Dave Rocco is the Executive Vice President of Creative at Universal Music Group. He is responsible for creating innovative strategies and campaigns that leverage the company’s scale and resources to uniquely enhance the global reach of its artists, labels, and brands. Additionally, Dave develops creative narratives to advance the company’s biggest artists and music projects. Prior to UMG, he served as Spotify’s Global Head of Artist and Label Marketing. While there he developed successful campaigns to connect artists with their audiences around the world. Furthermore, Dave has championed initiatives such as Spotify’s Pride Campaign, Black History, No Moment for Silence, and One Love Manchester.
So, how do you say “Fresh” in Albanian?
NJOMZA (pronounced NEE-YOHM-ZA) is one way…
On so many levels, it makes perfect sense that NJOMZA’s name translates to “Fresh.” Sporting bright ever-changing neon hair, dressing like a character out of Kill Bill, and crafting music that dips in and out smoked-out space age soul, high fashion R&B, and even a little psychedelic spirit, the Kosovan songstress consistently positions herself a step or two ahead of the Zeitgeist.
From the city of Chicago, Kidd Kenn discovered an unparalleled joy for performance at an early age. His viral freestyle videos gained him local notoriety and an influx of fans online. With the mission of encouraging young people to be comfortable in their own skin, Kidd Kenn addresses those topics with a passion and hunger that cannot be denied. Now sixteen years old, he continues to grow his career with new music coming very soon.
Tina Bright currently serves as the Head of Recruitment for Universal Music Group where she leads recruitment efforts across the U.S. while providing global supports. She is an experienced talent leader and strategist, focused on developing innovative practices that are effective in today’s recruitment landscape. As an advocate for progressive workforce practices, she is focused on attracting top talent that is inclusive and reflective of the artists we serve. Prior to joining UMG she built a successful talent function from the ground up at a national non-profit and was the Recruiting Manager for AIDS LifeCycle during their 10th year anniversary ride where she broke record numbers for fundraising as an employee of the LA Gay and Lesbian Center.
Asiahn—pronounced “Ahh-zee-yahn”—breaks every mold. The three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer and songwriter defies classification both personally and creatively. The Charleston-raised and Los Angeles-based songstress brings an empowered female perspective, positive mindset, and a whole lot of raw attitude to simmering throwback R&B with soul to spare.
Eric Alexander recently joined Universal Music Group as a VP of Marketing on the Global Marketing Team. Prior to this role he helped to create the Artist Marketing team at Spotify, working both as the Head of North America and the lead across all Universal Music Group artist and label relations. He is responsible for some of the companies most innovative Artist Marketing campaigns including work with Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Drake and Shawn Mendes. He also worked on initiatives at Spotify including Pride and “I’m With The Banned.”
Robin Hopkins is a co-host of the podcast If These Ovaries Could Talk and the author of a forthcoming book by the same title (Spring 2020). She is also an actor, playwright, and producer who began her career as a stand-up comic in New York City. She is a frequent contributor to Medium and Huff Po with essays featured in the Parents and Queer Voices sections. Robin is also an accomplished playwright. Her one-woman show, In Search of Tulla Berman, debuted to sold-out crowds in San Francisco and enjoyed subsequent runs in Winnipeg, Canada, the Pelican Theatre in New York City, and ended with a month-long run at the Ars Nova Theatre.
The It Gets Better Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe. Growing up isn’t easy, especially when you are trying to affirm and assert your sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It can be a challenging and isolating process – but, the good news is, no one has to do it alone
