BENESCH MARCS HIS SPOT
AT ARTISTDIRECT

From New Kids On The Block to playing the Field, industry vet Marc Benesch has done it all. Now there's a scary thought.

Now, Benesch has been named Executive Vice President Promotion for ARTISTdirect by label CEO Ted "Killing" Field and Vice Chairman "On Your" Marc Geiger.

Of course, if you're regular reader of our rumor mill, you've been expecting this announcement for a week.

In this new capacity, Benesch will oversee all facets of the promotion department and radio formats while working on his long-awaited memoir, "Teaching Snoop Dogg New Tricks."

Field praised his hiring: "Simply put, Marc Benesch is the best in the business. He has a unique perspective of the contribution that radio makes to the success of an artist, and we are extremely fortunate to have him. Besides, Jack Satter wasn't available. I couldn't be happier that he is joining our team."

Benesch's music industry career stretches two decades, starting in the mail room at Columbia Records, where he rose to Sr. VP Promotion, working with such artists as the Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, Pink Floyd and the Beastie Boys. He originally worked with Field as part of the six-person staff that started Interscope Records, as Sr. VP, where he oversaw the radio careers of Dr. Dre, the Wallflowers, Nine Inch Nails and 2Pac. He was also GM at Priority Records and Sr. VP Promotion at TVT Records before joining ARTISTdirect.

Commented Benesch: "Having worked with Ted at Interscope, I know his commitment to the music, the artist and his staff and the empowerment he gives to let us all do what we do best. The environment and opportunities he and Marc are creating here are very exciting, and I look forward to being a part of it. Hey, it's better than watching CNN all day."

Added Geiger: "Marc combines professionalism, expertise, a love for the music and the artists. I just wish I understood what he was talking about."