Tom Callahan
Music business veteran with over 30 years experience
Tom Callahan has been a thought leader in the music business and tech industry for over 30 years. He began his career as a touring musician and then transitioned into executive record promotion positions at Indie label powerhouses Enigma Records, I.R.S. Records, and Virgin records in the late 80s and early 90s. After leaving the corporate world, he started his Indie promotion company while he simultaneously co-founded and operated Coyote Records and Vellum Entertainment. As a record promoter, Tom was nominated for promoter of the year in 1998 and 1999, and with Vellum Entertainment nominated for “Gold AC record label of the year” in 2000.
In addition to working in the Indie world, Tom also played a critical role in the radio success of major label artists such as Lenny Kravitz, Paula Abdul, Hall & Oats, Rod Stewart, Phil Collins, Shania Twain, Lee Ann Rimes, Lionel Richie and countless others. As Tom continued his promo company, he also moved into artist management, where he launched and guided the careers of many artists over a 15 year period. First as co-founder of Laurel Canyon Entertainment, Tom worked with artists; Donnie Kehr, Lisa Mordente, Arnold McCuller, Natalie Archangel and Thom Bishop. As Co-Founder of Boulder Entertainment Group he worked with artists such as Phoebe Snow, Suzy K, and Deborah Franco. Finally with Callahan’s long held “Tom Callahan & Associates”, Tom represented Jeff Timmons (founder-98 Degrees), Kaile Goh (Lava/Universal), Natalia Lesz (EMI), Justin Hopkins (Pama Records-Sweden), David Boyles (LMFAO, Columbia music-Japan), Michael Shapiro, Amy Hef, Cab 20, J-Henry, Omar Torrez, Jordan Hill, Krish Sharma (3 X grammy winner, mixing), Miggs, Ms Moxie, Olivia Rox and many others.
For the past 5 years, Tom has done a deep dive into the music licensing and tech world. Tom was instrumental in the launch and rapid success of leading licensing and branding platform, Songtradr, as their CCO. He is also a mentor for the LA Techstars incubator and consults for companies in the digital and advertising space.
Tom currently sits on a number of advisory boards, and is an in demand lecturer and podcast guest in the music and tech industry. He has also been involved in the martial arts for 40 years and currently holds the rank of 5th dan and title Renshi Shihan in Kyokushin Karate serving as the Chairman of the USA and International Secretary for Kyokushin-Kan Karate Do. He brings this self discipline, integrity and Budo philosophy to each and every endeavor.
After wearing many hats throughout his career, Tom has come full circle, turning his attention back to his first love; working with independent artists around the world. “Indie Advance,” an idea Tom had back in 2009, has resurfaced as his current venture. Indie Advance is a platform geared toward the education and advancement of independent artists’ careers, from the neophyte of just starting out, to the seasoned performer looking for guidance, introductions, or packaging to take them to the next level.
Services
Tom started his “Label Services” consulting business 15 years ago. “I like to work with independent artists that need guidance, experience and most importantly, need my relationships that can be utilized to their advantage. I have nurtured these relationships with the top executives in the music space throughout my 30 + years and my clients find them invaluable”. Team building is critical to building a proper foundation from which the artists can grow their brand. Social Media Marketing, Radio Promotion, Publicity and PR, Booking Agents, access to the top lawyers for legal advice, Shopping deals, and as importantly Tom’s advice based on many years of success.
Clients
In various capacities Tom has been instrumental in the success of these and many more indie and major label artists:
Major
Lenny Kravitz, Paula Abdul, Rod Stewart, Phil Collins, Shania Twain, Le Ann Rimes, Lionel Ritchie, Bob Seger, Dave Koz, Kaile Goh, Jeff Timmons (98 Degrees)…..
Indie
David Boyles, Miggs, Natalia Lesz, Justin Hokins, Suzy K, Phoebe Snow, Krish Sharma (2 time grammy winner engineer), Mannheim Steamroller, J-Henry, Katie Costello, Omar Torrez….
Tom Callahan is a guy who makes things happen. He has great relationships, he has a really clear picture of how the entertainment industry works and he doesn’t stop until he gets things done. And, what’s even more important, Tom has enough energy to actually be both organized AND funny.
I first met Tom in the early 90’s. Since then, not only did he become successful at helping me and countless other artists achieve new heights at radio, he skillfully moved into other facets of the music business making wonderful contributions to artists careers with his talent in production, management and marketing.
I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Tom on various projects for 25+ years and now consider him a good friend. Tom has always approached his work with a creative thought process and strong work ethic while maintaining his focus on the end result. He is fun to work with and always keeps us laughing. His attention to detail is second to none.
I have known Tom for over 30 years, and find him to be a man with a very strong work ethic. Most people I know in the music business feel as I do and regard him with a great deal of respect. I have always found him to be a man of integrity, professionalism and enthusiasm.
Thankfully I’ve had the pleasure of working with Tom. He is a hard worker, and a tremendous asset to any artist looking for success.
With an extensive network of high-profile entertainment industry executives that he communicates with on a daily basis, Tom is a rare gem not to be under-valued in this highly competitive business arena. Tom has built his much heralded reputation on unwavering and commendable business ethics, a huge passion for music and expert knowledge of both the “old-school” traditional music industry and the new tech-influenced one that fast takes its place. A creative strategist whose navigation will ultimately be savored by the artists and new music tech companies that seek his services.
Tom Is a rare breed. He has the vital old school music business etiquette and connections that are needed, combined with the new school know how and expertise that is relevant to build a foundation and succeed. He is a also a joy to work with.
Videos
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COMING SOON!
Tom’s upcoming book “Corporate Fitness” will be released soon. Sign up today to be notified when it is available.