Kenny Weagly

About Kenny Weagly

I love to inspire and connect people, and have used music as a catalyst for inspiration and connection throughout my career. I thrive on, and excel at, innovation, creation, and building, as well as growing a team to embrace and execute my vision. Connections come in many forms. Whether establishing meaningful relationships between artists and new fans/consumers, or introducing a new business model and building the right bespoke team to bring it to fruition. I’m a trustworthy problem solver who uses friendly persuasion to create opportunity and close deals, bringing people with diverse ideas, goals, and incentives to consensus and shared benefit.A proven leader, business model innovator, disruptor, and partnership creator, I have developed multiple new business strategies, revenue centers, and brands within the music industry. As a senior leader, I have been responsible for business development, deal negotiations, modeling and budgeting, marketing, radio and video promotion, publicity/PR, digital strategy, and TV/film/commercial sync licensing on a global basis.At a pivotal moment in the industry, I originated and implemented the concept of “label services” for the independent music community and grew it to the global business of today, establishing an alternative to the traditional major label system and transitioning traditional music distribution from CD sales to worldwide artist services for a global streaming economy. Utilizing those tools, I was able to launch the “artist as label” model in which artists own and control their own master recordings and IP, with successful examples ranging from Macklemore to Metallica. I’ve achieved multi-Platinum success with artists such as Lil Dicky and Madeintyo under the “management company as label” model and I re-launched and ran the Asylum Records label brand in the US with Platinum success on initial artist Ugly God. Merging those skills and experience with my frontline major label background working with global stars such as Bon Jovi, Jay-Z, and Mariah Carey, I’ve been able to create unique and successful partnerships and campaigns that drive revenue, build businesses and brands, and grow consumer engagement and loyalty.My core skills include: Music Business & Licensing Business Development Asset Acquisitions Deal Making & Negotiation Integrated Marketing Partnerships / Collaborations Planning & Strategy Audience / Fans / Voice

Experience

1. SVP and Head of Artist & Label Services

   Firebird Music

   Aug 2022 — Present · New York, NY, US