(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Equity Music Services, an organization of independent music consultants skilled in marketing, sales, publicity and new media, has been formed by Equity Music Group. The goal of Equity Music Services is to provide additional support and expertise to record labels, both major and independent, as well as artists and management companies.
“When I started Equity Music Group last year, I quickly realized what other independent labels have long known,” Mike Kraski, president of Equity Music Group explained. “It is cost prohibitive to hire an entire staff with the experience and knowledge needed to get the job done effectively—to build an audience for an artist and deliver a project to the marketplace. I hired top shelf professionals on an outsource basis, thus allowing my label to compete on a level playing field with the majors.”
Partnering with Kraski in Equity Music Services are Jennifer Bohler, vice president of artist and media relations; Ed Gertler, vice president of new media; Derek Simon, vice president of marketing and Neal Spielberg, vice president of sales. Each individual is involved in their own successful consulting companies and will also lend their expertise to Equity Music Services and its clients.
“While watching this team work together on the marketing plans for Equity’s first release, Clint Black’s Spend My Time, I couldn’t help but recognize the unique blend of talent, experience, passion and chemistry,” Kraski continued. “Approaching the individuals to form Equity Music Services was a no-brainer. There is a real need for this kind of service in our industry right now, and I think I have brought together the right people to make this new company work. What they have done for me speaks for itself, and the collective experience they bring to the table is second to none.”
Bohler has been in the music PR business for almost 20 years. With a background in journalism, she has worked with artists in most every genre of music, from rock and pop to country, R&B and smooth jazz. She has twice been named the CMA’s Publicist of the Year.
Gertler’s 30-plus years of experience include 25 years at CBS/Sony where he was involved with projects as diverse as Pink Floyd and Yo Yo Ma. The last 10 years were spent at Sony Nashville where, as national director of sales, he helped establish the Dixie Chicks and Montgomery Gentry as two of the top acts in music. His expertise includes web development and micro-marketing campaigns.
Simon most recently served as vice president of marketing for UMG Nashville after marketing stints with Universal Records, Roadrunner Records and Columbia Records in New York.
Spielberg has been in music and video sales for more than 22 years with experience in country, jazz, Christian, and pop music, as well as comedy. He was also director of west coast marketing for Ringling Bros., Barnum and Bailey Combined Shows Inc. –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
