STEVE LEEDS
Principal, Neo Entertainment Consultants
Extensive track record of successful marketing and promotion in the music and recording industry. Expert at artist relations and representation, and renowned for discovering and nurturing on-air and creative talent. Cutting edge experience in alternative music, video and new technologies.
MUSIC AND RECORDING INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Virgin Records, NYC
• Senior Vice President of Promotion, 2002 - 2004
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Remarketed Rolling Stones catalog, two #1 rock tracks with A Perfect Circle
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Artists: Rolling Stones, A Perfect Circle, Courtney Love, N.E.R.D, Lenny Kravitz, Iggy Pop, Ben Harper, Thrills
Universal Records, NYC
• Senior Vice President of New Technologies, 2002
• Senior Vice President of Promotion, 1995-2002
• Team launched the most successful start up label in recent history
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Artists: Elton John, 98Degrees, Nelly, 3 Doors Down, Godsmack, Erykah Badu, Chumbawamba, Cash Money Records, Sister Hazel, Reel Big Fish, Jack Johnson, Tonic, Oleander
• Oversaw video promotional activities @ MTV, MTV2,VH1, Fuse, BET & CMT
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Relaunched/monetized web sites for both Motown and Universal Records
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Created a monthly infomercial style program for MTV2 featuring Universal acts
Island Records, NYC
• Vice President of Alternative Music & Video Promotion, 1994-1995
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Launched radio campaign for first new U2 album in 4 years “Actung Baby”
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Artists: PM Dawn, Melissa Etheridge, U2, PJ Harvey, Elton John, Tricky, Orb
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Relaunched promotion/marketing campaign for Bob Marley catalog
Plg/Polygram Label Group, NYC
• Director of Video & National Alternative Music, 1991-1993
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Launched debuts for Cranberries, La’s, Shakespear’s Sister
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Additional artists: Van Morrison, Meat Puppets, Salt-N-Pepa, Bee Gees, Paul Weller
MTV Network, NYC
• Director, International Talent, 1990
• Launched MTV/Brazil and interfaced with international divisions of record labels to promote and utilize MTV as a global market vehicle. Developed plans and budgets for MTV/Asia.
• Launched audio and video compilation business w/ partners Tommy Boy, Rhino and Jive.
• Launched and managed MTV radio syndication via Westwood One and Caballaro (Hispanic).
Director, Talent/Artist Relations, Special Projects, 1989-1990
Acquired and managed musical talent for MTV sponsored tours; including the first Club MTV tour
• Managed independent label’s videos for acquisition
Director, Studio Operations, 1988-1989
• Directed daily operations of studio facility w/ operating budget in excess of $2.5 million.
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Improved overall look and presentation of studio segments.
Director, On-Air Talent, 1987-1988
• Supervised on-air talent and all contract negotiations; renegotiated return of original VJ Martha Quinn.
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Named and co developed “Headbanger’s Ball”, Club MTV and “Yo! MTV Raps” shows
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Discovered and hired on-air for MTV and VH-1: Adam Curry; Julie Brown; Daisy Fuentes; Peter Noone; Rosie O’Donnell and Adam Sandler