NOISEMAKERS:
MOVIN' & SHAKIN'
In our latest roundup, we present eight more stars of tomorrow from various parts of the biz whose dedication and effort make their superiors look good.
This week's entrants will also find their faces in our most recent mag. With this spotlight on them, which means setting a good example, we're hoping they will be less inclined to "sit this one out." Speaking of voting, let's take an informal poll: Who's wearing pants right now?
Kyle Viti
Manager, Digital Marketing, Atlantic Records
Viti, a longtime Kelly Clarkson fan, was understandably chuffed to work on her latest Grammy-nominated album chemistry and the newly released deluxe version of When Christmas Comes Around… He’s now amplifying global hits like ROSÉ & Bruno Mars’ “APT.” from ROSÉ’s first studio album, rosie, which is due 12/6, preparing for FKA twigs’ EUSEXUA on 1/24 and COBRAH’s latest single, “Record Deal.” Beyond his professional flair, Viti is featured in Clarkson’s “me” fan karaoke video. Just the thought of our voice makes folks run for the hills.
Samantha Aanerud
Lead, Artist & Label Partnerships US Latin, Spotify
Nearly 10 years ago, Aanerud’s career took off in sync with the Latin-music boom at Sony Music Latin, marketing stars like Shakira and Maluma. At Spotify, she heads initiatives that spotlight Latin genres, from música Mexicana to urbano, including landmark campaigns like Bad Bunny’s Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana. She’s also orchestrating Spotify’s largest live event, Casa Spotify Miami, during Latin Grammy week. This former belly-dance instructor is working on her personal training certification. We’re offbeat and out of shape.
Benicio Wallraff
Senior Manager, A&R, 10K Projects
Wallraff was excited to see Hailey Knox, his first artist at 10K, perform alongside KAYTRANADA and Dominic Fike at Wonderfront Festival in San Diego. Now steering 10K’s pop, rock and R&B rosters, he channels his artist-management expertise into crafting sonic and visual aesthetics for Knox, Chezile, Abe Parker, Will Swinton, Jessica Baio and more. Outside the studio, Wallraff is scouting for the next NFL rookie for his dynasty team and the best new red wine at Trader Joe’s—his knack for spotting talent extends beyond music. We’re just looking for our next coffee break.
Emily Mitchell
Music Publishing Partnerships Lead, TikTok
Once a songwriter, Mitchell now champions TikTok’s #BehindTheSong, celebrating the creative forces behind the music. She spotlighted Grammy-winner Amy Allen, who is credited on every song on Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet and penned Tate McRae’s “greedy,” among other hits. She’s also focused on enhancing TikTok’s strategy to elevate songwriters, ensuring they’re recognized beyond the backdrop. Currently, she’s working to transform the platform into a career springboard for songwriters. Mitchell once rocked a keytar in an ’80s band. We’re frozen in time.
Nate Stevenson
Senior PM, Marketing, EMPIRE
Stevenson revels in having twice worked on the longest-running #1 song in the U.S., first with Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” at Columbia and more recently at EMPIRE with Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” Lately, he’s been busy diversifying his portfolio by collaborating with artists across various genres like CeCe, Adam Blackstone, Vedo, Aluna and Noir Fever. Off the clock, this Oakland native boasts a unique Grammy night selfie with Bono in an empty Madison Square Garden. We’re just trying to find someone to take our picture.
Madina Sissoko
Senior Digital Marketing Manager, Interscope
Sissoko’s career has been nothing short of exciting, from helping launch TikTok Radio on SiriusXM to interviewing R&B icons like Eric Bellinger at the Soul Train Awards and overseeing GloRilla’s digital blitz. She’s proud to have led digital strategies for GloRilla, including releases like “Yeah Glo!,” “Wanna Be” f/Megan Thee Stallion and “TGIF,” plus the digital rollout for Shenseea’s Never Gets Late Here. In middle school, Sissoko was invited to perform at Madison Square Garden for a N.Y. Liberty halftime show. We once got lost backstage.
Chuka Chase
Co-Founder, SymphonyOS
For Chase, nothing tops being pulled out of a tech accelerator by Childish Gambino to work on his Grammy-nominated Because the Internet, which led to opportunities with Mac Miller, Travis Scott, SZA and more. With 95k+ SymphonyOS users, including Summer Walker, Coi Leray and most recently The Lumineers, Chase was thrilled when Tinashe’s “Nasty” and Cash Cobain’s “Fisherr”—which started as pre-saves on the marketing platform—hit the Hot 100. Chase was once a Top 5-ranked heavyweight in California for Brazilian jiu jitsu. We get winded walking to the fridge.
Kate Bowling
Multimedia Designer, Creative Services, Warner Music Nashville
Bowling’s career is a series of high-octane moments, from designing a race car for Bailey Zimmerman’s album to receiving accolades from Blake Shelton for his cover artwork. Lately, she was all over the art direction for Avery Anna’s Breakup Over Breakfast and Chase Matthew’s Always Be Mine, with her creative touch evident on both covers. She’s also designed and/or art-directed cover art for the likes of Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Ashley McBryde and Gabby Barrett. Bowling majored in economics and math at USC. We excelled in naps and joints.
