NOISEMAKERS: THEY'VE GOT THE MOVES

In our latest roundup of Noisemakers, we present a fresh batch of rising professionals from different parts of the biz whose dedication and effort make their superiors look good.

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

Nikisha Bailey
VP A&R Admin + Operations, APG

Having moved from St. Louis to New York a decade ago with the dream of pursuing a career in music, Bailey has checked that box and more, ascending in the biz from intern to VP, as she now provides the hitmaking A&R team at APG with leadership. Nikisha makes deals for a living, providing innovative and flexible deal structures for a roster of artists, songwriters and producers, along with working with creatives to provide talent with generational wealth and financial literacy—she gets people paid.

Antonio Vázquez
U.S. Latin Editorial Lead, Spotify

The ¡Viva Latino! billboard on Times Square in 2017 wasn’t special just because Vázquez played a role in the playlist’s relaunch but because it symbolized a new beginning for the Latin market as it crossed over to the mainstream behind exponential growth. While further cementing the Latin-streaming boom, Antonio is working on the campaign for one of the biggest playlists in the world, Baila Reggaeton, Spotify’s Latin flagship, with 10m+ followers. When he’s not identifying and breaking the next wave of Latin hitmakers, the Mexico City native is plowing through a ton of audiobooks.

Chris Turner
Senior Director, A&R, Capitol

A new addition to the Tower team, Turner is a legitimate tastemaker. In his time spent at HITCO, he signed and developed breakout acts Yella Beezy and Rubi Rose, while soaking in old-school knowledge from L.A. Reid—they vibed out to classics for hours on his birthday. The at-home chef, who’s already cooking up a storm at Capitol since kicking off his new gig in early July, is currently working with new signings. In lieu of a 2020 Capitol Congress, let’s pretend this blurb is a buzzy summer run-in. Cheers, Chris.

Bianca Minniti
Co-manager of JKash, GM of Nonstop Management

During her six years as part of JKash’s team, Minniti was fortunate enough to build sessions for Maroon 5’s Red Pill Blues and to witness singles go from ideas to global smashes. Now, she finds herself working on upcoming projects for Katy Perry, more Maroon 5 and Charlie Puth, as well as developing artists and writers, including some up-and-comers. While Bianca spends a lot of her time glued to her phone, she’s all about unplugging and backpacking in the wilderness.

Edward “Gunnz” Gantt
Artist Manager/Partner, Stealth Worldwide

Gunnz has been in the driver’s seat of the blossoming careers for the YBN crew, helping their vision come to fruition over the last few years. From YBN Nahmir emerging as a platinum-selling artist to YBN Cordae solidifying himself as an elite MC and receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album last year, the former 10-time top AT&T sales agent knows how to fill up the W column. Gunnz and team YBN are currently wrapping up debut albums from Nahmir and Almighty Jay.

Gabrielle Symon
On-air host of Tony Fly and Symon Show, SiriusXM Hits 1

Symon’s unique path from singer to SiriusXM interviewer has led to career moments like introducing Harry Styles at the Roxy for his first-ever solo performance, singing with Lizzo backstage at the AMAs and even snagging Billie Eilish’s secret family recipe for cinnamon rolls. Now, she’s a frequent guest on Access Hollywood and E!, showcasing rising talent on Hits 1 to Watch and interviewing Justin Bieber and Ava Max from her West Hollywood closet, where the acoustics are optimal—Gabrielle would know; she’s had two Top 40 singles.

Tom Lee
VP A&R, Arcade Songs/Spirit Music Group

Lee oversees a publishing roster at Arcade Songs and Spirit Music Group consisting of Grammy- nominated writer/producers Gregg Wattenberg and Drew Pearson, as well as newcomers Pom Pom and Jesse Fink—whom he signed directly. Before his current gig, he inked passion project The Gaslight Anthem as an A&R at Island, where he also secured several Top 10s with alt-rockers Neon Trees. Outside of music, Tom spends time training in combat sports like boxing and muay Thai, not to be mistaken with what we specialize in—mai tais.

Mikelle Schwartz
VP Marketing, Warner Records

Getting to work with childhood favorites like Alanis Morrissette, Slash and Chrissie Hynde is something Schwartz doesn’t take for granted. Although she’s getting extra time at home building Lego houses with her two-year-old daughter and perfecting her margaritas, Mikelle remains knee-deep in new releases. During quarantine, she’s worked on JoJo’s #1 R&B debut album and hit songwriter Amy Allen’s return as a solo artist, along with gearing up for new music from Bebe Rexha, whose smash “Meant to Be” is about to hit diamond status.