NOISEMAKERS:
WHO'S NEXT?
In the latest roundup of Noisemakers for 2019, we present a new batch of rising professionals from different parts of the biz whose dedication and effort make their superiors look good.
That said, a shout-out from this pathetic excuse for a magazine and 15 bucks still only gets them one flimsy flower crown at Coachella.
Devin Landau
Music Agent, Paradigm Talent Agency
In less than a year, Landau—along with Mija Mgmt and team—took Cuco from backyard house parties to Coachella. A seven-figure Interscope deal followed a string of festivals, and an album is slated for June. Landau’s laser-focused on building the touring careers of first-gen and Latin artists like Cuco, Omar Apollo, Inner Wave, The Marías, and Boy Pablo, as well as Latin America’s most famous drag queen, Pabllo Vittar. He blames his degree in archaeology and focus on ancient Latin American cultures for his attraction to everything “South of the Rio Grande.”
Dave Frank
Co-Head of Electronic Music, Milk & Honey
2013’s “In My Mind,” released by Frank client Feenixpawl, became one of the decade’s biggest dance records, eventually snagging a Grammy nom. In 2018, an impromptu Dynoro interpolation of the song—now at 1b+ streams and 3m+ singles sold—became one of the biggest records on the year’s global pop charts. More recently, client Oliver Heldens sold out his Heldeep 5 World Tour, tackling 23 dates across North America last month. This sports nut, who regularly indulges in golf, tennis, hockey and basketball, triggered our asthma just by listing his hobbies.
Gordan Dillard
Artist Manager, Maverick
Dillard’s favorite career experience involved working with Drake and team on If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late and watching that whole operation unfold through the summer and his Jungle Tour. The exec, whose goals include bridging the gap between African music culture and American music infrastructure, is currently working on developing the new Maverick Urban roster, focusing on acts like Gallant, whom he calls the “future of R&B,” producer Mally Mall, Amir Obe and Felix Leone (“Butterfly Effect”). Due to his alto-sax chops, we urge you call him “Young Kenny G.”
Viryed Lara
Marketing Director, Live Nation
Lara’s been marketing the Hollywood Palladium since 2017; highlights include residencies with artists like LCD Soundsystem, Nine Inch Nails and Bikini Kill. Going forward, she’ll be handling marketing for Live Nation shows at the Forum and Staples Center, overseeing projects for everyone from Backstreet Boys and NKOTB to Queen and John Mayer. She continues to lead marketing for Live Nation L.A. Latin concerts, working with artists like Maná, Shakira, Pitbull, J Balvin and Luis Miguel. And this year marks the fourth annual Ohana Festival with Eddie Vedder, The Strokes and RHCP.
Spencer Moya
Senior Director, Digital Marketing, Interscope
When asked, Moya says the most mind-blowing moment of his career is a toss-up between two Lady Gaga/Bobby Campbell/Haus of Gaga experiences. He still geeks out over working with the Star Is Born team for the film’s global premiere at the Venice Film Festival. He also handled digital strategy for Gaga’s Super Bowl halftime performance, which he found intense but rewarding. Now he’s leading digital strategy for Billie Eilish. Not too shabby for a guy who built social profiles for unknown bands in high school. We hear he sometimes dreams in HTML code.
Sylvie Konner
Digital Marketing, AG Artists
Being in the room when Shawn Mendes’ Grammy noms were announced was a special moment for Konner, who was inspired early on to follow in her mom’s footsteps as a female in the industry. Her eyes are currently set on enhancing Mendes’ fan club, ShawnAccess, across all digital platforms during his ongoing world tour. “We want to make his fans feel like they’re in the room even if they’re at home,” she says. Her love of music stretches way back to her first concert—a Paul McCartney show at five years old.
James Petronio
Manager, A&R, Island
Fresh out of college at Northeastern, New Jersey native Petronio, who was an assistant at the time, had his mind blown when he met Blink-182, whose memorable guitar riff on “Dammit” inspired him to start playing guitar and to pursue a career in music. Today, the exec, who did a stint as a recording engineer specializing in metal bands, finds himself invigorated by the massive voice that belongs to new signing Frawley. He’s also looking forward to LOOTE’s next phase of releases, praising the duo for their progressive nature.
Katy Wolaver
VP, A&R, Warner/Chappell Music
The 2019 Grammy nom for Shawn Mendes’ “In My Blood” had Wolaver overcome with delight, considering the hit was co-penned by Scott Harris, whom the publishing exec is proud to say she signed. Hobo Johnson’s next record has her immediate attention, as does a forthcoming project involving Sasha Sloan—an artist she deems “incredibly talented.” Growing up, Wolaver was involved in theater; she landed the role of Mimi in her high school production of Rent. You should definitely ask her how many minutes there are in a year.
