NOISEMAKERS: THE SUMMER SYNDICATE
With the newest roundup of Noisemakers for 2019, we present a fresh batch of rising professionals from different parts of the biz whose dedication and effort make their superiors look good.
We've been told the pain the comes with inclusion here is similar to that of sunscreen in the eye.
Shirin Nury
Music Agent, Creative Artists Agency
Much has changed since Nury’s first concert-inspired leap through the bedroom window of her childhood home. This sneaking around eventually resulted in her seeing Radiohead at the Greek at 15—one of the best nights of her life. Now, she’s proud to call agent Carole Kinzel a mentor and forever friend. Working alongside Kinzel on Dermot Kennedy was enlightening, and Conan Gray’s success brings her joy. Looking forward, she’s invigorated by female game-changers like Amber Mark and Ava Max, Cherry Glazerr’s Clem, Mannequin Pussy’s Marisa, songwriter Dodie, Fletcher, Jamila Woods, Melanie Martinez and Mallrat.
Brian Baptista
Director of Marketing and Promotions, Nederlander Concerts
When Baptista isn’t hiking Kokohead or fostering dogs, he’s marketing 200+ shows, which have included nights at L.A.’s Greek, Paso Robles’ Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Austin’s H-E-B Center and Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in Worcester, Mass. For more than two decades, Baptista has marketed and promoted performances for core venues throughout SoCal and across the country. From classic rock to country and pop to comedy, this Hawaiian native knows how to promote a show, and when to take a hike. The latter has been suggested to us numerous times, but with a different tone.
James Gilmore
Managing Director, W!ZARD Radio Media; Producer, Universal Music U.K.
The growth in engagement for W!ZARD Radio—dubbed the U.K.’s most popular online teen station—has Gilmore tickled pink. Meanwhile, the London-based self-starter remains focused on elevating client Daisy Maskell, who was recently offered the Kiss FM Breakfast Show gig. And he’s continually busy working with all the U.K. TV networks on new projects. He’s particularly excited about a new artist signed to W!ZARD Talent, Ronnie Watts. But no level of excitement can match that of a 10-year-old Gilmore auditioning for the role of the Artful Dodger in a West End revival of Oliver!
Kelly Duroncelet
Digital Partnerships Agent, Paradigm
When asked for a favorite career moment, Duroncelet cites a meeting with Tim Cook and Stevie Wonder, but offers no details. Apparently, it’s a “long story,” but we want the info. The rising exec is presently enthused about a VR program she’s building out with Linden Labs and their product, Sansar. Her team just put together a successful VR concert with The Glitch Mob, and they’re working on a fun slate of fall concerts with more clients. On another note, did you know she can cry on cue? We suspect this shout-out will have her weeping.
Katie Fagan
Head of A&R, Nashville, Prescription Songs
Fagan moved to Nashville after seven years in L.A. to open up the second Prescription office. She also co-founded organization The Other Nashville Society to help bring together Music City’s non-country creative community, which has been nurturing a ton of partnerships and events. With Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp and Bonnaroo, for example, they took over a stage and 16 members performed during the four-day festival. Word of advice: Anyone who chooses to go to military camp for five summers should not be fucked with.
Ed Walker
VP, Original Content & Production, Vevo
Walker’s team handles all creative and production in-house. He’s proud of the collaborative and trusting relationships they have with artists. One standout included working with The Weeknd and team to creatively direct the stage design, lighting programing and content capture for his Starboy album launch concert. Today, he finds himself exploring new formats, as Vevo enters the final stages of some content additions and prepares to hit the market with three new formats. Walker was once called to join Metal-lica’s production team for a leg of the No Sleep Till Summer Tour. He hasn’t stopped moshing since.
JD Tuminski
VP, Digital Marketing, Def Jam
The biggest Clemson Tigers fan in the Northeast, Tuminski jumped into developing the YG hit “Go Loko” this summer, while keeping an eye on YK Osiris’ Vevo LIFT campaign. He also enjoys exploring opportunities in the gaming/esports world. Considering he’s never had a coffee in his entire life, we have no idea how he gets all the shit he does done. By the way, if anyone has footage of whatever went down at The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar during Kanye West’s Wyoming trip, email us.
Matt Watts
VP, Artist & Integrated Marketing, Fender
Watts has been executing Artist Signature Series projects with Jimmy Page, Chris Stapleton, Flea and more. Working directly with Page on a few models—centered on that iconic Telecaster (Yardbirds, Zeppelin I)—left him pinching himself and resulted in one of Fender’s most successful launches. He’s now figuring out how developing-artist program Fender Next will come to life in 2020. His team is spotlighting young artists including Cautious Clay, Ashley McBride, King Princess, Wallows and Tash Sultana. He’s also on a 20-year anni tour with his band, The Starting Line. Turn it up to 11, buddy.
