Greg McDonald

As the Director of Artist Services & Innovation , I am responsible for bridging the gap between artist empowerment and cutting-edge innovation for Songfinch and its extensive artist roster(2000+ Artist). Strategies include:

· Tech integration: By implementing cutting-edge tools and platforms that facilitate collaboration between artists and technology such as AI-driven music composition tools, virtual reality environments for immersive storytelling,

· Listener Preferences Analysis: Analyzing listener data to identify patterns in music consumption, such as preferred genres, themes, or mood so that artists can tailor their compositions to better resonate with their target audience.

· Trend Identification: Through data mining and trend analysis, Songfinch can pinpoint emerging trends in music and storytelling that can include popular themes, styles, or instrumentation that artists can incorporate into their work to stay relevant and capture audience attention.

· Creative Direction Recommendations: Based on data insights, Songfinch can offer personalized recommendations to artists on potential creative directions for their compositions. My teams work closely with Senior Artist Managers to develop personalized support plans for each artist in their portfolio.

· Performance Tracking: Using metrics such as engagement levels, listener feedback, and sales data so artist can refine their approach and optimize their content for maximum impact.

· Investment in R&D: Allocate resources towards research and development to continuously innovate and stay ahead of the curve. Experiment with new technologies, explore unconventional business models, and iterate based on feedback from artists and customers.

• Artist Services: Leading a team of Senior Artist Managers, fostering a collaborative environment that nurtures artist success.

• Shaping the long-term vision, goals, and strategy for the Artist Community by building and maintaining strong relationships with the artist roster, delivering personalized support and growth opportunities

• Identify Target Partners: Identify potential partners that can help expand artist exposure and generate new revenue streams. This includes music streaming platforms, social media networks, brands, agencies, and event organizers.
• Focused on building out the artist management department by creating operational structures, standards and creative problem-solving -Managing and maintaining the artist resource center, equipping Songfinch music creators with the tools needed to produce exceptional songs.
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the organization. Encourage experimentation, creativity, and collaboration across teams to identify new opportunities for product innovation and optimization. Monitor key performance metrics closely, solicit feedback from customers and stakeholders, and iterate based on insights and learnings to drive ongoing improvements in CAC
• Community Building and Networking: Foster a strong sense of community among Songfinch artists by facilitating networking events, online forums, and mentorship programs. Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing to fuel creativity and innovation.
• Value Proposition Clarity: Clearly communicate the unique value proposition of Songfinch's products and services to potential customers. Highlight the benefits and outcomes they can expect from using Songfinch, such as the emotional impact of custom songs or the convenience of booking artist services online.
• Lead the artist innovation team to help push along AI-powered song-creation tools while keeping artists actively involved in the process

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• At Fun House Entertainment, I serve as a Partner, Art Director, and Events Management and Consultant
• Our creative marketing consulting and events management company specializes in helping brands connect with their audience through social engagement, creative experiences, and relevant events and entertainment
• My responsibilities include: -Facilitating targeted marketing campaigns using digital ad placement and funneling across social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), email, and event listing sites
• Curating social media content calendars with relevant branding and voice for multiple clients
• Providing graphic design services for ad placement, web design, event posters, client materials, and album artwork
• Crafting publicity materials such as press releases, one sheets, and media alerts for events, entertainment, and product launches
• Conducting press and media outreach with radio (Non-Com & AAA), blogs, news publications, and social media influencers
• Identifying sponsorship and cross-promotional opportunities for Fun House and client brand partnerships
• Talent buying across various genres for specific events, activations, and venues
• Advancing shows through email communication, including handling contracts and invoices
• At Fun House Entertainment, my ultimate goal is to create a strong sense of community and identity that uplifts artists, creatives, and brands
• By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, we empower those we work with to reach their full potential, driving innovation and growth in the industry
• Through our dedication to building lasting relationships and genuine connections, we continuously strive to contribute positively to the creative landscape and celebrate the unique talents of each individual we have the pleasure of working with.

• Leading the music supervision department to make sure queue fulfillment, song quality, communications, and team management are all working at high levels of success in addition to the aforementioned tasks in the previous role

• Focusing on higher-level projects, queue management, pod management, and maintaining song quality in addition to the aforementioned tasks in the previous role

• Analyze incoming customer song requests and curate artists to complete them -Act as liaison between our customers and artist community regarding submissions and active orders -Process incoming orders by listening to songs, verifying lyrics, ensuring accuracy and delivery to customers -Maintain a vast knowledge of our Artist Community, catalog and best practices -Build and maintain trusting, reliable relationships with members of our Artist Community -Assisting in artist recruitment and retention efforts -Audio production experience and DAW editing -Music licensing knowledge put to use when needed -Targetted knowledge of musical genres

• As an Event Sales Manager at Bravo Restaurants, Inc., I played a pivotal role in driving event bookings and ensuring their success
• My responsibilities included: -Booking and selling a diverse range of events, including corporate, social, wedding, entertainment, and special occasions
• Engaging in B2B relationships through digital and in-person networking outreach to boost sales and build lasting partnerships
• Drafting, reviewing, and finalizing contracts, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), and other essential event documentation to guarantee seamless execution
• Overseeing event communications and setting clear expectations for venue, restaurant, and staff to ensure a consistent and high-quality experience
• Collaborating closely with the marketing department to develop and implement sales and marketing initiatives that enhance awareness of our event spaces
• Conducting site visits, managing follow-ups, and responding promptly to leads, demonstrating strong attention to client needs
• Regularly preparing and presenting sales reports, financial breakdowns, and event settlements to maintain transparency and accuracy
• Throughout my tenure at Bravo Restaurants, Inc., I was dedicated to delivering exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for clients while fostering a collaborative and goal-oriented environment.

