Thomas McDonough
Thomas McDonough: A Symphony of Success
A Detroit native, Thomas McDonough has spent the past thirty years orchestrating his symphony of success in the music industry. His journey, originating in the heart of Detroit and expanding to the international arena, is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his steadfast commitment to fostering talent.
In his early career, McDonough was deeply ingrained in the pulsating music scene of Detroit, cutting his teeth at WROM Radio Detroit. Here, he refined his broadcasting and music management skills, recognizing the potency of radio as a platform for artists and the significance of curating content that echoes with its audience.
Transitioning from WROM, McDonough delved into the world of record labels with RL Recordings. His tenure there was marked by successful artist partnerships and chart-topping hits, a testament to his innate talent-spotting ability and effective management skills. This phase of his career solidified McDonough's standing as an influential figure in the music industry.
Currently, McDonough is a leading executive at MI5 Recordings, a division of the colossal Universal Music Group. His role extends beyond talent discovery and nurturing; he also crafts strategic initiatives to help artists realize their full potential. His visionary leadership has propelled numerous successful artist campaigns, enhancing MI5 Recordings' prestige within the music industry.
In addition, McDonough contributes at Creek Music Group and shares his vast industry knowledge through Music Addict, offering guidance to budding artists and fellow music enthusiasts.
Thomas McDonough's lifelong dedication to music has left an irreplaceable legacy in the industry. His passion for unearthing new talent, his deep understanding of music production, and his strategic business acumen continue to inspire and influence artists and music lovers globally. His musical journey continues to unfold, promising more thrilling chapters in the future.
Marcus Taylor
Marcus Taylor: Harmonizing Creativity and Collaboration
Born in Spokane, Washington, Marcus Anthony Taylor had music in his veins from a young age. His family moved to Chicago during his early years, a city where his love for music flourished. Marcus' musical repertoire is diverse, with proficiency in the guitar, piano, keyboard, Native American flute, and violin. His uncle, Kenny Wells, a renowned Chicago musician, songwriter, and producer, also played a significant role in shaping his musical journey.
Marcus is a firm believer in the power of collaboration. He envisions a creative space where artists, producers, and engineers harmonize their talents. Recognizing the absence of such a space for young talents in Chicago during his high school years, Marcus pledged to bridge this gap. He actualized this vision in 2011 by opening The Island Recording Studios at Goose Island in Chicago.
In addition to managing The Island, Marcus also led Ashro Records for nearly a decade. He possesses a deep understanding of the music business, artist cultivation, and the intricacies of Chicago's vibrant music scene. The Island serves as a hub for young artists, producers, writers, and engineers, allowing them to exchange ideas and network with established professionals during its weekly Music Mondays.
Over his three-decade-long career, Marcus has collaborated with artists across various genres, including Lemmie Battles, Ann Nesby, Malcom Jamal Warner, Chris Poland, YC, and John Monopoly.
Marcus is driven by the philosophy that one's legacy is defined by what they impart to others. He believes in breaking the silence of studios to let creativity thrive.
Mark Kassa
Mark Kassa is a Grammy Awards voting member and a multi-award-winning guitarist and producer based in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Musicians Institute Music College in Hollywood, California and has been named “Guitar Player of the Year” by a UK’s Prestige Awards Publication for 2023/2024. His band Slight Return®, which he founded in 1995, was named “Band of the Year” for 2022/2023 and Mark has been featured on the cover of the publication for consecutive years. He has had over 20 songs on the first round Grammy Awards ballot and 2 songs on the first round Latin Grammy Ballot. He has produced, written, performed live, and recorded over a dozen Slight Return® albums with numerous well-known musicians across different genres, including George Clinton (Parliament/Funkadelic) , Billy Cox (Jimi Hendrix), Dennis Coffey (Motown Funk Bros), Peter Keys (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Tony Green (Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre) , Tony Lindsay (11x Grammy Award Winner), Andy Vargas (Santana), legendary drummer Dennis Chambers (P-Funk, Santana, Steely Dan) , Derek St Holmes (Ted Nugent), Norwood Fisher (Fishbone), Juma Sultan (Jimi Hendrix/Woodstock) , Davey Pattison (Robin Trower), Pete Thompson (Robert Plant), Kenny Olson (Kid Rock, Band of Gypsys Returns), Glenn Letsch (Ronnie Montrose) , Lance Lopez (Supersonic Blues Machine/Buddy Miles), Jim McCarty (Buddy Miles Experss/Cactus/Mitch Ryder/The Rockets), Victor Ghannam (National Arab Orchestra), renowned Seattle producers Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden) and Chris Hanzsek (Deep Six Album) ,producer Jim Diamond (Jack White/White Stripes), Henri Brown (Experience Hendrix Tour), The Woodward Horns , and others.
