November 25, 2008 06:56 PM Eastern Time 

Courtney Holt Named President of MySpace Music

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MySpace today announced that Courtney Holt (http://www.myspace.com/courtneyholt) has been appointed President of MySpace Music, the world’s most popular music community. Beginning on January 5, 2009, Holt will be responsible for overseeing the growth and development of the MySpace Music brand and its global operations.

“Courtney understands how to successfully blend technology with music and the resulting new business opportunities born from such a combination,” said Chris DeWolfe, CEO and Co-Founder of MySpace. “Courtney’s unique vision and willingness to innovate makes him an incredible addition to our executive team—we're thrilled to have him on board.”

Holt brings extensive music industry knowledge and relationships to MySpace Music, as well a deep understanding of music product, promotion, and marketing that will serve to solidify the company’s position as a global leader in the digital music space as well as the platform of choice for artists at every level.

Holt previously served as Executive Vice President of Digital Music for the MTV Networks Music and Logo Group where he oversaw several initiatives for the company’s digital music group, including working with the MTV, VH1 and CMT brands. In this role, Holt was responsible for identifying ways to further engage audiences across a spectrum of touch points, expanding the reach of the music brands online and content syndication. He also worked closely with Integrated Marketing and Ad Sales teams to drive new business partnerships and advertising models.

Prior to joining MTV, Holt was Senior Vice President of New Media, Creative and Strategic Marketing at Interscope Geffen A&M. Just after the launch of MySpace, Holt recognized the influence and reputation that MySpace Music was developing in digital music and utilized the site to premiere the new albums from several high profile artists including Weezer, Nine Inch Nails, Beck, Black Eyed Peas, and Audioslave — all of which were the highest album releases in each artist’s careers at the time.

“MySpace Music cultivates relationships between artists and fans by enabling and reinforcing music discovery both online and offline and providing the tools to customize and personalize their music experience,” said Courtney William Holt. “The new company will explore different and evolutionary revenue streams that provide real opportunities for artists and the industry as a whole. I can’t wait to help build out those opportunities even further.”

Since officially launching in September 2008, MySpace Music has exclusively premiered new albums and singles from such high profile artists as Guns N’ Roses, The Cure, Oasis, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Linkin Park and John Legend amongst others. As one of the most popular and highly trafficked music platforms in the world, MySpace Music has evolved into an offline experience by connecting bands and fans around the world through various concert series and live events.

Throughout his career and as a veteran of the recording music industry, Holt has earned recognition for embracing technology and changing the way labels traditionally promoted artists. His strategic initiatives helped usher in a new era of music marketing. Holt earned a Bachelor degree in Film from Boston University in 1990 and will be relocating to Los Angeles from New York for the new role.

About MySpace Music

MySpace Music is a landmark joint venture among MySpace, The EMI Group, SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony ATV, and whose independent music distribution partners include The Orchard, IODA, Alternative Distribution Alliance, RED, Fontana, and Caroline. MySpace Music, with more than five million artist profiles offers an ever-growing catalog of freely streamable audio and video content, user-friendly e-commerce solutions, personal music players, and user and artist playlisting. MySpace Music aims to empower major, independent, and unsigned artists to monetize their content through multiple revenue streams by allowing the MySpace community to freely stream premium content in an ad-supported environment, purchase MP3s and ringtones, create and share playlists, and ultimately buy merchandise, concert tickets, and other digital and physical goods. MySpace Music also connects artists and fans in the offline arena through various concert series and live events including Secret Shows, MySpaceLIVE!, Transmissions, The Release, Front to Back and The List.