movie

Image of Billie Eilish from her Instagram account on July 18; behind-the-scenes of her video for her Barbie movie song, “What Was I Made For?”

The 'Barbie' movie premiere and soundtrack teach us a few valuable lessons on the importance of building your brand.

Here are 8 tips inspired by the iconic 'Barbie' universe.

1 - Define Your Brand

Just like the stars at the premiere, let your brand shine through in everything you do. Clearly define your artistic brand, values, and unique selling points. Be authentic and create a visual identity that reflects your music and personality.

2 - Collaborate For Success

The 'Barbie' soundtrack brought together artists from different eras and genres. Collaborations can expand your reach and introduce you to new audiences. Find like-minded musicians and create magic together.

3 - Diversify Your Sound

Barbie's movie soundtrack showcased a variety of musical styles. Experiment with different genres, sounds, and influences to create a unique sonic signature that sets you apart from the crowd

4 - Multidimensional Expression

Barbie represents diverse roles and careers. Expand your horizons and connect with your audience on multiple levels. Explore different avenues for creative expression, e.g. focus on merchandise, fashion and see yourself as a creative entrepreneur.

Margot Robbie and Nicki Minaj at the premiere of "Barbie" held at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on July 9, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Michael Buckner for Variety

5 - Create a Strong Online Presence

Barbie’s marketing strategy left fans in awe. It's also a testament to the popular doll's already strong brand identity, reimagined for today's world. Build a solid online strategy that focuses on social media, streaming platforms, and a mailing list. Focus on 3 channels, build a community of superfans and scale from there

6 - Depth Is More Important Than Scale

Whilst having a big social media presence certainly helps, you don't need a huge profile to be successful. Creating a deep relationship with a few people is better than a large but shallow group of fans. Focus on your early supporters, similarly to how the movie focused on the doll's number 1 audience segment: young aspiring women.

7a - Partner with Established Brands

Just like how Barbie leveraged the power of music artists, strategic partnerships can amplify your brand, expose you to wider audiences and bring in new revenue. Brands are often drawn to artists with distinct identities that align with a new target audience. Research and identify relevant brands, then convince them of the mutual benefits of connecting with your highly engaged community of superfans.

Stewart Cook/Shutterstock

7b - Partner with Established Brands

When it comes to marketing statistics, focus on your strengths.

Remember you don't need a huge social media presence - high engagement matters more.

Utilize your existing network and be very clear in your outreach.

8 - Money Can Buy Success

With that said, it's important to acknowledge that all this incredible hype around the Barbie movie would not have been possible without a hefty investment. Most films don't get the same level of marketing spend because most don't have such a powerful and iconic brand backing them. Remember that next time you compare yourself to someone who might have been lucky enough to have more financial support than you.

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5 Questions to 3 Music Industry Execs: Temima Shames, Nikisha Bailey, and Ranya Khoury

In celebration of Women's History Month, we had the opportunity to speak with three accomplished women in the music business. We asked them five key questions about the industry, their experiences, and their thoughts for the future. Read on to discover their valuable insights and perspectives.

Temima Shames is a rising entertainment executive and entrepreneur with a core focus of innovating around music artists, creators, and influencers through content, brand partnerships, and more. Originally born in Israel and raised in New York, she’s the Founder & CEO of Next Step Talent – a full service management company that specializes in long-term career growth strategy and capitalizing on organic relationships with the individual talent they work with. Temima’s clients span those in comedy, acting, modeling, dance, among others, with an average social following of 10 million across platforms. Songs, records, and projects she’s been a part of have garnered 25 million streams and viral campaigns with more than 1 million recreates. Temima is an advocate for entrepreneurship and aspires to inspire others to take a chance at any age.

Who’s a woman that inspired you growing up?

My cousin always inspired me growing up as she was always spontaneous with traveling and trying new things. We both did gymnastics and always had a love for new experiences. In a family where being spontaneous and adventurous was out of the norm, this is what inspired me to expand my perspectives, think outside the box and fuel my “inner entrepreneur”. 

What would you say are the biggest challenges the music industry is currently facing?

