Dune, a Manchester, UK-based startup that lets music followers purchase tradable stakes in artists based mostly on streaming efficiency, has made two key additions to its management group.
Thom Brunner has been appointed Chief Working Officer, and Max Crowther has been named Head of Artist Companies, each efficient instantly.
The hires arrive as Dune nears completion of a GBP £2 million (USD $2.6 million) Sequence A funding spherical, getting ready for its official launch.
Dune, based by music entrepreneurs Paul Knowles and Paul Bowe, is described as an “app-based engagement platform enabling music followers to purchase a ‘stake’ of their favorite artists”, which then fluctuates in worth day by day based mostly on their streaming information”.
Followers additionally obtain unique advantages from artists and might commerce their stakes via the platform, with artists receiving revenue and invaluable fan insights from any stakes bought, accordign to the corporate.
In his new position as Chief Working Officer, Brunner will oversee day-to-day operations, strategic planning, enterprise growth, artist and business partnerships, and the execution of Dune’s rollout technique.
The exec is predicated in London and reporting to Dune’s co-CEOs Paul Knowles and Paul Bowe.
Brunner brings expertise throughout music advertising and marketing, artist relations and artistic growth. As a companion at broadcast PR company Sassy Media, he spent over 15 years delivering high-profile campaigns for artists together with Paloma Religion, Craig David, Muse, Jennifer Lopez and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, working throughout all main labels in addition to quite a few independents.
He additionally based Electrical Mates Administration, managing artists corresponding to Phoebe Inexperienced and Swiss Lips. He started his profession within the advertising and marketing division at Warner Music, engaged on campaigns for Biffy Clyro, The Wombats, Marina and the Diamonds and Pendulum.
In Manchester, Max Crowther steps into the newly outlined position of Head of Artist Companies, reporting on to Brunner. He’ll oversee the total artist-support ecosystem for the Dune App, from preliminary outreach and onboarding via to the launch and activation of artist ‘stakes’.
His remit consists of constructing and sustaining Dune’s CRM and monitoring techniques, managing property and communications, creating workflows, and offering direct steerage to artists to assist them maximise their expertise on the platform. As well as, he’ll lead strategic path throughout A&R and street-team initiatives.
Crowther started his profession in stay music, programming and venue operations, creating deep experience in stage administration, artist liaison, occasion coordination and the broader operational processes that assist artists.
He later based Clampdown Promotion, working with artists, venues and artistic groups on programming, touring technique, growth and system design expertise.
“From the very starting, I felt fully aligned with the Dune group in our ardour and imaginative and prescient for the place this enterprise can go.”
Thom Brunner
“From the very starting, I felt fully aligned with the Dune group in our ardour and imaginative and prescient for the place this enterprise can go. Too many artists are struggling in right now’s music panorama, and I actually consider that now we have the ability to make an actual and vital influence, which is why I didn’t hesitate to simply accept this chance,” stated Brunner.
Co-CEO Paul Knowles added: “We first met Thom to debate an artist he was working with, however have been instantly struck by his power, perception, and collaborative spirit. It was clear from that first assembly that he was somebody we needed to work with.
“So, when he later expressed real curiosity in being a part of what we’re constructing at Dune, the timing couldn’t have been higher. Thom’s expertise and expertise are precisely what we want at this pivotal stage of our development, and we’re delighted to have him be part of us on this journey.”
“The extra time I spend with the group at Dune, the extra I’m struck by how clearly it solutions actual issues for artists.”
Max Crowther
Crowther added: “The extra time I spend with the group at Dune, the extra I’m struck by how clearly it solutions actual issues for artists. The imaginative and prescient behind it aligns completely with the type of work I’ve at all times gravitated towards, supporting artists, constructing construction round creativity, and creating techniques that truly assist folks thrive.
“With the ability to step into this position and contribute to one thing with this a lot potential feels genuinely inspiring, and I’m excited to assist form the place Dune goes subsequent!”
“Max is an exceptional music enterprise expertise. His work with Clampdown Promotions in Manchester has gained his firm a fame for delivering high-end, numerous occasions.”
Paul Bowe, Dune
Co-CEO Paul Bowe, stated: “Max is an exceptional music enterprise expertise. His work with Clampdown Promotions in Manchester has gained his firm a fame for delivering high-end, numerous occasions.
“His eye for locating rising expertise is phenomenal, and his means to function our core administration while liaising with established artists, administration and the broader group has been nothing wanting distinctive. We’re proud to have Max with us on this journey.”
Music Enterprise Worldwide
