NOISEMAKERS
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.
Marleny Dominguez
VP of Marketing, Republic
The well-liked exec, who took pride in making 2017’s 40 Under 40 list, is currently focusing on an array of projects that includes Post Malone, The Weeknd, Amine, Belly, Nav, Marco McKinnis, Felipe, Kash Doll, Black Atlass and 88Glam. Prior to her job at the House of Lipman, she worked at eOne for 15 years. Before that, however, she considered a career as a chiropractor. Guess they don’t call her “the neck snapper” for nothin’.
Ryan Ramsey
Artist Manager, Blueprint Group/Maverick
Ramsey, who managed both Ray J and Brandy during pivotal points in their respective careers, became Nicki Minaj’s day-to-day point person upon joining The Blueprint Group. In 2017, he transitioned to the role of Artist Manager, focusing on the recently signed Rich the Kid. So if you run into him, definitely ask to see his #NewFreezerChallenge moves. Ramsey also oversees the career of rising New York star Jay Critch, who’s poised to break.
Jesse “Punch” Edwards
Co-Founder/Managing Partner, 740 Project (CMG)
With partners Rahim Wright and Charley Greenberg, Punch worked through the early stages of the careers of Migos, Lil Yachty, Lil Baby, Bryson Tiller, H.E.R, Kevin Gates, Trippie Redd, Kiiara and more. He moved to N.Y. in 2008 with $2.66 and no cellphone. Nine years later, following a call from Ethiopia Habtemariam, Punch and his partners formed a strategic partnership with Motown and CMG. What’s next? Look for Cuban Doll, Queen Naija and Bump J.
Mary Catherine Kinney
Associate Director of Media at Sony Music Nashville
Back at UMG, Kinney was part of the team that launched Sam Hunt. As for her Sony career, she still gets goosebumps thinking about Maren Morris’ 2017 Grammy moment performing “Once” with Alicia Keys, she loves seeing Luke Combs thrive and suggests that everyone keep an eye on buzzing singer/songwriter Tenille Townes. In other news, MC loves a good eight-count and a triple-time step, and has worked up a killer, award-winning tap dance to Ike & Tina Turner’s version of “Proud Mary.”
Ponch Hudgens
Executive Vice President of Pop, Strange Music
Rising star Mackenzie Nicole is this radio vet’s whole world right now. He swears she’s not only talented but also wise beyond her 18 years. When Ponch got his first internship at KJYO in his late teens, he was homeless and lived at the station for about three months, learning everything he could while sleeping in a production room under the board. He says that experience has fueled his 25+ years in the biz. Perhaps this HITS feature will give him a new reason to duck under the board.
Aaron “Dash” Sherrod
VP of Urban A&R, Interscope
Witnessing the Juice WRLD phenomenon has been eye-opening for Dash, to say the least. Currently, he’s gearing up for Juice’s next album, while also focusing on up-and-comers Leven Kali and Pierre Bourne. The latter wowed the Interscope A&R man when Bourne joined another one of his key artists, Playboi Carti, onstage to perform “Magnolia” at Barclays Center. As a writer, Dash contributed to Ty Dolla Sign’s last album, Beach House 3, writing “Don’t Sleep on Me.” Looking to collab? Find him on Words With Friends.
Molly McLachlan
Head of Operations & Artist Relations, TenThousand Projects
Born in Ohio and raised in London, the half-Korean, half-British 24-year-old has seen a lot for her young age. The other day, she got chills while checking her phone, as she found out that 6ix9ine’s new single with Nicki Minaj, “FEFE,” had surpassed Drake and reached #1 on the charts in just over 48 hours. Trippie Redd’s album, which McLachlan considers a versatile work of art, was slated to drop at press time, so that’s been keeping her busy as of late. Pro tip: The best way to thank her for anything is with doughnuts.
Amy Madrigali
Talent Buyer, Troubadour
Booking Harry Styles’ U.S. solo debut at the iconic 400-capacity venue was a dream come true for Madrigali. And when Stevie Nicks joined him onstage for three songs, she was definitely on cloud nine. Before her time at the Troub, the Seattle native was at The Billions Corporation from 2012 to 2016. On the weekends, look for her on the Griffith Park hiking trails or in Silver Lake’s Botanica, chowing down on Maple Tahini Toast.
