© GoldState Music 2024
Tamara Conniff is the Creative Director of GoldState Music. She comes to GoldState after serving as Partner and CEO of music rights company AMR Songs where she built a successful portfolio of catalogs. She has served in a number of high-profile leadership roles in the music industry, including EVP Business Affairs for Jay-Z’ Roc Nation Music Publishing. During her term, Roc Nation Publishing picked up a number of Grammy awards, including Song and Record of the Year and Best R&B Song. Conniff also launched two successful joint ventures in Nashville: Rhythm House with award-winning hit songwriter Jesse Frasure. Previous positions include COO of Artist Publishing Group and President of Music Services for Front Line Management/Ticketmaster. She started her career as a journalist and was the first female Editor-in-Chief at Billboard. Tamara holds a B.A. from Occidental College.
Yonas possesses a variety of music industry experience, amassed through outward-facing roles covering talent and business development, brand strategy and partner relations. As the Chief of Staff, he oversees GSM’s pipeline activity across all funds, and leads strategic marketing efforts for the fund portfolio. Prior roles include General Manager & Partner of MER Group, helping to develop flagship client Alan Walker to become one of the most popular EDM artists worldwide. Yonas holds a BA degree in Marketing Management from Norwegian School of Management and University of California, Berkeley. He was recognized as one of the Nordic Music Industry’s ‘Top 20 under 30’ by NOMEX.
AJ possesses a strong knowledge in music valuation, advising on both buy and sell-side catalog sales. He leads underwriting, investor relations and portfolio management across GoldState’s funds. AJ was previously a Principal at GoldState. Prior to GoldState, he was the Head of Strategy and Finance at Hitco Entertainment, a PE-backed contemporary music and entertainment company. Prior to Hitco, AJ was employed at Deutsche Bank in NYC in their Financial Sponsors Investment Banking group. He holds a B.S. and is an Honors Program graduate from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College.
Music industry professional with experience in marketing, artist relations, and social media strategy. Past experience includes a position as a marketing intern at Republic Records, where she supported album releases and promotional campaigns for artists. In addition, Lara has worked freelance on marketing strategy for musical productions and small business projects. She received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. Skilled in organization, social media, and bringing creative strategy to business settings. Based in New York City and eager to contribute to the evolving music and entertainment industry.
Ben Chaiken is an emerging technology specialist with expertise in music applications, artificial intelligence research, creative marketing, and strategic business development. As Manager of Research and Marketing at GoldState Music, he oversees the development and execution of qualitative research strategies for the underwriting and growth teams, leads creative and social marketing projects, and provides music & tech-driven insights for enterprise and rights opportunities. Before GoldState, Ben was a Private Equity Fellow at Brand Velocity Group, specializing in deal structuring, and worked in the strategy service line at Grant Thornton Public Sector. Ben holds a dual B.A. in International Relations and German from Colgate University.
Music Business professional specializing in royalties, copyright and licensing administration. As Royalty Manager, Melissa manages GoldState’s music investment catalogs’ royalty flow and analyzes royalty activity. Recently as the VP of Admin and Licensing at Opus Music Group, with prior roles as VP of Admin at eOne Music/MNRK and Director of Admin at Modern Works, Melissa managed the vast music catalogs of Juice WRLD, Maluma, Chuck Berry, Death Row, Bootsy Collins among many others and brings years of royalty and analytical experience to the GoldState team. She holds a B.A. in Music Business from Loyola University New Orleans.
Marketing specialist and copywriter with experience in brand messaging and digital communication. With a passion for storytelling and experience in content creation, Sophie has refined her skills in digital media by developing engaging content for a Philadelphia independent artist, including cover art, photography, and promotional materials. Driven by a passion for authentic and impactful storytelling, she is dedicated to crafting messages that resonate with audiences and create compelling brand identities. Graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
Finance professional with music valuation and strategy consulting experience. Anna is responsible for data ingestion, deal underwriting, and portfolio management within GoldState’s rights fund. Anna was previously an Associate at GoldState. Prior to working at GoldState, Anna was a music catalog valuation expert at FTI Consulting, performing dozens of valuations spanning individual publishing and masters’ catalogs, to some of the largest music portfolio transactions and securitizations in the industry to date. Anna graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in Finance.
