Embracing a hyper-local approach to brand building remains of utmost importance. However, the advent of streaming has notably minimized obstacles and facilitated engagement within a Global Ecosystem. Mastering the global framework and effectively navigating it is pivotal for achieving success in international expansion. For Canadian artists and industry professionals seeking opportunities beyond the country, let industry leaders from the U.S., UK and Australia offer their guidance in understanding complexities, opportunities, best practices, and the necessary steps to achieving success within other markets.
Going Global: Exploring International Markets Seminar
Brad is a Partner at 615 Leverage + Strategy in Nashville, TN, and recently joined the faculty at Belmont University, teaching International Music Business. Previously, he was VP Marketing for Universal Music Group Nashville overseeing general marketing strategies, International, film/TV, and strategic brand partnerships. Before heading to UMG, Turcotte was started and led the International department for the Big Machine Label Group in affiliation with UMG INTL. While he was at BMLG, he launched Big Machine Canada and Big Machine UK divisions. Prior to BMLG, Turcotte was EVP at Music World, former management for Beyonce and Destiny’s Child. Music World’s label included co-ventures with Columbia, Epic, Interscope, Zomba, Def Jam and Interscope. Turcotte oversaw all label operations including management of three roster artists. Turcotte joined Music World after selling his record label, Compadre, to Mathew Knowles in 2007. Turcotte started Compadre in 2001 as a law student in Houston. Compadre released 30 albums in five years, incl Hayes Carll, Billy Joe Shaver, Townes Van Zandt, Flaco Jimenez, James McMurtry, Johnny Cash Remixed, and more. Turcotte is a former board member of the CMA and CCMA and currently committee member of the ACM. He is also a two-term Governor and voting member for the NARAS Texas Chapter.
Emily Cohen Belote is Amazon Music’s Global programming lead for country, folk and Americana, based in Nashville. Cohen joined Amazon Music in 2016 and immediately became instrumental in growing the country, folk, and Americana music audiences across Amazon Music, including developing the global playlist “Country Heat,” launched in April 2018. Before joining Amazon Music, Emily worked in label relations at Rdio, driving artist and label initiatives while overseeing strategic long-term marketing relationships and developing avenues to source and create exclusive content opportunities. Emily has been featured in Billboard’s Country Power Players issue, and has been named a Nashville Power Player every year since 2017. She holds a B.A. in English from the University of Washington.
Having been a country music fan for most of my life, I was first able to call it work during my time at The O2. I managed the press accreditation and media on-site for Country to Country festival, as well as assisting with festival operations. A move to the music department of WME’s London agency gave me the opportunity to connect with their Nashville office and after a brief, pandemic-induced, stint at Warner Records, I returned to AEG Presents as a Promoter. I am now responsible for programming and developing C2C, bringing the biggest names and most exciting new acts in country music over to the UK fans, as well as giving British artists a platform. I specialise in promoting Country and Americana touring in clubs, theatres and arenas across the UK, alongside pop, indie and non-traditional acts.
With over 25 years experience in the music industry, I ‘cut my teeth’ working for one of the biggest record companies in the world, Universal Music. I gained experience in each of the key arms, at that time; marketing, promotions and sales at a management level.
For more than a decade, I honed my skills as a well respected Senior Label Manager. Developing and delivering strategic plans for artists in our market; including Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Eminem, The Black Eyed Peas, Blink 182, Kacey Musgraves, Gwen Stefani, Tim McGraw and many more. Working across Interscope/Geffen/A&M and the UMG Nashville roster for Universal Music Australia.
With the ever changing music landscape, I have continued to adapt. Post my employment at Universal Music, I set up my own marketing consulting company, In The Peach Pit, specializing in music project management and navigating artists through the ever evolving digital music landscape.
Currently, under exclusive contract with ABC Music, I specialize as a Project Manager for country music artists. Helping develop Aussie acts to a global platform. The ABC Music Label has the largest roster of domestic country artists in Australia.
EVPP of iHeartCountry, incuding 150+ Country brands in the U.S. Phillips also oversees programming for shows like The Bobby Bones Show, Women of iHeartCountry, Top 30 Countdown, iHeartCountry House Party among others. Phillips formerly programmed radio brands and was on air in Miami, FL, Chicago, IL, Cincinnati, OH, Louisville, KY and Green Bay, WI.
Justin Thomson is the National Content Director and presenter for Australia's largest country music radio network, KIX Country. Thomson is the driving force behind the success of the KIX Country brand, and is an active player in the growth of country music in the Australian market. Aswell as head of programming Justin also presents a number of programs on the network including the afternoon show, the KIX Hottest 20 Countdown, and KIX LIVE. KIX is visible at all major country music festivals in Australia and in June this year Justin brought KIX to Nashville to broadcast for 5 days at CMA Fest. 30 hours of CMA Fest activity with over 50 guests including Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Jelly Roll, Hardy, Cody Johnson and a roster of rising country stars from America, Australia, and Canada, all beamed back to Australian country music fans. This was the first time KIX had executed full broadcasts outside of Australia. Justin is also a dedicated and active supporter of rising country talent around the globe.