• As a Festival Shipping Manager at Jam Productions for Chicago Gourmet, a premier culinary event held annually in Millennium Park, I played a vital role in ensuring seamless coordination and execution of sponsor-related logistics
• My key responsibilities included: -Managing the coordination and distribution of all on-site sponsorship goods for the festival, ensuring a smooth and professional experience for all parties involved
• Overseeing the organization and data management of 150 festival sponsors and their vendor productions, maintaining a strong focus on attention to detail and accuracy
• Stepping in as a production runner when needed, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to support the success of the festival
• During my time at Jam Productions / Chicago Gourmet, I was committed to upholding the highest standards of event management, contributing to the overall success of the festival and creating unforgettable experiences for both sponsors and attendees.

• As a Lollapalooza Platinum/VIP Host and Area Manager at C3 Presents, I played a pivotal role in ensuring a premium experience for the festival's most exclusive clientele
• My key responsibilities during this period included: -Managing area production, including the organization and execution of events and activities within the designated VIP and Platinum sections, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for guests
• Providing exceptional customer service for Artists, VIP, and Platinum pass members by anticipating their needs, addressing concerns, and facilitating special requests
• Coordinating with stage areas, security teams, and other festival staff to maintain a secure and comfortable environment for all VIP and Platinum guests
• Actively engaging with clients to foster strong relationships and ensure their satisfaction with the festival experience, resulting in repeat business and positive word-of-mouth
• Troubleshooting any issues that arose, demonstrating quick thinking and problem-solving skills to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction
• My dedication to providing an unparalleled experience for Lollapalooza's VIP and Platinum guests contributed to the overall success of the festival and reinforced its reputation as a premier music event.

• As a Publicity Specialist at Team Click, I was responsible for managing entertainment and digital publicity for TV, theatrical, and home releases, collaborating with prominent studios such as Disney, DreamWorks, Lionsgate, Annapurna Pictures, Universal, The Orchard, and more
• Key responsibilities included: -Compiling press/media links and photos for promotional use, ensuring maximum exposure for creative projects
• Executing both wide and targeted campaign outreach while monitoring coverage, adjusting strategies as needed to optimize results
• Exclusive clip placement and outreach to maximize media exposure, showcasing the best aspects of each project
• Securing phone and in-studio interviews to promote releases and offer creators the opportunity to share their stories
• Producing comprehensive campaign reports with a focus on outlets, dates, UMVs, and impressions, using data-driven insights to inform future strategies
• Brainstorming and implementing creative promotional ideas such as events, partnerships, social media campaigns, activations, and promotional items/ press drops to enhance brand visibility and audience engagement, always keeping the creator's vision in mind
• As an advocate for entertainment & creativity, I took pride in promoting the works of talented individuals and helping them connect with audiences who would appreciate and celebrate their artistic contributions.

• At The Comedy Bar, I wore multiple hats, working in talent acquisition, customer service, marketing, and financial reporting
• My diverse skill set and friendly approach helped contribute to the overall success and growth of the company, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for both performers and audiences alike
• Key responsibilities included: -Leading the customer service department with a friendly and positive attitude, ensuring efficient sales processes and effective schedule management
• Implementing and optimizing engaging social media marketing strategies on Facebook, Instagram, and event listing platforms to drive audience engagement and brand awareness
• Overseeing street team operations and executing creative guerrilla marketing campaigns to expand our reach and attract new patrons
• Managing box office ticket sales, financial reporting, and tracking key performance indicators to support business growth.

• Daily reach out & sourcing of new & unsigned artists using blogs, social media, venue listings, video hosting sites/channels, live shows and streaming platforms
• Helping grow, curate & personally maintain an artist roster of 200 musicians divided into 6 main genres
• Liaison support between artists, managers, labels and general account management.

• Working to book and rent out venues for concert promotion and production
• Talent buying cross-genre at multiple Chicago venues and completing special event curation
• Artist Management (Bonelang), tour marketing & routing, PR, Radio Promo & blog reach out.

• In-depth knowledge of music supervision, PROS, contracts, pre-clearing and A&R experience
• Speaking with Managers, labels, sync companies and artists daily to negotiate back-end publishing deals, royalty rates and more while relationship building
• Daily use of Excel, file sharing database systems, blog and music streaming services for a roster of over 9,000 artists cross-genre.

• 2016: Stage help, music help with particular shows, general production needs 2017: Helping find bands and put together potential bills until we advance the process

• Working in the accounts receivable department processing collections for money owed & withheld accounts
• Creating financial spreadsheets and documentation / working with legal department when applicable
• Routing technicians to different job sites across the great Chicago-land area & throughout the Midwest.