SoundExchange has appointment of Richard James Burgess, chief executive officer of A2IM (the American Association of Independent Music) to its Board of Directors.
Burgess, known for his background in the independent music community, brings experience as a businessman, artist manager, musician and producer to the SoundExchange board.
“I am thrilled to welcome Richard to the SoundExchange Board of Directors. His vast background and knowledge of the independent music community make him a strong ally for indie labels in the marketplace and on Capitol Hill. He is an asset to our organization, and his credentials in the independent music community distinguish him as true indie leader,” SoundExchange President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Huppe said.
“It is a great privilege to join the SoundExchange board during this incredible period of change in the music industry,” said Burgess.
“”The independent music sector is on the rise, and now more than ever independent artists and labels can reach and engage music fans worldwide through thousands of digital music services.
“SoundExchange is an exciting bright spot in the industry, and incredibly important to our community. I am excited to work with such an outstanding group of individuals who are committed advocates for recording artists and rights owners. Together, we have the potential to truly shape the future of music.”
Burgess will fill the position previously held by Molly Neuman.
The SoundExchange Board of Directors is comprised of 18 individuals, split evenly between artist representatives and label representatives, serving virtually all aspects of the recorded music industry.
Prior to his role as CEO at A2IM, Burgess served for 14 years as the associate director for business strategies at Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, one of the nation’s oldest and most successful independent music labels.
A2IM is a non-profit trade organization representing a broad coalition of over 382 independently owned U.S. music labels.
Most recently, Burgess led the business strategies of the non-profit Smithsonian Folkways Recordings in Washington, D.C.
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