Priyanka is the founding partner of Khimani & Associates, one of India’s leading entertainment and music law firms. She is considered to be one of the region’s foremost experts on music and intellectual property rights, representing a formidable roster of Indian and International stakeholders and talent. She was previously the founder and lead partner at Anand & Anand & Khimani and is currently an advisor to various global media companies.
Marketing professional and content creator with project management experience. Prior to GoldState, Justin served as the Manager of Social Media at music rights company AMR Songs, where he developed social media strategies for frontline and catalog artists and served as project manager for new releases for frontline artists. Justin brings a wealth of diverse experience to GoldState, having worked closely with music supervisors, coordinated influencer marketing campaigns at the music discovery platform Discz, and served clients as practice manager at Hyacinth Wealth within the LPL Financial network. Justin graduated from American University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business & Entertainment.
Ann Mincielli is one of the foremost recording engineers who has worked with generational music talents including Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Drake, Mariah Carey, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, and Whitney Houston. She is the owner of Jungle Studios in New York City and the Studio Director of the Sanctuary in the Bahamas. She is the winner of two GRAMMY awards and has received four total GRAMMY nominations. She was also featured in the Recording Academy’s “We Are Music” campaign in 2018 to showcase leading creators. Finally, Ann has previously partnered with Alicia Keys in ‘She Is the Music’, a non-profit organization to increase the number of women in the music industry.
Highly experienced financial and operating executive in the recorded music and music publishing fields. He most recently served as the General Manager of TouchTunes International Networks’ international business operations in London, leading the expansion into Europe and multiple negotiations that created the largest supplier of interactive music in public venues. Alan has an extensive knowledge of music licensing and distribution arrangements as well as recording artist and music publishing contracts. He also has deep experience with the underlying systems used to operate and comply with such agreements. Other prior roles include senior positions at Sony Music Entertainment and partner at Ernst & Young. Alan was educated at the University of Oxford, receiving a B.A. in History and is a qualified chartered accountant.
Finance professional with private equity and investment banking experience. Responsible for fundraising and deal underwriting for the Goldstate Growth fund. Previous experience as an investor at TPG Growth, investing in consumer tech, media & entertainment companies. Prior to her role at TPG, Lauren began her career in the investment banking division at Barclays. Lauren holds a B.S. from the Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management at Cornell University and an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
Zion is a reggaeton artist and one-half of the iconic duo Zion & Lennox. Known for hits like “Otra Vez” and “Embriágame,” Zion has helped shape the reggaeton genre, earning global success and recognition for his smooth vocals and catchy hooks.
Yelawolf is a rapper and songwriter blending Southern hip-hop with rock and country influences. Known for albums like Love Story and hits like “Till It’s Gone,” Yelawolf’s unique style has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following.
Troy Taylor is a Grammy-winning producer and songwriter known for his work with R&B legends like Trey Songz, Boyz II Men, and Whitney Houston. His smooth production style and keen ear for melody have made him a prominent figure in the R&B genre.
Travis Clark is a singer, songwriter, and producer best known as the frontman of the pop-rock band We The Kings. With hits like “Check Yes Juliet” and “Sad Song,” Clark has helped the band achieve platinum status and a dedicated fanbase while also writing and producing for other artists across genres, showcasing his versatility and passion for music creation.
Tony Brown is a legendary producer and pianist who has worked with country music icons like George Strait, Reba McEntire, and Vince Gill. With countless No.1 hits and awards to his name, Brown is a cornerstone of modern country music production.
The LACs are a country-rap duo blending Southern rock, country, and hip-hop influences. Known for tracks like “Kickin’ Up Mud” and “Dirt Road Dollars,” they have built a dedicated, cross-over fanbase.
