US-based independent distributor, label and music publisher EMPIRE has announced two key new hirings.
Amir Abbassy (pictured right) joins the company as Head of Content Development & Production, while Peter Kadin (pictured left) arrives as VP of Marketing.
EMPIRE founder and CEO Ghazi Shami has hired Abbassy to drive Empire’s in-house content development and the production of original programming, leveraging EMPIRE’s roster of artists and catalog of music.
Kadin, an experienced publicist and strategic marketer, has been tasked with overseeing the development and execution of marketing and PR campaigns for EMPIRE artists.
Abbassy, an influential media voice in US hip-hop circles, was an early employee at All Def Digital, where he led creative direction for content and programming. While at All Def, Abbassy created Webby Award-winning series such as “ARTS & RAPS,” and “THE SIGNAL,” now in its fourth season. In 2017, Abbassy also conceived developed and sold, “TRAFFIC JAMS,” one of the first premium episodic series ever to air on Spotify.
Kadin joins the EMPIRE team after launching his own public relations and marketing consulting agency in San Francisco, working with artists, brands and creatives such as Stevie Wonder, sports and culture hub Bleacher Report and hip-hop stars Jeezy and 2 Chainz.
Prior to starting his agency, Kadin was Sr. Director of Media & Artist Relations at Def Jam Recordings in New York City, where he spearheaded campaigns for the likes of Logic and Pusha T.
“I’ve known Amir and Peter for years and their reputation in the industry preceded them. Adding them to the team was not only a natural fit, but strategically expands our scope and capabilities as a company,” said Nima Etminan, VP of Operations at EMPIRE.
“They have both shown an ability to push boundaries in their respective fields and will be an integral part of bringing our dynamic roster of artists to a global audience.”
Said Abbassy: “I have spent my career championing independent and established artists, especially through leveraging new technologies, social media and video content. There couldn’t be a more dynamic player in the market to partner with than EMPIRE.
“I have known and respected Ghazi and Nima for years and watched them build EMPIRE brick by brick into one of the leading, wholly independent music companies. I’m excited to have the opportunity to create original series and longer form content featuring the most dynamic artists in the world, and giving those artists the massive infrastructure, support and reach of EMPIRE. All ideas and creative directors, writers and talent are welcome as we open our new studio in downtown San Francisco.”
Added Kadin: “I’m thrilled to join the bold and innovative team at EMPIRE. EMPIRE has a keen sensibility for artist discovery and growth beginning at the earliest, most exciting phase of an artist’s career, and it couples that with the foresight to capitalize on future trends in the music industry and in culture as a whole.”
San Fran-born EMPIRE has played a key role in launching the careers of artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, DRAM and Anderson .Paak.
The company has recently released hit music from Tyga, Lil Duval, and XXXTentacion, and will issue upcoming releases from recent signings Iggy Azalea and Robin Thicke.Music Business Worldwide
