The Music+Sound Awards Talk To: MassiveMusic's Dave Curtin
Dave Curtin is the VP, strategic partnerships at MassiveMusic, part of Songtradr Group. A college side-hustle as a club DJ and concert promoter planted the seeds for Dave’s wide-ranging career which spans music licensing, branded content, strategic partnerships and soundtrack development. Dave moves seamlessly between artists and brands whether pairing Imagine Dragons with Disney’s Ralph Breaks the Internet or developing music integrations for clients such as Toyota, Levi’s, EA Sports or Apple. Prior to joining Songtradr, Dave was the SVP of Licensing & Branded Content at Paradigm Talent Agency, where he also established the Sync & Score department. Let’s hear more…
MASA> Can you tell us a bit about how you got your break into the industry and how your career has progressed to where you are today?
Dave> I never really had a ‘break’ per se, but actually have always created opportunities for myself. And that does hold true in terms of how my career has progressed… Say yes, and figure it out.
MASA> You joined Songtradr in April 2020 as VP of Strategic Partnerships. Can you tell us all about the role? And how has the department evolved since you joined?
Dave> Sure, essentially the remit was to build out a holistic plan on how we approach, evangelise, and pitch emerging artists on the Songtradr platform. Then create marketing messaging per vertical. The department has been through some changes for sure, obviously as it relates to the pandemic and being about to shift focus. Since acquiring MassiveMusic a year ago, I have been integrated into that team helping to drive impact and revenue.
MASA> Can you tell us what you’re working on currently?
Dave> Some projects are confidential, but recent executions include - commercial music licences for Chevy for a TikTok campaign and a really compelling :30 TV spot for Dell and their Alienware. Fantastic music and visuals.
MASA> What about a recent project you’re particularly proud of?
Dave> In Q4 I worked on something a little outside the box helping the Genesis car brand curate a music experience, and play-listing for their Genesis House in the meatpacking district NYC. Complete team effort here, as with all executions.
MASA> What do you think are the most important aspects of outstanding music in the media?
Dave> When the music helps tell the story and / or elevates it…
MASA> How do you determine the best partnership match for a client?
Dave> Kind of the same answer when looking for a song, artist, composer… the music content should elevate the client’s content.
MASA> How do you think a competition like The Music+Sound Awards impacts the industry?
Dave> I always think it’s a healthy environment when work can be appreciated by your peers. I also think it’s an opportunity to showcase your best work and expose yourself to future partners/clients and collaborators…
MASA> And lastly, what will you be looking for when judging? What makes a piece of work worthy of a Music+Sound Award?
Dave> Something unexpected seems to make me look and listen twice.
MASA> Thank you so much for your time here Dave. Great insights.
Find out more about Dave’s work and MassiveMusic HERE
Enter the Music+Sound Awards HERE
Music+Sound Awards info
🏆 Enter by 29th June
🏆 Eligibility Window: July 1st 2021 to June 30th 2022
🏆 Best Composition, Sound Design, Sync, Re-Record + Production Music Categories
