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YMU Hires In UK & U.S.
YMU announced the appointment of Matt Rowsell to the position of artist manager in London, UK, as well as the appointment of Elena Awbrey to the position of executive manager in Los Angeles.
Awbrey, whose appointment is effective immediately, will report to Anthony Rodol, managing director YMU Music U.S., and Matt Colon, global president, YMU Music.
Before joining YMU, Awbrey was an independent artist manager. She started her music career in the touring department at Live Nation’s LA headquarters and transitioned to management working with Motley Crüe, indie band Nico Vega, and then developing acclaimed rock band Mannequin Pussy.
After joining Atom Factory, she worked with R&B superstar Miguel, who she represented through his Grammy nominated albums Wildheart and War & Leisure, and his “Skywalker” radio campaign. She also oversaw his sold-out U.S. and European headline and festival runs, as well as his appearance at the 2018 Oscars. She continued working with Miguel during stints at Career Artist Management and then Roc Nation.
Awbrey also guided the career of rapper Chika, which resulted in her being selected as a 2020 XXL Freshman and being Grammy nominated for Best New Artist. During this time Awbrey struck out on her own and founded the management company Moonshot Artist Management and was highlighted by Billboard as a 2020 Changemaker for her work with artists Chika, Lauren Jauregui, Kilo Kish, and others.
Two artists that she currently represents, Empress Of and Pamé, will join her at YMU Music.
See: YMU Promotes Anthony Rodol To Managing Director, U.S. Music
YMU Music U.S. MD Anthony Rodol, commented, “We are thrilled that Elena has joined the YMU family. She is an incredibly talented music executive with a wealth of experience and knowledge that will undoubtedly help us as we continue to grow”.
Awbrey said, “I’m excited to be joining the team at YMU and partnering with them to develop a diverse roster of talent. YMU’s commitment to building the global management company of the future is something I look forward to being a part of!”
Matt Rowsell’s appointment in London is effective immediately, too. He will report directly to Chris Dempsey, U.K. MD of the international artist management company.
Rowsell has worked in the music industry since 2004, starting his career as an assistant promoter at the Barfly group in York. His first foray into artist management was with acclaimed rock band We Are The Ocean, followed by Capitol Records signing Eliza and the Bear, who have enjoyed a successful decade-long career to date.
In 2019 Matt discovered Lauran Hibberd who recently signed to Virgin Music and has her debut album coming out later this year.
Dempsey said, “Matt has a brilliant reputation as an independent artist manager who always goes above and beyond for the artists he represents. He has an excellent ear for new talent and understands how to help artists reach audiences and maximise their potential. We’re delighted to welcome him to the YMU team.”
Rowsell said, “I’m excited to be at YMU and to be working with Chris and the amazing team here. Having been independent for so long it’s nice to have others to bounce ideas off and to continue my learning in what is an ever changing industry.”