PANEL -  The Power of Independent Distribution

Independent distribution has transformed how artists release music, connect with fans, and build sustainable careers. This panel brings together leaders from SoundOn and Gamma to explore how independent distribution platforms are leveling the playing field, giving artists greater control, and unlocking new opportunities for growth and revenue. Panelists will share insights on how distribution strategies are evolving, what artists should consider when choosing a partner, and how distribution connects to marketing, data, and long-term career development.

Featured Speakers:

Brian Moroney, Music Partnerships Manager, SoundOn/TikTok

Brian Moroney is an A&R executive with over six years of experience in the music industry, specializing in artist development, marketing strategy, and deal negotiation. He has played a key role in generating multi-million dollar independent artist deals, contributing to Grammy-winning and chart-topping releases, and building a catalog with billions of streams. Brian has signed and developed artists across pop, indie, alternative, and hip hop. He previously worked as Director of A&R at Records Co. / Sony Music and ONErpm and runs Fly on the Wall Music, where he continues to manage artists and producers.

He is currently on the Music Partnerships team at SoundOn, leading A&R efforts and building the roster with artists such as Cafuné, ALINA, Charlotte Sands, Catie Turner, and more. 
 

Shilpa Sadagopan, Sr. Creator Marketing Manager, SoundOn/TikTok

Shilpa Sadagopan currently works on the SoundOn promotion team at TikTok, specializing in creator marketing and data driven trend analytics.  Previously, she worked on digital marketing teams at Soundcloud and Virgin Music, and has successfully grown her own following on TikTok - helping to curate an understanding of the creator experience. Throughout all of these endeavors, the indie artist experience remains at the focal point and is the primary driving force for her work.

Mike Biggane, CEO & Founder, Big Effect

Dashawn “Happie” White is a highly experienced Pop/EDM/Hip-hop Music Producer and Mixing-Engineer with over 10 years of professional expertise. He is currently an A&R Representative for Mega - Gamma, formerly at Sony Music and a Top Executive A&R at Empire Distribution.

Happie is best known for his outstanding work with 3x Grammy nominated Production trio “Tha Aristocrats”. He has worked with a variety of renowned artists such as Ed Sheeran, Shaboozey, Maroon 5, Zayn Malik, Kanye West, Drake, Mariah Carey, H.E.R, John Legend, Chris Brown, Kehlani. Happie recognizes the unique talent of an artist and believes in creating an environment that nurtures their creativity.

Mike Biggane is a leader with over 10 years of experience helping the music industry grow through digital changes, including better ways to help songs find audience and revenue.

During Spotify's Browse era, he helped start the playlist trend by programming New Music Friday and Today’s Top Hits, while supporting new artists like Billie Eilish, Post Malone, and The Weeknd.

In 2020, he joined Universal Music Group as Global EVP, Music Strategy & Tactics, where he ran an R&D team worked with digital platforms to implement new programs across front line and catalog labels.

Today, Mike leads Big Effect, a predictive analytics platform and Big Effect Records, an artist development label focused on building tools for emerging and growth stage artists.

Moderator:

Alex Taggart, Founder, Isle of Management

Having spent 10 years in China overseeing local strategy for clients like Dua Lipa, Diplo, Lauv, Merlin, Beggars Group, M Theory and Reservoir Media, Mandarin-fluent artist manager and consultant Alex Taggart has a uniquely comprehensive perspective on the Chinese music industry landscape, and is well versed in what it takes to succeed amid the complexity of the world’s fastest growing music market. Now based in Los Angeles, Alex draws on this expertise in his relationships with his roster at his artist management company, Isle of Management, where he focuses on bringing globally-minded talent to local audiences worldwide.