Saltwives is a UK-based production and songwriting duo known for crafting hits for artists like Zayn Malik, Bebe Rexha, and Khalid. Their versatile approach to pop and R&B has made them sought-after collaborators in the music industry.
Periphery is a progressive metal band known for their technical precision and innovative sound. With albums like Juggernaut and Periphery IV: Hail Stan, the band has become a leading force in modern metal, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
Max Santos, also known as Max Agende, is a bassist and songwriter who played a pivotal role in the success of Aventura. His innovative approach to the bachata genre helped bring the style to a global audience, influencing a new generation of Latin artists.
Matt Squire is a prolific producer and songwriter who has worked with artists like Panic! At The Disco, All Time Low, and Ariana Grande. His signature sound bridges pop, rock, and emo, contributing to some of the most memorable tracks of the 2000s and 2010s.
Martin Johnson is a singer, songwriter, and producer who is best known as the frontman of Boys Like Girls. He has also written and produced for artists such as Taylor Swift and Avril Lavigne, blending his pop-punk roots with mainstream pop success.
John Feldmann is a producer, songwriter, and frontman of Goldfinger, renowned for his contributions to punk rock and pop-punk. He has worked with bands like Blink-182, Panic! At The Disco, and 5 Seconds of Summer, producing anthems that resonate with fans globally.
Jeff Trott is a songwriter and producer best known for his long-standing collaboration with Sheryl Crow, co-writing hits like “If It Makes You Happy” and “Everyday Is a Winding Road.” His work has earned Grammy nominations and cemented his place in pop and rock music.
Eric Valentine is a producer and engineer celebrated for his work on iconic albums by artists like Queens of the Stone Age, Smash Mouth, and Good Charlotte. Known for his innovative studio techniques, Valentine has left a significant mark on rock and pop production.
Eric Hudson is a Grammy-winning producer and songwriter known for his work with artists like Kanye West, John Legend, and Mary J. Blige. With a knack for blending soulful melodies and modern beats, Hudson has contributed to numerous chart-topping records across genres.
Drive-Thru Records is an iconic independent label credited with shaping the pop-punk scene of the early 2000s. Home to bands like New Found Glory and Dashboard Confessional, the label fostered a generation of artists that defined the emo and pop-punk era.
Christoph Andersson is a producer and songwriter known for his innovative electronic pop sound. He has collaborated with high-profile artists and contributed to chart-topping tracks with his unique blend of organic and electronic elements.
Chet Faker, the moniker of Australian musician Nick Murphy, gained fame with his soulful electronic sound, including the breakout hit “Talk Is Cheap.” His blend of downtempo beats and emotive vocals has earned critical acclaim, multiple ARIA awards, and millions of streams worldwide.
Brantley Gilbert is a country music artist celebrated for his blend of Southern rock and heartfelt lyrics. With hits like “Bottoms Up” and “One Hell of an Amen,” Gilbert has earned multiple No.1 singles on the Country charts and a passionate following. His music often reflects personal stories of resilience and celebration.
Emerging in the mid-2000s, All Time Low is a pop-punk band known for infectious hooks and energetic performances. With hits like “Dear Maria,” “Count Me In,” and “Weightless,” their vibrant live shows and relatable lyrics have made them a staple in the alternative rock scene, earning multiple Billboard 200 albums and a dedicated global fanbase.
Timeflies is an American pop duo formed by Rob Resnick and Cal Shapiro in 2010. Known for their unique blend of pop and electronic music, Timeflies gained fame with their debut album The Scotch Tape and their popular “Timeflies Tuesday” YouTube series. The duo’s singles like “I Choose U” and “Once in A While” have achieved significant commercial success, leading to sold-out tours and performances at major music festivals.
Alan Walker is an artist, DJ, and producer from Norway. Since his emergence onto the global music scene in 2017 with his breakthrough single “Faded,” Walker has become one of the biggest artist brands within the EDM genre, amassing over 50 billion global streams and more than 115 million followers across social media.