Right now the biggest challenge in the music industry is over saturation and a lack of experimentation, uniqueness. We have seen a shift in focus from albums to singles which means there is a huge loss of development. We are so focused on short term success, that we are losing the storytelling and story building. With this new era of TikTok music, artists are creating songs for virality and less for connection. The music industry needs a reset. It needs something new. A sound that is missing and a shift in focus. TikTok is amazing as it gives opportunities to artists that would never have had a chance before. However, there is a specific sound that the app favors and that limits artists’ creative ability. I’m super excited to see what the next platform will do to level out the playing field. 

What do you see as the future of women in the music industry?

I see women taking their power and making the change to create equality within the music industry. Women are beginning to not take no for an answer and set their boundaries from day 1. We are seeing an increase in the amount of female producers, A&Rs and the amount of men working in marketing or publicity which used to be more female dominated areas of the industry. Women are now playing a role of educating the new generation of men about the inequalities and calling out subconscious behaviors as they occur. Instead of women being the “assistants”, there is an increase in female executives. In order to reach this future, women must educate men instead of creating a divide between each other in business.

Is there a particular project or achievement you’re most proud of?

In short, one of the achievements I am most proud of is the viral moment surrounding Brooklynne Webb’s “My Crown” release as this the first time I saw my entire team ban together to execute an idea. Each person used their different strength and brought it to the table. The execution involved a fully packaged plan with over 6 months of work, but not only that, the whole team pivoted the plan week of to react to what was happening in the comments. It was a game time decision with all hands on deck. The result of this was over 20M+ views and streams across platforms and a moment that showed how important building a strong team is. I’m also super proud of our relationship and talent growth on YouTube. Starting from nearly 0, we now have 3 clients over 1M subs and 5 more about to hit that markWe’ve truly expanded our company relationships across platforms. 

What advice would you give to other women looking to break into the music industry?

Use others' comments,, especially he “I usually think young women don’t have their sh*t together, but you do” one, as your motivation to push through. You only need a few people to believe in you. Be the disruptor and make that change.

Connect with Temima

Instagram –

@temimashames

@nextsteptalent

LinkedIn

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Nikisha Bailey is a community-driven entrepreneur, entertainment executive, and philanthropist with a lifelong commitment to music. Professionally, the St. Louis native is General Manager of the Nvak Collective – a next generation record label & artist advocacy collective that embraces web3 to drive change for creators and intellectual property. The two-time Billboard R&B / Hip-Hop Power Player provides creative perspective to the company’s facilitation of A&R, marketing, and label operations across their diverse artist roster. Extending her influence throughout music and culture, she also serves as Vice President for The Recording Academy’s New York Chapter and an Ambassador for the Academy’s Black Music Collective (BMC). On the entrepreneurship front, Nikisha owns and operates Philadelphia's Win Win Coffee Bar – handpicked by Goldman Sachs as a featured vendor at its 10KSB National Summit and adding Nikisha to Forbes’ Next 1000. Prior to the Nvak Collective, Nikisha was the VP / Head of A&R Admin at APG (Artist Partner Group) including additional stints at Atlantic Records and Def Jam Recordings working with acclaimed producers, studios, artists, and more. She now resides in New York and pushes herself to learn, grow, and pay it forward.

Who’s a woman that inspired you growing up?

My mom has always been and continues to be one of my biggest inspirations. As a black woman growing up in Missouri in the 60’s during Jim Crow, I can’t even imagine what she had to go through. She always had such a positive outlook on life and has instilled in me that no matter what your current circumstances in life, through hard work and consistency, anything is possible 

What tangible way(s) can women better support + celebrate each other in the music business?

We can have more open, transparent, REAL conversations. The music industry can be an extremely sugar coated industry where we tend to paint the best picture possible and have the all that glitters in gold mindset. The reality is, that this is far from what it is. Women are consistently undervalued, underpaid and expected to be happy with whatever circumstances are presented to them. When we can start having more REAL conversations as to what we all have experienced, I think that can only strengthen the common bond that we all have for the most part. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in music? I’ve also loved music.

I’m a former musician myself. In college I had to decide whether or not to be a jazz performance major or audio engineer major and I went with audio engineer! The jazz students were a little too intense for me lol. From there I had a professor that told me in order to really make it in the music industry, I had to either be in NY or LA. My professor was able to help me sort out an internship at Sony Studios that was 6 months out, so for those 6 months I worked 3 jobs and saved up $5,000 and left to pursue my dream in the big city with nothing but two suitcases!

