FADER Label is marking its most triumphant year to date by affirming a new path forward with new hires and promotions within the staff, continuing to build upon the groundbreaking legacy of artist development and equity that has fueled the New York City-based independent label for nearly two decades. Co-founded in 2002 by Jon Cohen and Rob Stone, FADER Label has long been defined for its trailblazing passion for cultural discovery and creative backing, with a dynamic, forward-thinking focus on strategic marketing, A&R, publicity, street team marketing, digital marketing and social media support that allows its artists to maximize exposure while never losing sight of their artistic endeavors.
Driven by an extraordinarily diverse roster that includes RIAA platinum-certified singer-songwriter Clairo, self-made pop superstar Slayyyter who just cracked the Billboard Top 100 last week, actor-turned-accidental-rapper binki who has enchanted over 1M monthly Spotify listeners, multi-million-streaming NYC duo Lewis Del Mar, and iconic indie-dance band Matt and Kim, FADER Label has achieved a number of substantial and commercial milestones in recent years, including a remarkable 75% overall growth across all streaming platforms between 2019 and 2020. In addition, FADER Label artists have performed on a variety of late-night and early morning television shows, as well as landed syncs in films, TV shows, video games and commercials for brands including Nike, Acura, Mitsubishi, Verizon, FIFA, and Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto, among many others.
2021 looks even brighter with the recent release of Clairo’s blockbuster second studio album, Sling. Hailed by Variety’s Jem Aswad as a “vintage pop triumph,” the album entered Billboard’s “Top Alternative Albums’ Chart at #1 and the overall Billboard 200 at #17 – Clairo’s highest-charting release thus far. Clairo – who heralded Sling with a spectacular live performance of the album’s first single, “Blouse,” on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and was recently featured on the covers of both Rolling Stone and NME – will celebrate with a major North American headline tour, set for 2022.
Furthermore, Slayyyter’s eagerly anticipated debut album, Troubled Paradise, dropped in June 2021 and was fast met by critical applause and high profile media attention including a cover appearance on Gay Times and prestigious placement on the Spotify billboard in New York City’s Times Square. Widely acclaimed for her bold sound and idiosyncratic style, Slayyyter – who sold out her first headlining tour without having even performed live before – will embark on a long-awaited world headline tour in 2022.
Among FADER Label’s many other recent successes, PA-born, BKLYN-based rapper binki saw his easy to love single, “Heybb!,” featured in Apple’s iPad Air 2020 reveal and worldwide ad campaign and just released his debut EP MOTOR FUNCTION, which received praise from the likes of Matt Wilkinson, Dazed, NME, & more.
Future plans for FADER Label include an array of new signings while continuing to develop rising artists like binki, James Ivy, Zachary Knowles, Charlie Burg, ella jane, Kristiane, Jaebanzz, and Super Duper as they record and release singular work all their own.
FADER Label has also announced a number of new appointments which will further guide the label in the months and years going forward. Veteran manager, A&R, and writer Matt Colwell has been named Director of A&R, and longtime member of The FADER editorial team Salvatore Maicki has been named Creative Content Manager.
– Jon Cohen, Co-Founder/CEO of FADER Label
It’s been a great period of growth for FADER Label and we continue to invest in giving our artists’ the best possible resources. The addition of Sal and Matt to the FADER Label team has enabled us to raise the level of artist development we offer. On the A&R side, Matt brings a strong background as a manager to help us develop our overall A&R vision. Matt has been essential in helping our artists navigate the recording process and find the right producers, co-writers and resources to make incredible music. On the creative side, Sal is the perfect partner to help our artists execute their creative vision and develop the best visuals, videos, photography and messaging to support their music.”
Matt Colwell began his music industry career writing about local shows and up-and-coming artists in his own Washington DC-area blog, later contributing as a freelance writer to such notable outlets as Pigeons & Planes. He next joined EQT, where he worked on publicity campaigns for artists including GoldLink and Kali Uchis. Colwell relocated to Los Angeles in 2015 where he did A&R at Alex Da Kid’s label KIDinaKORNER label before taking positions at boutique management outfits UP Management and Ozone Entertainment. In 2019, Colwell founded In Real Time management, now with a roster that includes Zack Villere, altopalo, and Cooper Holzman. As FADER Label Director of A&R, Colwell will work to develop such diverse artists as binki, Lewis Del Mar, Kristiane, James Ivy, and latest signee Chloe George, helping creatives tell their stories and empowering musicians to move culture forward through their art.
