After a year of multiple adversities, the music industry is beginning a new transformation. Many artists, agents, managers, and promoters had to reinvent their businesses as they struggled to keep the industry afloat. As they did so, music figures marched through the streets, trying to make a difference in the social problems the world is going through; they managed to come with solutions such as virtual panels and concerts.
2020 was not the appropriate year to congratulate the music industry and its people, so Billboard changed this year and did not publish the list of the music’s most influential and powerful people. However, it did make a list of ‘Change Agents.’ These are people who, during all these adversities, are making an effort to make a change in the business.
Here is a brief description of some of those music industry pioneers:
Mark Gillespie
Recently named one of the most exceptional managers in the music industry worldwide, Mark Gillespie is a British manager and CEO of Three Six Zero. The industry recognizes Gillespie as a fundamental element in Calvin Harris and Frank Ocean’s careers; this pioneer has established himself as a visionary in the music, film, and television industries and is also a well-known donator to Black Lives Matter-associated organizations. Gillespie shared that his purpose for this year is to bring people together in as many ways as possible.
Bobby Campbell
Bobby Campbell is an American manager from Mermaid Music Management, best known for being Lady Gaga’s manager since ‘The Haus of Gaga.’ He and his client, Lady Gaga, stopped their plans for their next project: ‘Chromatic,’ and started contributing to a much more important cause. In April, Lady Gaga made her ‘One World’ home concert special and raised over $127 million. They translated into food aid, protective equipment, schooling for kids, and other resources for the people affected by the pandemic.
Jeffrey Harleston
Jeffrey Harleston is the executive vice president and general counsel of Universal Music Group in Santa Monica. Harleston is one of the Universal Music Group 40 executives who joined forces around the world. UMG established a space for real and honest conversations to lead to ideas and strategies to make a long-term change in the industry. Harleston says that the government should restore civility, empathy, and compassion as the basic norms of human interaction this year. Their goal at UMG is to focus on mental health and wellness.
Towalame Austin
Towalame Austin is a talented executive with over 20 years in the business. Nowadays, she has the role of EVP, Philanthropy, and Social Impact for Sony Music Group, working closely with the human resources team to advance their efforts of making an impactful contribution to the industry. She said that people need to know what needs to be changed in society. Austin says they need the commitment to do those changes and discipline to carry out those changes.
Elena Awbrey
Elena Awbrey is a 39 years old manager who recently launched Moonshot Management. She is known to have clients such as Lauren Jauregui, ‘Chika and Evil,’ etc. She declared that the past year was a year that exposed the holes in the system. Her goal is to voice those artists of the Latin, LGBTQ+, and black trans communities. She also wants to amplify the impact of artists who had to do all their job during the lockdown.
Many more of these managers, producers, and agents whose purpose during the social issues the world is going through is to begin our world’s much-needed change.