Is there a particular project or achievement you’re most proud of?

My biggest achievement in my career was when I started as intern in a new city, a new industry and now work myself up to a GM position. I’ve also been able to establish such a solid network of industry friends and colleagues that are not only there for me in my professional life, but have been able to be such immense resources to me in my journey as a coffee roaster and distributor through my business, Win Win Coffee. 

What advice would you give to other women looking to break into the music industry?

Bet on yourself! Hone in your superpowers and what makes you innately you…and EMBRACE it! What is the one thing that you can do, that nobody does better? It’s the differences that you have experienced in life that bring value to the table. Own that part of who you are all throughout your journey.

Connect with Nikisha:

Instagram – @nikideebee

LinkedIn

Ranya Khoury is a rising executive in the music business with a track record for setting trends and being a first-mover throughout several entrepreneurial endeavors. Today, as the first U.S. hire for global dance label Spinnin’ Records, she is the stateside Streaming Director where she has worked tracks for Alok, Timmy Trumpet, The Chainsmokers, Joel Corry and many more. Prior to Spinnin’, her career has been rooted in digital commerce with previously managing Los Angeles-based DJ Kooze, creating new revenue models for Hits Daily Double as Digital Accounts Manager, and being a part of Universal Music Group’s streaming marketing team.

Who’s a woman that inspired you growing up?

I’ve had so many. I was lucky enough to grow up with a mom who was a complete powerhouse, so I’ve always had the impression that success as women, in whatever field, was possible. Hilary Duff was and still remains a big one for me. Rihanna, for obvious reasons. The list really does go on and on.  

What do you see as the future of women in the music industry?

As we begin to bring more women in leadership roles, our perception of what’s possible will begin to shift into a much more empowered place. Doorways will open for rising industry leaders. Role models will help inspire those looking to pursue a career in music. Companies will become more inclusive from the start. There’s still a long way to go, but we’re moving in the right direction. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

It initially was ignited through my unwavering passion for the music itself, but it wasn’t until my second year of college that I committed to pursuing a career in music. Once I learned that business and creativity coexisted in the space, I began immersing myself in the industry, where I realized how strong my passion for music really was. 

What advice would you give to other women looking to break into the music industry?

Give yourself permission to show up authentically. Don’t try to be one of the boys. Know your worth early on. Speak up. And always lead with passion and curiosity. 

How do you balance personal and professional life as a woman in the music industry?

It’s hard. it’s a practice that I’ll probably always work on deepening. Naturally, my personal and professional life tend to overlap. You meet so many like minded people in the industry, that they quickly become a part of your personal life. Your time spent in professional settings molds into what is typically thought of as personal time (there is no 9-5 in the industry). So, it becomes an act of prioritizing and enhancing any personal time you do get. Sometimes it's carving out time in solitude. Other times, it’s dining out with friends, most likely at Sugarfish or Found Oyster. Whatever and whenever it is, I make sure it's time well spent on things that renew and reground me. 

Connect with Ranya

 Instagram – @ranyakhoury

LinkedIn

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Member Spotlight #36: Erika Montes

Erika Montes — VP, Artist Relations at Soundcloud

Erika Montes is the VP of Artist Relations at Soundcloud, where she is in charge of building and maintaining SoundCloud’s relationships with artists, managers, producers, and agents. We spoke with Erika about her experience working with artists like Rihanna, how she pivoted from working at record labels to working in music tech, and why budding executives should fight for their fair share.

Erika Montes

shesaid.so: Tell us a little more about yourself, and your music career journey to date.

