UK’s Dune hires Chief Working Officer and Head of Artist Providers amid $2.6m Collection A spherical
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 staff.
Thom Brunner has been appointed Chief Working Officer, and Max Crowther has been named Head of Artist Providers, each efficient instantly.
The hires arrive as Dune nears completion of a GBP £2 million (USD $2.6 million) Collection 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 each day based mostly on their streaming information”.
Followers additionally obtain unique advantages from artists and may commerce their stakes by means of the platform, with artists receiving revenue and helpful fan insights from any stakes bought, accordign to the corporate.
In his new function as Chief Working Officer, Brunner will oversee day-to-day operations, strategic planning, enterprise improvement, artist and business partnerships, and the execution of Dune’s rollout technique.
The exec relies 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 improvement. As a associate 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 Pals Administration, managing artists reminiscent of 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 function of Head of Artist Providers, reporting on to Brunner. He’ll oversee the complete artist-support ecosystem for the Dune App, from preliminary outreach and onboarding by means of to the launch and activation of artist ‘stakes’.
His remit consists of constructing and sustaining Dune’s CRM and monitoring programs, managing belongings and communications, growing workflows, and offering direct steerage to artists to assist them maximise their expertise on the platform. As well as, he’ll lead strategic course throughout A&R and street-team initiatives.
Crowther started his profession in reside music, programming and venue operations, growing deep experience in stage administration, artist liaison, occasion coordination and the broader operational processes that help artists.
He later based Clampdown Promotion, working with artists, venues and artistic groups on programming, touring technique, improvement and system design expertise.
“From the very starting, I felt fully aligned with the Dune staff 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 staff in our ardour and imaginative and prescient for the place this enterprise can go. Too many artists are struggling in in the present day’s music panorama, and I really consider that we now have the ability to make an actual and vital influence, which is why I didn’t hesitate to just accept this chance,” mentioned Brunner.
Co-CEO Paul Knowles added: “We first met Thom to debate an artist he was working with, however had been instantly struck by his power, perception, and collaborative spirit. It was clear from that first assembly that he was somebody we wished 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 progress, and we’re delighted to have him be a part of us on this journey.”
“The extra time I spend with the staff 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 staff 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 form of work I’ve at all times gravitated towards, supporting artists, constructing construction round creativity, and creating programs that really assist folks thrive.
“Having the ability to step into this function 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 popularity for delivering high-end, numerous occasions.”
Paul Bowe, Dune
Co-CEO Paul Bowe, mentioned: “Max is an exceptional music enterprise expertise. His work with Clampdown Promotions in Manchester has gained his firm a popularity for delivering high-end, numerous occasions.
“His eye for locating rising expertise is phenomenal, and his potential to function our core administration while liaising with established artists, administration and the broader staff has been nothing wanting distinctive. We’re proud to have Max with us on this journey.”
Music Enterprise Worldwide
