Jonathan Galkin

About Jonathan Galkin

Jonathan Galkin is an American music industry executive, best known as a co-founder of DFA Records, the influential New York-based label that helped redefine indie-dance fusion in the early Alongside James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem) and Tim Goldsworthy, Galkin launched DFA in 2001 with the goal of revitalizing the city\'s indie rock and dance music scenes. The label\'s first release, The Rapture\'s \"House of Jealous Lovers,\" became a defining moment in the post-punk dance revival movement. The label went on to sign and release albums by LCD Soundsystem, Hot Chip, The Rapture, Hercules & Love Affair, Holy Ghost! and dozens more.During his time with DFA, Jonathan Galkin had several other high profile jobs that kept him close to pop culture and underground music. This included a Museum Curator for Moma PS1 iconic summer series Warm Up (20••••17), one of the six jurors for the esteemed Nordic Music Prize in Oslo (20••••16), as well as a brand ambassador and producer for partnerships with Cornerstone Agency / The Fader. Galkin also oversaw several brand partnerships and collaborations, including Carhartt WIP, Dolby Atmos, Levis and Incase. The album Chain Tripping by YACHT, of which he served as Executive Producer, was among the first group of albums ever nominated for a surround sound Grammy (Best Immersive Audio). It did not win. He has helped launch retail spaces and programmed music for the inaugural flagship H&M store, Chanel’s 2008 Mobile Art Museum installation in Central Park with Karl Lagerfeld + Zaha Hadid, and Proenza Schouler 10 year birthday party with DJ’s and live music. He helped create and license songs for several of the mix CD sold at the French boutique Colette.In addition to his work with FourFour, Galkin currently serves as producer and label manager for the Red Hot Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS through music. Launched in 1991 with the iconic releases Red Hot + Blue, Galkin has now come aboard and produced a multi LP series in collaboration with the Sun Ra Arkestra estate, as well as helping oversee the brand new compilation Transa, which features Sade, Sam Smith, Perfume Genius, Adrienne Lenker and dozens more.

Experience

1. Strategic Advisor

   The Leaf Label

   Feb 2025 — Present · Brooklyn, NY, US

Education

• New York University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Film/Cinema/Video Studies

  1990 — 1994