Erika: I have now been in this industry for over 20 years — 22 to be exact! I started out as an assistant at a latin label back in 1999. Then in 2001, I went over to Def Jam to do Video Promotions and I was there for close to 10 years. It was the best boot camp I could ask for! That place taught me almost everything I know (the good, the bad, and the ugly) and also gave me some of the most memorable moments of my life. Maybe one day I’ll write a book. From there I went over to Fuse, a music TV channel, and then over to LoveLive, a Creative Agency, where I got to dip my toe into the agency world. While I was at LoveLive, I got a call from a recruiter at Soundcloud to work with someone who I had met during my Def Jam days and I could not pass up the opportunity. I had been wondering whether I wanted to continue in music and thought, well I haven’t ventured into tech so I at least have to try it. Coming to Soundcloud reignited my love for music and the best part is that I get to work with ALL kinds of music. On the daily I have a team where we listen to every single genre imaginable and get a first hand look at what is bubbling under on the platform that will dictate who we will be listening to a year from now.

shesaid.so: What do you consider some of your greatest career achievements, and why?

Erika: There are so many to mention because the experiences keep getting better. I’ve had the honor of working with some of the biggest names at the beginning of their careers like Rihanna, Fall Out Boy, and Kanye West. To watch them become as huge as they have and know that I played a tiny part in that is a feeling I can not describe. Recently though, I’m really proud of the team I’ve built at Soundcloud and coming into my own as a manager. Encouraging and passing on the knowledge that I’ve learned to the next group of music executives is key to making this a more inclusive and empathetic industry.

shesaid.so: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and how have they shaped you and your career?

Erika: You name them, I’ve faced them. Being told that I would be submitted for certain power lists and not others because I’m Latina, and not because of the work that I’ve contributed to a particular type of music. Being marginalized in that way is very difficult. Knowing that you’re not being paid enough for the jobs and positions you’re being promoted to. I am very vocal and will make sure to stand my ground and ask for what is right and what I know I deserve, but I know that is not the way we are conditioned. My mom taught me to be vocal but at the same time not ruffle too many feathers. As I grew more, I started to see the major discrepancies in salaries between men and women and then men and women of color, and I quickly realized that everything is negotiable and first offers are just a starting point in negotiations. And not just for myself, but making sure that I’m sharing that with my friends, my colleagues, and making sure that my team members get what they deserve.

shesaid.so: Who in the music industry are you inspired by, and why?

Erika: I find inspiration from the incredible friends that I have been lucky enough to build friendships with in my career journey. There’s nothing better than finding a community where you push each other to be better, to want better, and to pass that on to the next generation.

shesaid.so: What do you hope to see more of in the music industry in regards to latinx/hispanic representation?

Erika: I want to see more places where we get to celebrate each other and our wins. Some great friends of mine, who are part of the group that inspires me, started the Asian American Collective, and they’re always encouraging me to start the LatinX version and I think about it daily especially right now as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. That will be my goal and future contribution. Putting it in writing!

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Become a member or find out how to support shesaid.so here.

Member Spotlight #37: Maria Gironas

Senior Media Partnerships Manager, Creators and Artists at Reddit

Maria Gironas

For Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting inspiring latinx and hispanic people making waves in the music industry. Maria Gironas is a Senior Media Partnerships Manager for Creators and Artists at Reddit, where she works with creators to onboard them onto the Reddit platform. Maria spoke with shesaid.so about her past life as a touring musician, her experience living with anxiety and depression, and her vision for latinx representation in the music industry.

shesaid.so: Can you tell us a little more about yourself, and your music career journey to date?

Maria: I started my career as an artist signed to a small label, and it changed my life. I got to play shows, tour, produce, and learn the nitty gritty on what it meant to be an artist. The crazy thing was, I was 11 when that all started. I was a kid being told what to wear, to write about honest feelings, to balance school and social life, and couple that with both the weight and honor it is to be a child of two Bolivian immigrants. It was a lot. I fell out of love with the idea of a musician, and fell in love with the idea that I could work with artists and creators to protect and honor their visions. My career since has been about two things: 1. Empowering creators and artists through embracing technology and data and 2. Elevating marginalized communities through all the work I do. Those north stars have brought me to companies like Reybee as a publicist, Fender in social media, YouTube in artist and creator development, Q&A/Human Resources on platform partnerships, Wide Eyed Entertainment in marketing, Downtown Records in DSP strategy, and now, Reddit heading up talent partnership efforts.

shesaid.so: What do you consider some of your greatest career achievements, and why?

