NOISEMAKERS:
LET'S GET LOUD
In our latest Noisemakers roundup, we present a fresh batch of rising professionals from different parts of the biz whose dedication and effort make their superiors look good.
This week’s entrants will find their faces in our recent mag—which make a great substitute for Thirsty Thursday coasters.
Tiffany Kumar
Founder, Beat House
After wearing various hats during her career, Kumar doubled down on her talents last year by creating label/pub house/agency Beat House. Formerly Global Head of Songwriter & Producer Relations at Spotify—where she once managed to convince Frank Ocean to make a rare public appearance to honor Rick Rubin with a creative award—Tiffany struck a JV deal with Pulse for her company. Beat House’s artist/writers include Araz and Killboy, along with TikTok super-producer KyleYouMadeThat, who has racked up 15m video creations and has an album on the way.
Malcolm Gray
Senior Marketing Manager, Live Nation; Senior Creative Producer, Ones to Watch
Raised in Boston, Gray is grateful for his path to the biz, which included a college-radio stint at Emerson, throwing events with CLLCTV.US—which he co-founded—and networking like crazy along the way. While he’s seeking out new content opportunities for the blossoming emerging artist platform Ones to Watch, Malcolm is also working on an industry-focused podcast created to entertain while acting as a resource for artists and professionals. Somehow, he still finds time to run at least 70 miles a month—catch him if you can.
Catherine Corkery
Senior Director of Global Marketing, Astralwerks
On top of leading marketing campaigns for up-and-coming talents Surf Mesa and Kito, Corkery also played a role in a legendary Coachella moment in 2018—Mason Ramsey’s appearance in the desert with Whethan just weeks after going viral. She’ll always remember walking through the historic artist tunnel at Red Rocks, which is signed by every act that has performed there, during Alison Wonderland’s pair of sold-out shows last year. Catherine is known as the Queen of the Claw Machine; hopefully, she’ll find a way to get some reps in during the pandemic—we could all use an arcade prize.
Matt Steger
GM, 3V Method
After finding his footing as the Head of Strategy and Finance at Faction Entertainment, where he oversaw the company’s growth to more than 20 management clients within a year, Steger joined Spotify as label-partnerships manager and spearheaded the industry rollout for the personalized-playlist initiative. Now, the GM is building the management, label and publishing arms at 3V Method while playing a key role with rising acts Peach Tree Rascals and Jaafar Jackson. Prior to joining the dark side, Matt was an investment banker in London.
Brandon Farmer
Founder, B. Farmer Management
It’s been a wild summer for Farmer, who manages RCA/Streamcut breakthrough Mulatto. She’s entered the Hot 100, picked up her first gold record with “Bitch From Da Souf” and dropped her debut project a week after making XXL’s Freshman Class of 2020. On top of hitting the jackpot with Big ’Latto, Brandon is also working on material for management client Kie and Streamcut acts LightSkinKeisha and Saucy Santana. The Atlanta-based exec’s skill set goes beyond savvy, as he’s got percussion chops and can play the violin—without a capo.
Brooke Rascoff
Manager, Q&A
Following previous stints at Spotify and YouTube, where she helped launch emerging-artist campaigns RISE (now rebranded as RADAR) and Artists on the Rise, respectively, Rascoff—inspired by developing artists—transitioned into management. Her career has already come full circle, as she’s reuniting with Troy Carter at Q&A. As a manager, Brooke is leveraging her DSP experience to continue developing her client, singer/songwriter Brynn Elliott. Apparently, she’s also one for drama, as the former thespian can recite full Shakespeare monologues at the drop of a hat.
Drew de Leon
VP of Digital Marketing, Alamo Records
Having ridden the Rod Wave wave to the top of the streaming charts, de Leon is focused on taking rising act Lilgotit to the next level with compelling visuals while setting him up for an XXL Freshman Class 2021 run. He’s also excited about Alamo’s only R&B act, Sainvil, whose new project hits this fall. There’s also The Digilogue, a community hub Drew created to connect and educate music and tech creatives. In a past life, he was a volleyballer and performed in a traveling dance crew; he’s got the moves.
Devon Libran
VP, Video & Content Production, APG
An actor and producer in his own right, Libran handles visuals and content for APG acts including Ava Max and YoungBoy Never Broke Again. While on the set for Bhad Babie’s “Bestie” video in Yonkers, he was able to meet one his favorite rappers, DMX, who made a surprise cameo and kept the crew on their toes. He’s also working on building a cinematic universe for the always-creative Rare Americans. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for Devon’s own cameos in Star Wars, Marvel and Pixar films.
