James Somani
Brooklyn,NY
Summary
A successful A&R Manager that oversees a portfolio of new and existing artists using world-class and industry-changing management techniques. Building and leveraging a broad network of strategic and creative resources to generate impactful opportunities. Comfortable interacting directly with artists, artist teams and industry executives across all creative verticals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
A&R Manager
Ultra Records - Sony Music
05.2022 - Current
- Supported artist goals with corresponding action plans and timelines.
- Leveraged networks to identify and generate opportunities to increase exposure and revenue for clients.
- Stayed abreast of industry trends via trade publications, events and social media to keep artists at forefront of ever-changing landscape.
- Assisted clients with establishing release timelines and flow of related marketing assets.
- Facilitated communication between agents, talent and clients by using interpersonal skills.
- Organized and attended industry events for talent and client promotion.
- Maintained relationships with high-profile clients in entertainment industry through consistent communication.
- Negotiated contracts and terms with agents and talent by attending meetings and creating deals.
- Implemented and developed marketing plans to promote clients and increase visibility.
- Spearheaded and secured signings of viral artists in bidding war scenarios including Austin Millz and Tommy Genesis.
- Managed roster of over a dozen artists across genres with success on DSP’s and radio charts.
- A&R for new album, ‘Club Romanetch’ from Swedish Electro Pop duo, Icona Pop which received positive reviews in Forbes, The Guardian, NPR, Rolling Stone among others.
- Lead A&R for multiple projects that received billboards from DSP’s in Times Square including Spotify, Amazon, Youtube, Pandora.
Event Partner
Soho House & Co
09.2021 - Current
- Collaborated with colleagues and supported staff to maximize event attendance.
- Stayed informed on industry developments and market trends to gain competitive advantage when partnering with musical talent.
- Provided outstanding service to staff, promoting effective, and lasting programming for Members.
- Networked with other professionals and organizations to expand contacts and opportunities for the global Hospitality brand.
- Organized cultural programming across Soho House’ Miami and New York properties including for significant moments such as Miami Music Week, Halloween, Miami Grand Prix, ‘Night Swim’ concert series.
- Liased with artists, agents and managements to secure performances from high level touring talent such as Gorgon City, Hayden James, Austin Millz among others.
Recording Artist / Label Manager
Kobalt Music Group / AWAL
11.2018 - Current
- Founder and Label manager of newly formed imprint, Summer Somewhere in partnership with Kobalt Music's AWAL subsidiary
- Work with Kobalt's AWAL team during all phases of release rollout including digital marketing, and communications strategy
- Oversee all aspects of the record releasing process from pitching to DSPs and publications to creative and marketing with successful activations on TIDAL, Sony Music, Apple Music/ Beats 1 and Sirius XM
- Lead creative design for label by working alongside graphics team to execute teaser videos, artwork and promo assets
- Schedule and maintain quarterly calendars in regards to roll out of projects and provide research interpreting data to help plan critical business and creative decisions
- Responsible for liaising with publishers and managers to finalize publishing splits and master contracts
- Identify and pitch available talent early including researching new and emerging artists
- Record and write songs with top tier talent including grammy nominees, X Factor winners, and major label artists
- Engage in monthly meetings with artists, and executives to discuss performance of new material on all streaming platforms in Dance & Electronic and Pop
- Research and track new talent using outlets like Chartmetric, Spotify, and Apple Music
- Seek out sync licensing opportunities with agencies and music supervisors to amplify and monetize content.
Recording Artist
Republic Records
05.2014 - 03.2018
- Collaborated with Grammy nominee Jessie J on her album Sweet Talker, co-writing the title track, 'Sweet Talker' which garnered favorable coverage from The Guardian, Financial Times, and USA Today
- Provided input and approved participation with MTV on the launch of 'Sweet Talker' at the MTV Jessie J 2014 VMA Concert Series
- Conceptualized and oversaw 'The New Republic' mixtape project, formulated the idea of a collaboration of 18 brand new remixes from up and coming dance music producers of hit songs from the Republic catalogue
- Coordinated with Republic Records media manager to approve PR strategy for 'The New Republic' which received coverage from Teen Vogue, Complex Magazine and Idolator while content was maximized organically through synchronized social media posts and reposts from featured artists
- Worked alongside Universal Music Licensing department in all phases of music clearance including the negotiation of license fees and term agreements
- Able to work to stringent deadlines in a flexible manner whilst comprehending complex music ideas
- Experience in Original Soundtracks after working on the film 'xXx The Return of Xander Cage' in collaboration with Grammy nominee, Pusha T on the single, 'Gunshy'
- Worked closely with other managers and publishers to book creative sessions, pitch music and develop original content for film, TV and advertising landing a national ad campaign with the Martin Agency client, Simple Mobile
- Independently oversaw communications & marketing strategy for the single, 'Gunshy' which was premiered by Billboard Magazine and was featured in Spotify's Viral 50 chart in multiple territories in addition to being featured on Spotify's flagship fitness playlist, 'Beast Mode' for 2 months
- Built a strong list of high level creative contacts spanning across marketing & pr, streaming and record label executives as well as artists, music managers and publishers.
Recording Artist
Mad Decent
09.2013 - 03.2014
- Partnered with Mad Decent brand on 'Trapped In Love' mixtape with marketing and strategy support from Diplo and the Mad Decent's brand on Social media
- Collaborated with label founder, Diplo as a featured artist on the RIAA Gold Certified single, 'Revolution'
- Supported Songs Music Publishing and Mad Decent on various marketing and licensing campaigns for the song 'Revolution' with top tier brands including but not limited to Apple, EA Sports, Disney, Hyundai, Moet & Chandon and more
- Partnered with leading sports brands to intensify songs resonance within the sports world including NBA on TNT, MLB on Fox, NFL on Fox, Nike Soccer, among others
- Worked with the Bernie Sanders 2016 presidential campaign on the 'It's a Revolution' ad series
- Liaised with Revolt TV and USA Today on the launch for the 'Revolution' music video and lyric video
- Featured on BBC Radio 1XTRA as guest host for Diplo & Friends working closely with BBC Radio 1 production team and social media team to strategize on marketing efforts for each broadcast
- Commissioned by Jay-Z's Life + Times magazine for multiple mixtape projects working with established and up and coming talent to remix the Roc Nation roster where I oversaw talent and content creation for these projects and developed media and marketing strategy prior to release
- Commissioned for remixes by Warner Music Group, Atlantic Records, Columbia Records and Roc Nation with press coverage from Idolator, Rolling Stone, Hypebeast, and Spin Magazine in company with engagement and partnerships from leading lifestyle brands W Hotels, Samsung and Perrier.
Education
Pace University
Skills
- Music Programming
- Client Relations
- Content Creation
- Project Management
- A&R Research & Analysis
- Artist Management/Development
Profile Objective
Organized and efficient record producer, who recognizes the power of music in all forms. Creative and innovative team player that enjoys working with others who share a strong passion for music, digital media and culture. Proven record of analyzing audience data and artist insights. Past experience includes managing high level artist and media relationships, interacting with multiple departments as well as overseeing creative as a major label signed artist and independent record label manager, while utilizing a strong network of A-list music industry talent, executives, and managers.
Timeline
A&R Manager
Ultra Records - Sony Music
05.2022 - Current
Event Partner
Soho House & Co
09.2021 - Current
Recording Artist / Label Manager
Kobalt Music Group / AWAL
11.2018 - Current
Recording Artist
Republic Records
05.2014 - 03.2018
Recording Artist
Mad Decent
09.2013 - 03.2014
Pace University
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