Maria: Honestly, in my wildest dreams, I would have never thought to be in the place I am in my career. This might sound silly to someone reading this, but I am in a constant state of gratitude for my life, and I think I’d be lying if I wrote out what my greatest career achievement was, because just living right now, in the moment, feels like the biggest win of all. Young, little Maria would think this current Maria was pretty awesome.

shesaid.so: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and how have they shaped you and your career?

Maria: I’ve had a winding mental health journey my whole life. Through therapy, medication, and support from my friends and family, I’ve been able to manage my anxiety and depression. I’m grateful to say I’ve had some incredible bosses who were very open to letting me share my struggles and allowing the space to take a step back when I needed to. But, there were many, MANY, moments where I just didn’t take care of myself and it manifested into panic attacks, obsession, intrusive thoughts, and distancing myself from the people that cared about me. I think because I went through all of this, I can see when others might need space to feel heard and seen. Sometimes, gentle conversations on mental health could be allowing the space and time to properly ask, “how are you doing?” Within the Latino community, there is an unfortunate stigma surrounding mental health that is slowly being corrected, but still has a long way to go. All we can do sometimes is create space and give space, and I have known those simple actions to change the course of my life and career.

shesaid.so: Who in the music industry are you inspired by, and why?

Maria: My parents, Carla and Ramiro Gironas, are the people that inspire me the most in all aspects of my life, hands down. Within the music industry, I am the luckiest human on earth to admit that I have been truly blessed to have friends and mentors like Jenna LoMonaco, Rachel Stoewer Poston, Beka Tischker, Irene Richter, Jessica Rivera, Brooke Rascoff, Julie Nguyen, Sam Juneman, Rebeca Leon, Chelsea Dankner, Jordan Federman, Vatana Shaw, Erika Montes, Danielle Jimenez, Doris Munoz, Ana Maldonado, Ranya Khoury, Daniela Sala, Livia Piomelli, Tayla Ridley, Emily Garibaldi, Madilyn Bailey, Evange Livanos, Brynn Elliott, Kristin Gregory, Jensen McRae, Grace Adeyemo, Noreen Prunier, Kat MacLean-Daley, Ritz McCain, Blair Miller, Jordana Golub, Jamie Hart, Caroline Trujillo, Tenille Arts, Michele Stephens, Satasha Torres, Jillian Newman, Julie Gurovitsch, Brittany Crawford, Phylicia Fant, Erin Hanson, Lauren McKinney, Nicole Barsalona, Grace Segundo, Cecille Crisostomo, Sara Dempsey, Jackie Yaegar, Grace Roslovic, Shaun Alexander, Evangeline Elder, Whitney-Gayle, Benta, Niki Pittelli, Chelsi Zollner, Cecilia Winter, Julie Ciccarelli, Melanie McClain, and so so so many more. Remember these names!

shesaid.so: What do you hope to see more of in the music industry in regards to latinx/hispanic representation?

Maria: I want to see our community represented in all genres of music on all sides of the business. Latinx and love metal? Manage a metal band. Latinx and love pop music? Start a pop label. Latinx and love pop punk music? Start a pop punk band. Let’s spread our culture far and wide!

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Become a member or find out how to support shesaid.so here.

Meet the Alternative Power 100 Music List 2021 Ambassadors

We celebrate the New Creative Economy with this year’s #AltList

To say we’re excited about this year’s Alternative Power 100 Music List is an understatement.

We have just come from our brilliant #AltList2021 launch and networking event in Amsterdam with our partners Patreon and we’re eager to share more with you.

This year, the #AltList 2021 is celebrating The New Creative Economy and the new era it is ushering in for the music industry.

The pandemic forced a reckoning of what it means to operate in a system that isn’t sustainable for the music industry’s independent creators, thinkers & entrepreneurs. Alongside our partners at Patreon, we will honor those whose alternative paths lead to a better world for everyone.

From architecting new ways of owning work to community-supported funding, the music industry is building a new creative economy where the independent community can fully thrive.

And we can’t wait to celebrate those at the forefront of this new era.

So get ready to meet our extraordinary ambassadors this year…

MEET THE AMBASSADORS

To help bring our vision to life, this year we are also introducing special awards and ten brand new categories covering industry areas such as Artists, Community, Record Labels and more.

Here are the ambassadors championing this year’s #AltList.