Mark is a District Advocate for the Recording Academy (Grammy Awards) representing the State of Michigan and has been a Grammy in the Schools Music and Grammy U Music Mentor several times. He is endorsed by the Shin-ei Univibe Company alongside greats like Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Doyle Bramhall II, is the co-founder of Axis Music Academy, has been the featured artist at many seminars and clinics, including a masterclass at the Detroit Institute of Music Education, and has had 4 songs in the DRT Global Charts. He has been featured in several publications/Television shows including the Fox 2 Detroit, WWJ Radio, WLLZ Radio, WCSX Radio, Las Vegas-Unphiltered Radio, The Mitch Albom Show, UK‘s Prestige Awards , The Jimi Hendrix Management Institute, Blabbermouth.net, Billboard’s Grammy Preview Edition, Dbusiness Magazine, The Aluminator, Metal Shock (Finland), SF Bands, The Chaldean News, The Bottom Line and more. His music has been highlighted in several pro sports arenas/radio and tv programs including “France’s Got Talent”, the “Go Big Show”, the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Tigers and University of Detroit.
Mark’s band Slight Return® has played live shows with many national acts, including CCR, Tesla, Grand Funk Railroad, Gin Blossoms, Robin Trower, Huey Lewis, Queensryche, The Rockets, John Waite, Sponge, George Clinton, Morris Day and the Time, Derek St Holmes, Bumblefoot, Mitch Ryder, Sponge, Eddie Money, Rare Earth and others at venues such as The Pine Knob Music Amphitheater, Freedom Hill Amphitheater, Sound Board Theater, Jimmy John’s Stadium, Newport Music Hall, Kalamazoo State Theater, The Laz-Y-Boy Theater, Henry Ford Museum, Orbit Room, Lexington Theater, Comcast Concert TV, The Mitch Albom Show, Motor City Casino, MGM Casino, DePaul University, Michael Guido Theater, and numerous festivals.
Mark has leadership skills and has been the musical director and house band for the “For Love of Buddy Miles” (19 musician) concert that featured top national touring musicians including Derek St Holmes, Peter Keys, Kenny Olson, Tony Lindsay, Juma Sultan, Henri Brown, Jim McCarty, Dennis Chambers and a host of others along with a 4pc horn section. He was also the music director and house band for Tucker Carlson’s Michigan appearance at Jimmy John’s Stadium, the Associated Food Dealers, the Chaldean Festival, the DMAN Foundation and America’s Safety First.
He is the Chairman of the Advisory Board for Middle Eastern America Television (MEA TV) , The Healing Arts of the Little Flower and is an Executive Board Member of the DMAN Foundation, Salute Our Warriors, America Safety First, Folktellers Studios , Creek Music Group, and is a Fellow for the Royal Society of Arts in London, UK. His past leadership roles include: Board Member of the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce, Music Director for the Associated Food Dealers of Michigan, and Chairman of the Chaldean Festival. He is also the creator, writer and host of his TV Show “Welcome to the D”, and owns Federally Registered Trademarks in 14 categories with a full line of music and apparel attached to the brands.
