Greg McDonald

Goal:

Bridging the gap between artist empowerment and cutting-edge innovation to drive growth for Songfinch and its large artist roster of 2000+ artists

Innovation:

• Helping shape the company vision and implementation for music and AI product development, leading to the production and application of innovative tools and revenue streams.
• Managing the Songfinch Innovation team, overseeing the implementation and testing of new technologies in studio.
• Building out both generative and non-generative AI elements and working as a senior project manager to piece together a wide variety of AI-led initiatives.
• Cross coordinating and leading joint campaigns with both marketing, dev and product teams to bring new customer products to life within project sprints.

Artist Services:

• Leading a team of Senior & Junior Artist Managers while fostering a collaborative environment that nurtures artist success.
• Shaping the long-term vision, goals, and strategy for the Artist Community
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with the artist roster, delivering personalized support and growth opportunities.
• Identifying & executing strategic partnerships
• 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.

Key Impact:

• Helping decrease CAC and increase customer conversion with new product build-out.
  - Create a new experience for customers that will lead to quicker yet still personalized songs.
• Lead the artist innovation team to help push along AI-powered song-creation tools while keeping artists actively involved in the process.
• Creating over 300+ variable instant songs across 8 relationships annually.
• Successfully integrated large partnerships such as American Greeting X Songfinch to enable instant songs for over 35 million users and expand our market share.

• 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

• Focused on higher-level projects, queue management, pod management, and maintaining song quality

• Acted as a liaison between our customers and the artist community regarding submissions and active orders
• Processed incoming orders by listening to songs, verifying lyrics, ensuring accuracy, and delivery to customers
• Built/maintained trusting, reliable relationships with members of our Artist Community
• Assisted in Artist recruitment and retention efforts
• Experienced in audio production and DAW

• Orchestrated targeted marketing campaigns via digital ad placements and funneling strategies on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, email channels, and event listing sites
• Developed and maintained tailored social media content calendars aligned with each client's branding to ensure consistent and engaging communication
• Provided comprehensive graphic design services for ad placements, web design, event posters, client materials, and album artwork
• Crafted compelling publicity materials including press releases, one sheets, and media alerts for diverse events, entertainment initiatives, and product launches
• Managed press and media outreach, cultivating relationships with radio stations, blogs, news publications, and influential social media personalities
• Identified strategic sponsorship and cross-promotional opportunities, fostering valuable brand partnerships
• Managed talent acquisition across various genres for events, activations, and venues
• Facilitated event logistics through meticulous correspondence, managing contracts and invoices
• Cultivated a vibrant community and brand identity that empowered artists, creatives, and brands
• Fostered a collaborative work environment, encouraging innovation and celebrating unique talents

• Played a pivotal role in booking and selling a diverse range of events, including corporate, social, wedding, entertainment, and special occasions
• Engaged in B2B relationships through digital and in-person networking outreach to increase sales and establish enduring partnerships
• Drafted, reviewed, and finalized contracts, Banquet Event Orders (BEOS), and other essential event documentation to ensure flawless execution
• Oversaw event communications to set clear expectations for venue, restaurant, and staff, ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience
• Collaborated closely with the marketing department to develop and implement sales and marketing initiatives that heightened awareness of our event spaces
• Conducted site visits, managed follow-ups, and promptly responded to leads, demonstrating a strong commitment to client satisfaction
• Regularly prepared and presented sales reports, financial breakdowns, and event settlements to maintain transparency and accuracy

• Played a vital role in event logistics and coordination by ensuring seamless execution of sponsor-related logistics for Chicago Gourmet, a premier culinary event held annually in Millennium Park
• Managed the coordination and distribution of all on-site sponsorship goods, ensuring a smooth and professional experience for sponsors and stakeholders
• Oversaw the organization and data management of 150 festival sponsors and their vendor productions, emphasizing attention to detail and accuracy in logistical operations
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability by stepping in as a production runner when necessary, contributing to the overall success of the festival through hands-on support

• Ensured premium experiences for Lollapalooza's exclusive VIP and Platinum clientele
• Managed area production, organizing and executing events and activities within designated VIP and Platinum sections to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for guests
• Provided exceptional customer service for Artists, VIPs, and Platinum pass members by anticipating their needs, addressing concerns, and facilitating special requests
• Coordinated with stage areas, security teams, and other festival staff to maintain a secure and comfortable environment for all VIP and Platinum guests
• Actively engaged with clients to foster strong relationships and ensure their satisfaction with the festival experience, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth
• Successfully troubleshooted any issues that arose, demonstrating quick thinking and effective problem-solving skills to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction

• Spearheaded comprehensive entertainment and digital publicity campaigns across diverse platforms, collaborating closely with major studios such as Disney, DreamWorks, Lionsgate, Annapurna Pictures, Universal, and The Orchard
• Managed end-to-end publicity for TV, theatrical, and home releases, ensuring maximum exposure and engagement for creative projects
• Orchestrated strategic media outreach campaigns, employing both broad-based and targeted approaches to optimize coverage and impact
• Curated compelling press materials, including media links and photos, to effectively promote projects and enhance visibility
• Secured exclusive clip placements and conducted proactive outreach to key media outlets, maximizing exposure for each release
• Facilitated phone and in-studio interviews to highlight creators' narratives and promote their works
• Generated detailed campaign reports analyzing outlets, dates, UMVS (Unique Monthly Visitors), and impressions, utilizing insights to refine future strategies
• Conceptualized and executed innovative promotional initiatives, such as events, partnerships, social media campaigns, and promotional items, tailored to amplify brand presence and enhance audience engagement
• Advocated for artistic talent, fostering connections between creators and appreciative audiences to celebrate their contributions to entertainment and creativity

• A versatile role encompassing talent acquisition, customer service, marketing, and financial reporting
• Lead the customer service department ensuring efficient sales processes and effective schedule management
• Implemented and optimized social media marketing strategies on Facebook, Instagram, and event listing platforms to drive audience engagement and enhance brand awareness
• Oversaw street team operations and executed creative marketing campaigns to broaden our outreach and attract new patrons
• Managed box office ticket sales and monitored KPIs to support strategic business growth

• Expertise in music supervision, performance rights organizations (PROS), contract management, pre-clearing, and artist and repertoire (A&R)
• Engaged daily with managers, labels, sync companies, and artists
• Negotiated back-end publishing deals, royalty rates, and other agreements while building and nurturing relationships
• Managed a roster of over 9,000 artists spanning various genres, utilizing Excel, file-sharing databases, blogs, and music streaming services extensively

• Booked and rented out venues for concert promotion and production
• Talent buying cross-genre at multiple Chicago venues and completing special event curation
• Artist Management, tour marketing & routing, PR, Radio Promo & blog reach out

• Routed technicians to different job sites across the great Chicago land area & throughout the Midwest
• Created financial spreadsheets and documentation while working with the legal department when applicable
• Worked in the accounts receivable department processing collections for money owed & withheld accounts