Artists and DJ’s

NJ Ndure — Relationships Manager for North America Catalyst Brand Management, Nike

Based in Los Angeles, during her nearly six years with Nike, NJ has built an impressive project portfolio working with today’s leading talent such as Megan Thee Stallion, IDK and Chika. She has worked on countless cultural moments throughout her career including Air Max Day, All Star Weekend, Super Bowl, and Grammys.

Aly Gilla — Bandcamp

Aly Gillani is the co-founder of First Word Records — an independent UK label focusing on the intersections between Hip Hop, Jazz and Soul. He’s also the UK and Europe label rep for Bandcamp.

NJ Ndure and Aly Gilla

Music and Sound Creators

Aubrey Whitfield — Producer and Songwriter

Aubrey Whitfield is a London based Music Producer and Songwriter who has worked with an array of talent from Kelly Clarkson, Simon Webbe (Blue), Little Mix, J-Fla, Charlotte Kelly (Soul II Soul) and George Shelley, to writing and producing songs for Universal and BMG.

Maria Egan — Chief Music Officer, Splice

At Splice, Maria oversees creative partnerships and music strategy globally, plus is Chair of the DEI Council. Previously she served as President and Head of Creative at Pulse Music Group for seven years. Egan signed and developed writers delivering multiple #1 hits ranging from the record breaking Latin smash ‘Despacito feat Justin Bieber’ (Marty James) to ‘Adore You’ by Harry Styles (Tyler Johnson).

Maria Egan and Aubrey Whitfield (L-R)

Community and Activism

NIKS — Black Artist Database

London based DJ, facilitator, educator and consultant NIKS co-created the database and editorial platform Black Artist Database (B.A.D) with a group of five friends in early June 2020. Now a full-fledged website, B.A.D houses over 3,500 artists, producers, labels, bands and counting.

NIKS

Steven Braines

Steven Braines — CEO, The Weird & The Wonderful & HE.SHE.THEY.

He.She.They. is an international event series/record label/fashion house which aims to create “places without prejudice for people to be people” bringing intersectional audiences and artists together to diversify dance floors and make spaces more inclusive and welcoming to a wider range of people in brave spaces from London, New York and Berlin through to Ibiza, Amsterdam and Mumbai and countless others in between.

Record Label

Andreea Gleeson — CEO, Tunecore

Since joining Tunecore in 2015 Andreea has made significant contributions to the company’s growth, after years as an eCommerce pioneer in the retail industry. Andreea also rose as a fierce advocate for female-identifying creators, commissioning the MIDiA Research study BE THE CHANGE: Women Making Music 2021.

Julia Killer — Head of Music Label Partnerships EMEA, Facebook

Julia Killer joined Facebook as Head of Music Label Partnerships EMEA in 2019 and her team works with record labels on music product opportunities across Facebook and Instagram. Before Facebook, Julia was Director of Artist and Label Services at Soundcloud, managing the international label and artist services team , headed up the Label Relations team at 7digital and started her career in Music Publishing at Kobalt, where she joined in 2006. Julia is also a proud Alt List 2020 Honoree.

(L-R Andreea Gleeson, Julia Killer)

Artist Management

Jameson Thomas — IAMJT

Jameson Thomas is the co-founder of IAMJT, a Los Angeles-based creative agency and management company whose clients have included Off White, Boiler Room, Theophilus London, Seb Wildblood, Biako aka Itai Shapira, and more. He also serves as Artist Relations Board Member at shesaid.so and is a partner at The Foundation, a new management venture with a roster ranging from The Martinez Brothers and Joseph Capriati to Vince Staples, Madeintyo, and Yuna.

Sophia Kearney — CEO, The Weird & The Wonderful & HE.SHE.THEY.

Sophia’s career started at WME Entertainment, after which she moved to ATM artists. Then Sophia and Steven Braines founded “The Weird & The Wonderful”, who manage an eclectic roster of artists such as Maya Jane Coles, Robert Owens, Louisahhh, Emily Nash, SYREETA & Wax Wings. Steven and Sophia launched an event series and fashion house HE.SHE.THEY.