Mark is extensively involved in charitable work and philanthropy and has volunteered and donated his time and financial support to many charitable including: The DMAN Foundation, Fallen & Wounded Soldiers Fund, Grace Centers of Hope for Women and Children, United Youth 2000, St. Dominic’s, St. Aloysius, St. Fabian, Chaldean Ladies of Charity, Adopt a Refugee, Walk for the Cure, Forgotten Harvest, High Five Turkey Drive, Relay for Life, Horace Sheffield III – Sheffield Food Pantry- Detroit, MI, St. Vincent De Paul, Detroit Catholic Central, The Kim Center, Cass Community Services, Fraternite De Notre Dame, Michigan Animal Welfare Foundation, United Youth 2000, and many others.
Eric Nielsen
Sydney Buczynski
Sydney Buczynski is an alumna of the University of Illinois with a degree in English and a minor in Communication. With a knack for interviewing music artists and managers, she combines her passion for written communication with design skills to create captivating media and promotional posts.
Teri Teston
Professional Biography of Teri Cooper Teston:
Teri Cooper Teston's life has been deeply rooted in music, a passion she inherited from her family's rich musical background. From the tender age of seven, Teri has dedicated herself to the art of music, honing her skills as a pianist, vocalist, and composer.
With a natural flair for melody and lyricism, Teri has composed and recorded original songs, some of which were featured on a compilation CD alongside the esteemed David Frizzell. In 1998, she showcased her versatility as a musician by producing an album where she recorded not only the lead vocals but also the complex harmonies.
In her professional life, Teri serves as an Administrative Assistant to the Director of Bands at the School of Music within West Texas A&M University. This role allows her to blend her administrative acumen with her deep-seated love for music. She also serves the roll of Artist Relations Manager for Music Addict LLC.
Teri's commitment to the musical arts is unwavering, as she finds profound fulfillment in aiding others to realize and harness their innate talents. She believes in the transformative power of music and is dedicated to guiding budding musicians towards achieving their own unique contributions to the world's musical tapestry.
Robert Eibach
Robert is a Multi Grammy and Latin Grammy Nominated, Billboard-charting Producer/Remixer/Song-Writer/Mixer. My credits include Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Mark Ronson, Camila Cabello, Jennifer Lopez, Normani, Kesha and others. He has also contributed work to several Grammy-winning and nominated albums.
Robert is a well-versed in several genres of music from pop to dance to rock to jazz. Whether he am producing, remixing or mixing, Robert has contribute thorough award-winning caliber expertise to any project. He think it's important for the artist and their vision to shine through their song, while ensuring the product that will compete with the best in the business.
Ben Cozmo D Cenac
Brooklyn-born DJ & producer Ben Cenac's career has spanned over 30 years, embracing a variety of genres, from Hip Hop and R&B to Electro and House, leaving several landmarks in each. Highly regarded for his role in pioneering electro group Newcleus, Ben 'Cozmo D' Cenac later enjoyed international success with his jazzy, garage-inclined Sha-lor project.
Michael Floreale
Michael Floreale is originally from Manchester, England. He was the founder of the band When In Rome which was signed to Virgin Records. Michael co-wrote the hit song “The Promise” which was a Billboard Top Ten smash, and Billboard Number One Dance
hit. Michael was the bands keyboard player and co-writer.
In 1992 Michael moved to Dallas, Texas and formed a company MusicWerks to write music for advertising, and film. For the last 12 years he has composed many award winning TV spots gaining numerous Telly and Emmy awards.
Gen Dietzel
Gen Dietzel is an interdisciplinary writer and vocalist based in New York City. In addition to Creek Music Group and Music Addict, her work has been published in Affinity Magazine, RxR Zine, Indie Witches, and The Odyssey. She studied at Berklee College of Music before transferring to SNHU to finish her Bachelors Degree in Marketing. On most days, she finds herself listening to alternative rock, but she prides herself on loving a little bit of everything.
