(L-R) Global Head of Country Music at Spotify, John Marks and Lil Nas X visits the Spotify House during CMA Fest at Ole Red on June 06, 2019 in Nashville.
Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for SpotifyMonths after he ended a run as Spotify USA global head of country programming, John Marks has established a new consulting firm, JohnMarks.me, to assist artists and their associated teams as they develop streaming strategies.
Marks' five-year tenure at Spotify built atop his previous history as SiriusXM head of country programming and a lengthy programming background at radio stations in San Diego; Salt Lake City; Little Rock, Ark.; Beaumont, Texas; and Cincinnati.
That experience provides him an insider's perspective that mirrors the skills of the country industry at large: The collective business has established familiarity with promoting to the needs of broadcasters for decades, but it now focuses frequently on a newer streaming platform with its own set of data that's influenced by a different array of consumer uses and built-in functions. The language and the needs of the platform don't always overlap with the best practices at terrestrial radio.
"Even though there is no rhyme or reason to a lot of it, I've been able to look at the data on a lot of music, and I have what I feel is a reasonable approach to what is more likely to stream than others,"says Marks.
Marks' knowledge base includes insights on release strategies, social media and some A&R decisions.
"Even though there is no rhyme or reason to a lot of it, I've been able to look at the data on a lot of music, and I have what I feel is a reasonable approach to what is more likely to stream than others,"says Marks.
Marks' knowledge base includes insights on release strategies, social media and some A&R decisions.
Sade will not be attending their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony this week.
The English group, made up of Sade Adu, Paul Denman, Stuart Matthewman, and Andrew Hale, are among this year's inductees into the prestigious institution. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles this Saturday.
However, a representative for Sade confirmed on Tuesday through the band's official website that none of the members would be attending the event.
"We're sorry that we won't be able to join everyone in person to celebrate alongside the other artists. However, our absence does not lessen how deeply this recognition means to us," they stated. "Being welcomed into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a wonderful honour and a meaningful opportunity to express our gratitude, not just to everyone who voted for us, but to every person who has made our music part of their lives."
The representative also acknowledged their manager Roger Davies for his support and paid tribute to the late engineer and co-producer Mike Pela, who passed away in 2022.
"We owe so much to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey," they continued, before signing the message: "Sade, Stuart, Andrew, and Paul. Mike Pela, the fifth member of Sade... This recognition belongs to you just as much as it does to us, Mike. You will always be our soul mate."
Sade will be joining Oasis among the artists missing this year's ceremony. Liam Gallagher previously addressed his absence in a message on X, saying the journey was "too far" for him to make just "for the night".
The other musicians being recognised at this weekend's ceremony include Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, the late Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.
