NOISEMAKERS: THE FORCE IS WITH THEM

The industry folk showcased here haven’t appeared often in our publication—and after this mortifying experience, they probably hope they never will again.

In any event, meet another batch of professionals from different parts of the biz whose dedication and effort make their superiors look good.

Ethan Schiffres

Partner, Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown, Inc.

When Schiffres isn’t rethinking the structure of deals that were traditionally based on album cycles—or eating vegan food in Harlem with Stevie Wonder and India.Arie—you can find him walking his dog or vacationing in Mexico City, where he says the most life-changing food can be found at Quintonil. He claims he even met Don Passman and Gene Saloman once.

Jackie Augustus

Head of Digital Marketing, SB Projects

Augustus says that working on the One Love Manchester concert was the most rewarding moment of her career so far. “Helping to raise millions for victims and creating a moment of happiness after such a deeply tragic event,” she says, “is something I feel lucky to have been a part of.” She’s currently working on Ariana Grande’s fourth album. On an unrelated note, there’s apparently a video of her rapping “Super Bass” in 2011 on Facebook. You’re welcome.

Caryl Healey

VP Sales and Streaming, Sony Music Nashville

Breaking new artists Maren Morris, Kane Brown and Luke Combs has been a thrill for Healey, who says Rachel Wammack, Mitchell Tenpenny and Teniille Townes are up next. After seeing her parents slave away at jobs they hated, she wanted to do work that she loved, and although she couldn’t play an instrument, Healey claims she became a virtuoso at playing the stereo.

Luke Mitzman

Founder, 100 Management/Co-Founder, OCDC Publishing

London-bred, L.A.-based Mitzman reps Zane Lowe, DJ Netsky, new Capitol signing Maya B and more, as well as world-famous tattoo artist Dr. Woo, who has a TV show and fashion line. Mitzman, who recently won the silver in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Long Beach International Open, admits to being obsessed with Anderson .Paak.

Jerry Suarez

Director Commercial Partnerships, Universal Music Group

At a small party in the Hollywood Hills, Suarez wiped the sweat off Prince’s brow during a living room performance. What the hell do you do on your weekends? Lately, the well-liked exec has been reveling in vinyl’s resurgence and says it’s great to witness people falling in love with albums all over again.

Lindsey Lanier

Founder, Wood & Nickel

Prior to starting Wood & Nickel in October 2016, Lanier spent 11 years as a creative executive at UMPG, where she signed, worked with, and/or developed such talents as Jhené Aiko, Big Sean, Childish Gambino and Blackbear. She’s now focused on cultivating her management and A&R consulting company, which covers both records and publishing. Management client Benny Cassette, whose production credits include Kanye West and Miguel, will release his debut LP on Warner Bros. this year.

Jackie Cheng

Senior Manager Marketing, Island Records

Born and raised in New York, Cheng graduated from St. John’s University (go, Red Storm), and as a product manager she’s been running point on Sean Paul, NOTD, Dean Lewis, Jack & Jack, SEEB and others. Aside from her own projects, she claims to be obsessed with Macklemore and Circa Survive, while she lists meeting Elton John as a career highlight. That makes us wonder what karaoke night at her place is like.

Jeff Vaughn

Vice President A&R, Artist Partners and Artist Publishing Group

Vaughn is particularly proud of the work Kehlani and Lil Skies are doing. Both artists have spent the year so far either on tour or in the studio. Currently, he’s supporting Kevin Gates as he makes his second album. He’s also working with Youngboy Never Broke Again, whose late-April release, Until Death Call My Name, is a big step up for the rapper, according to Vaughn. He hopes to read this section when it appears on SoundCloud.