Brookyln Wilson
Hello! I'm Brooklyn and I am one of the Editing Managers for Music Addict. I love getting to work with this wonderful team and discuss all things music. In the future, I plan to work in Live Entertainment and share my love for live music with others.
Selena Flores
Before joining Music Addict, I worked at Disney and graduated from Full Sail University with a B.S. in Music Business. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and after college, I turned my hobby into music reviews. I've covered a range of bands, from The Sex Pistols to The Suicide Machines, as well as festivals like 'Punk in Drublic'. Additionally, I've contributed to the paranormal website '13 Society'. When I'm not writing, I like to listen to music and play video
Bernadette Comage
Bernadette Comage is a multi-instrumentalist and classically trained pianist with over fifteen years of combined performing and teaching experience. She earned her Associate of Arts and Fine Arts degrees from East Central College in Union, MO, before transferring to Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN, where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Industry with a concentration in piano and her MBA in Music Business. She currently resides in Murfreesboro, where she teaches piano lessons.
Gerardo Prieto
Greetings, music enthusiasts! I'm Gerardo Prieto, an alum of the Contemporary Music Composition program at TAI (Transforming Arts Institute), located in the vibrant heart of Madrid, Spain. My musical journey began in the charming city of Oviedo, where my insatiable curiosity led me to delve into the intricacies of musical language and theory independently.
Fueling my passion for music, I found a particular fascination with compositions tailored for the audiovisual realm, particularly those designed for cinematography, video games, and various video-related formats. This interest sparked a desire to contribute to the intersection of music and visual storytelling.
Drawing from my academic background, I've not only honed my skills in music composition but have also delved into the multifaceted world of audiovisuals. My time as a composer assistant to Lucas Vidal, renowned for his work on impactful projects, has enriched my understanding of the industry and refined my craft.
Beyond composition, I wear multiple hats as a versatile musician and producer. With proficiency in playing bass guitar, guitar, drums, piano, and alto saxophone, I bring a diverse set of skills to the table. This eclectic mix allows me to approach music production with a multifaceted perspective, ensuring a rich and dynamic sonic experience.
Join me on this musical odyssey, where creativity knows no bounds, and every note tells a story. Let's embark on a journey through the harmonious intersection of composition, production, and the captivating world of audiovisual storytelling.
Gabe Haydar
My name is Gabe Haydar, and music has been a significant part of my life since my parents introduced me to Van Halen when I was 5 years old. The energy in their music captivated me, sparking my enduring passion for music. I have been playing the guitar ever since, finding joy in both playing and listening to a diverse range of genres and styles, as I believe each one offers something unique.
I am a firm believer in the transformative power of music, capable of bringing positivity and love to the world. Ultimately, my love for music and proficiency on the guitar led me to enroll at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, where I successfully completed my Bachelor's degree in Music Business with a concentration in Management.
With Music Addict, my goal is to continue working within the music industry and share the same love, power for change, passion, positivity, and excitement that music brings to as many people as possible.
Armando Lonigro
A 22 year old media student from NJ who is extremely passionate about the entertainment industry. Currently working towards a B.A. with an A.A. already obtained. Radio, music, television, and film are some specific interests. Loves classic rock and rap. Hard working and out going.
Willliam Gomez
I am an Advertising student at Penn State who has a huge passion for music. I can remember like it was yesterday buying my first song on my iPod in 4 th grade. Ever since then I’ve been drawn to the allure of music. I would get into all kinds of music with the eventual favorite being hip-hop. You will always catch me walking around my campus listening to obscure artists or at a record shop checking out vintage records. Within the past couple of years, I have been drawn to the music industry as a career path with the eventual goal of becoming the head of marketing for a music label.
Saria Raine
I am currently an Indiana University Indianapolis student majoring in Music Technology with a minor in Japanese Studies and Media Arts & Sciences! Throughout my career, I have had the pleasure of traveling nationally and internationally, with music performance being my primary focus. I am currently the Creative Director and Choreographer for a local dance team called Xiphos Corps, to which has allowed for me to travel and expand my world in music and dance.