“The 14-year old version of me that was incessantly refreshing The FADER in my bedroom to read about the latest Drake freestyle SoundCloud drop would not have believed that one day I’d be working for that very company,” says Colwell. “I’m elated to get to learn from some of the best and most forward thinking people in music and continue to try to do my part to push culture forward through incredible music. I can’t wait to continue to build upon FADER’s rich 20+ year history alongside people that share my values of art and artists always being the most important part of this business.”
Salvatore Maicki first joined The FADER in early 2018 following stints at Complex, i-D, and NPR’s Tiny Desk. As a member of the editorial team, he reported on industry news, curated the weekly “Songs You Need In Your Life” column, and profiled countless noteworthy artists including Charli XCX, Thundercat, The 1975, Big Thief, Sufjan Stevens, and Erika de Casier. In 2021, Maicki helped launch “The FADER Interview” podcast as an associate producer and co-host, interviewing such guests as Shygirl, Kero Kero Bonito, and Rostam. Maicki will continue to bring his discerning eye and pragmatism to FADER Label as Creative Content Manager.
“Throughout my time in editorial, I always felt the most compelled by the artists who approached their work from a holistic perspective, who approached the visual components of their music with as much intention as the audible,” Maicki says. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to work with each of FADER Label’s artists to ensure their visions are fully realized.”
In addition, Yasmine Panah has been named Senior Marketing Manager and Josh Hymowitz named as Project Manager.
“Couldn’t be happier to announce the promotions of Yasmine Panah and Josh Hymowitz to Senior Marketing Manager and Project Manager,” says FADER Label General Manager Carson Oberg. “Yasmine has shown what it takes to develop unique marketing strategies to stray from the norm and to constantly push the boundaries of the traditional music campaign. She has run point the past couple years on Lewis Del Mar to Slayyyter to breaking acts binki, Zachary Knowles, Kristiane, and ella jane. Yasmine will be a household name in the industry as one of the smartest, driven, and personable people. As my first hire at FADER Label, Josh has shown the willingness to learn and lead the charge on unique digital campaigns, highlighting new initiatives that go against the grain that have helped differentiate our artists. He will be running point on Shallou, James Ivy, and Jiubel.”
Yasmine Panah started her career at Cult Records, the indie label imprint of Julian Casablancas of The Strokes. She next joined marketing and creative agency WMA, where she spent several years working with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Feist, and Danger Mouse’s 30th Century Records, as well as a variety of independent artists. Panah expanded her branding repertoire by joining Billboard’s Brand Partnerships team, devising experiential and content programs across events like the Billboard Music Awards, Billboard Women in Music and more. As Senior Marketing Manager at FADER Label, Panah will lead all marketing campaigns across the roster, with a focus on artist development, working closely with managers and artists to create dynamic marketing campaigns in an ever-changing landscape.
“It’s a huge honor to work with the FADER Label team as Senior Project Manager to help our artists establish long lasting careers,” says Panah. “We’re building something that we’re all really proud of, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our roster.”
Josh Hymowitz first began DJing in high school, organizing, promoting, and performing at his own events. He later joined the Dance/Electronic Music Programming department at Sirius XM, assisting with production of live interviews and guest mixes, music selection, and festival coverage at EDC Vegas and others. Hymowitz took a DJ residency at Opium Barcelona before rejoining Sirius XM as part of their Promotions and Event Marketing team, and later, Universal Music Group’s UMG Content department. Hymowitz joined FADER Label in 2019 where, as newly appointed Project Manager, he aids the team in all marketing and creative efforts roster-wide, specializing in the digital aspects of all releases. Additionally, he spearheads campaigns for artist projects such as Shallou, Jaebanzz, and James Ivy, doubling as a day-to-day manager for FADER’s artist management arm, and curating their monthly Industry Newsletter.
“It’s an honor to be part of what the FADER Label team has built,” says Hymowitz. “When I started in 2019, Jon and Carson came to me with their vision for what the label could be, and I’m happy to say that we’ve well surpassed their initial expectations. As Project Manager, I’m excited to take the lead on release campaigns for the next wave in music, with a focus on utilizing new strategies to navigate the digital landscape. We’re working with some of the most cutting edge artist teams in the business, and it’s exactly where I need to be right now.”
About The FADER
Launched in 1999 and founded by Rob Stone and Jon Cohen, The FADER has built its reputation on staying ahead of the curve, evolving into the award-winning music, style, and culture media agency it’s known as today. FADER Label follows that same innovative ethos, nurturing organic development for tomorrow’s top-talent. Focusing on young artists with a strong sense of identity, FADER Label leverages deep industry relationships and limitless creative resources to maximize their potential. A sense of agency extends to the label’s deal structures, which prioritize artist equity. With over two decades of experience breaking talent, FADER Label is redefining artist development for a modern era.
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