Josh Andriano — Indie Pop

Josh co-founded the artist management company Indie-Pop and has helped to develop hit songs, platinum albums, and the careers of music producers, songwriters, DJ’s, and artists, including Kyle, Yuna, The Martinez Brothers, Joseph Capriati, Carnage, Yellow Claw, Boombox Cartel, MadeinTYO, KSHMR and more. In 2020 he co-founded the label alternative Independent, a boutique and curated full service music distribution company.

(L-R) Jameson Thomas, Sophia Kearney, Josh Andriano)

Events

Ali Harnell — President & Chief Strategy Officer, Live Nation Women

At Live Nation, Ali Harnell spearheads women’s initiatives and women-led programming, for example Oprah’s “2020 Vision” Tour. Prior to Live Nation, Harnell spent 15 years as SVP at AEG Presents, overseeing national tours and more.

Stephanie LaFera — Global Head of Electronic Music, WME

Stephanie leads an international team of agents focused on the genre whose roster includes top electronic music acts, including Kygo, Steve Aoki, TOKiMONSTA, Martin Garrix, Marshmello, Eric Prydz, and Peggy Gou.

Terry Weerasinghe — COO, Boiler Room

Terry is COO at online broadcaster and live events company Boiler Room. He spent seven years at Beatport, and previously spent over five years as the Head of Native Instruments’ Traktor brand, which he grew from a small side business to be the companies major revenue generator.

(Clockwise from top) Ali Harnell, Terry Weerasinghe, Stephanie LaFera)

Creative

Ibrahim Kamara — Digital Entrepreneur and Co-Founder, GUAP

Ibrahim is a 27-year-old digital entrepreneur and co-founder of GUAP, which has grown from the world’s first video magazine to becoming a multi-platform youth media brand, covering all aspects of creativity and culture.

Teresa Aramburu — Global culture marketing activations, Adidas

Over her career so far, Teresa has successfully spearheaded the artist relations, entertainment marketing and partnership departments for companies such as Marshall Headphones and Speakers, Urbanears and FL Studio. Over the years, she has carved out numerous high-profile collaborations with artists and partners including Little Simz, Cuco, Iggy Pop, Tove Lo, Alan Walker, Deb Never, Vagabon, TM88, Amsterdam Dance Event, Afropunk, ComplexCon, Razer, Red Bull and Beatclub, to name a few.

Teresa Aramburu and Ibrahim Kamara (L-R)

Business and Technology

Maria Gironas — Senior Media Partnerships Manager, Creators, Reddit

Maria is a creator and artist development professional, having been a signed artist herself to cultivating publicity or social media campaigns for artists and brands including Fender and Noah Gundersen. Previously, she was Strategic Partner Manager on the Artist Development team at Youtube.

Suzy Ryoo — Co-Founder & President, Q&A

Suzy Ryoo is the Co-Founder & President of Q&A, a music tech startup on a mission to empower the independent future of the music industry. Q&A recently launched software & services platform Venice as a community built to level up independent artists & entrepreneurs including Erick the Architect, Thuy & Kota the Friend.

Suzy Ryoo and Maria Gironas (L-R)

Marketing, Comms & PR

Yasmine Summan — Journalist & Social Media Consultant

Yasmine is a non-binary, South Asian, multi-media music journalist and social media mogul, interviewing your favourite bands by day and going viral on Tik Tok by night.

Whitney Wei — Editor-in-Chief, Resident Advisor

Foremost a journalist and critic, Whitney writes about club culture and experimental dance music scenes from around the world. Her words have appeared in The Guardian, Vogue US, Pitchfork, Mixmag, FACT, Highsnobiety, and Numéro Berlin, among others.

Yasmine Summan and Whitney Wei (L-R)

Sync and Publishing

Shauni Caballero — Founder, The Go 2 Agency & G293 Publishing

Shauni Caballero is a former Universal Music and PRS for Music Exec, founded The Go 2 Agency a Music Publishing and Consultancy company to help artists, writers and producers make money from their music.

Shauni Caballero

. . .

The Alternative Power 100 Music List launched in 2017 as a response to Billboard’s Power 100 List with the aim to challenge conventional music industry standards. Over the past four years the #AltList has evolved into a sought-after distinction by many executives, artists and other creators in the music industry, focusing on traditionally underrepresented communities. The #AltList is open to all genders.

Find out more and get ready to nominate here.