NOISEMAKERS: A HOLIDAY TREAT
In our latest Noisemakers roundup, we present a fresh batch of rising professionals from different areas of the biz whose dedication and effort make their superiors look good.
Unfortunately, a look on this site is the equivalent of coal in the stocking.
Marisa Lauro
SVP, International Marketing, Def Jam
Soon after entering the biz back in 2006 at UMG, Lauro got the chance to work for her favorite artist—fellow Brooklyn native Jay-Z—when he served as President of Def Jam, and got her feet wet on a two-week European promo trip with Bon Jovi. She's now focused on Justin Bieber and developing acts Kaash Paige and Danileigh, as well as acting as a liaison between Def Jam HQ and the territories that became part of the label’s global expansion this year. In short, this classically trained singer is hitting all the right notes.
Carson Helton
Manager, Commercial Partnerships, Sony Music
Nashville-based Helton leads streaming strategy for Provident and RCAI, advancing the careers of gospel stars Koryn Hawthorne, Mali Music and Grammy nominee Kirk Franklin. He’s also been involved in the professional trajectories of icons like Aretha Franklin—having worked her posthumous Juneteenth 2020 release, “Never Gonna Break My Faith,” at DSPs—and Prince, the latter during a prior gig at Yamaha Entertainment Group on what would be The Purple One's final tour. When Helton isn't focused on ushering gospel into the mainstream, he's been known to dive down a YouTube rabbit hole watching performance clips. We've all been there.
Alec Henderson
Manager, Digital Marketing and Strategy, Roc Nation
From the stage to the court, Henderson works digital for both artist management and sports at Roc Nation. The young exec had a November to remember, as two key clients achieved career milestones: Megan Thee Stallion released her debut album, Good News, while LaMelo Ball was drafted at #3 by the Charlotte Hornets. Alec also leads digital for DJ Khaled, Benny the Butcher, Tinashe, Kelly Rowland and Kaash Paige. If you were heavily into OFWGKTA, you might recognize him as the former host of VlogGnaw on YouTube.
Rachel Fletcher
Digital Marketing Manager, Big Machine Label Group
Running digital for promising new acts at Big Machine, Fletcher is proud to have had a hand in some of the major milestones they’ve achieved. One of these artists, singer/songwriter Payton Smith, made his Opry debut at the top of the year, not only checking off a major item on his bucket list but also receiving a standing ovation. Seattle-based rocker Ayron Jones, a recent Varvatos/BM signee, meanwhile, is rising at Rock radio while Rachel helps him grow his socials and engage with new fans—a Joe Rogan shout-out should help.
Vic Trubowitch
Head of U.S. Majors, Artists & Label Partnerships, Spotify
After working at various labels across the biz, Trubowitch now oversees the Spotify team responsible for the streamery’s partnerships with U.S. major labels, major-distributed indies and their artists. This year, the team produced enhanced-album experiences for BLACKPINK, Shawn Mendes and Tame Impala, among others. One of the most memorable events Trubowitch helped create was a carnival for Jonas Brothers superfans on the eve of the brothers' comeback; it featured rides, clowns and games, topped off by a JoBros performance against the Manhattan skyline.
Andrew Asare
Senior Director, Commercial Revenue/Urban Streaming, Warner Records
For the forthcoming album by breakthrough artist Saweetie, Pretty B*tch Music, New York-based Asare is working on an Amazon Music activation in which listeners can “Ask Saweetie Anything” via Alexa. He assisted on the Juneteenth rollout of 13-year-old Keedron Bryant’s debut single, “I Just Wanna Live.” And while we were snacking in sweatpants on lockdown, Asare was cranking out 150 push-ups in two minutes and running seven-minute miles.
Alex Montes-Flores
Director of Latin Commercial Strategy, Ingrooves Music
Montes-Flores handles releases from rising stars like Lunay and Panamanian breakout Sech while also working projects from vets like DaddyYankee and Marc Anthony, who joined forces on a recent collab. Mexican artist Eslabon Armado and Latin Grammy winner Carla Morrison, plus releases from Latin labels Rich Music, CarbonFiber and Mr. 305, likewise populate her professional portfolio. A karaoke devotee, Montes-Flores has also done some voiceover work.
John T. Rose
Attorney, Fox Rothschild, LLP; President, Collective Gallery
Atlanta-based Rose was on the legal team that scored an important victory in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals for client Rick Ross, who was sued by 50Cent for using “In Da Club” on a mixtape. The win set a precedent, allowing creators to sample music without permission on projects from which they derive no profit. With the Collective Gallery, meanwhile, Rose and his partners secured a groundbreaking JV with Atlantic to sign and develop visual-content creators.
