"In some ways, the music business is completely different than it was when I founded Steele Management in 1987. But when it comes to navigating today's industry, the fundamental principles are still the same. More than ever, an artist must be focused and driven to succeed. Too often, management is the missing key in today's DIY music business."
"I always tell my artists, 'Just because someone says no today, that doesn't mean they'll say no tomorrow.' I'm professionally persistent, I don't give up and I get results." - Brett Steele President, Steele Management
Steele Management was originally formed as a boutique personal management company to represent the band Roxx Gang, a band that exploded on the music scene in 1988 and was the first hard rock band signed by Virgin America. Their Virgin release, "Things You've Never Done Before," sold 250,000 copies and yielded a Top 50 single in the UK. The band also released two videos "No Easy Way Out" directed by Nigel Dick (Guns-N-Roses) and "Scratch My Back" directed by Ralph Ziman (L.A. Guns). Both got extensive airplay on MTV. We also secured recording deals with Epic Records and Perris Records, a publishing deal with Virgin Music/EMI and licensing deals with Playboy Entertainment, MTV Networks and XBox 360. Thanks to a recent resurgence of interest in the now defunct band, a merchandising contract and digital distribution deal have recently been secured.
Steele Management continued it's success story with the Mojo Gurus who's last CD, "Shakin' In The Barn," was produced by Grammy Award winning producer Jack Douglas (John Lennon, Aerosmith, Bob Dylan, New York Dolls) after he saw the band at NYC showcase booked by Steele Management. Steele Management then secured a recording deal for the band with Empire Musicwerks and a national distribution deal with Universal Records. Steele Management's radio promotion helped "Shakin' In The Barn" spend six months on the national Americana and Alt-Country charts. Steele Management just secured a recording deal with True North Records for The Mojo Gurus.
Steele Management signed the Dex Romweber Duo to a management contract after seeing their showcase at the South By Southwest Music Conference in Austin, TX. Dex is nothing less than an icon of the American music underground. The former front-man for the world famous psycho-surf-rockabilly-garage-punk combo Flat Duo Jets released his first of nine albums in 1990 to rave reviews worldwide. He starred beside R.E.M. and The B-52s in the 1987 cult classic film "Athens, GA Inside Out. He was showcased on MTV's "The Cutting Edge" and "120 Minutes" and made a stunning performance on Late Night with David Letterman. He's shared the stage with dozens of other rock icons including Iggy Pop and the White Stripes. In July 2008, Dex signed a multi-album deal with Bloodshot Records in Chicago, a deal negotiated by Steele Management. We are working closely with Bloodshot on press & marketing plans, tour booking and merchandizing to support the release of his new album.
We also recently negotiated a recording contract for the Dex Romweber Duo with Jack White's new label Third Man Records. Jack produced, played and sang on the tracks that were just recently released as a 7" by Third Man.
Jack White, Dex Romweber, Brett Steele and Sara Romweber
Steele Management is now expanding its roster and taking on new clients. With over twenty years experience in the music business I have secured recording deals for my clients with Virgin Records, Epic Records, Perris Records, Empire Musicwerks, True North Records, Third Man Records, Universal Records and Bloodshot Records.
I have negotiated publishing deals with Virgin Music Publishing/EMI and recently I've been focusing on music licensing and have secured deals with Breaking Records and licensed music to Playboy Entertainment, XBox 360, MTV Networks and the new Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth) film It Might Get Loud staring Jimmy Page, Jack White and The Edge. I also have an extensive background in doing tour press, publicity and radio promotion.
SERVICES OFFERED
I'm interested in reviewing artists in all styles of music for representation. I'm looking for clients for personal management, shopping record & licensing deals, tour booking, radio and press promotion. I also offer career consulting, including image recommendations, multi-media package preparation and merchandising consulting.
Record deals: The track record of finding and negotiating deals for my clients includes Virgin Records, Epic Records, Perris Records, Empire Musicwerks, Universal Records and Bloodshot Records. I also work closely with a NYC-based entertainment lawyer who has represented everyone from Blondie to David Lee Roth.
Publishing & licensing: I'm shopping for publishing & licensing deals. I've done business with Virgin Music Publishing/EMI and have recently been focusing on music licensing. So far, I've secured deals with Breaking Records and licensed music to Playboy Entertainment, XBox 360, MTV Networks and the Davis Guggenheim ("An Inconvenient Truth") film "It Might Get Loud," staring Jimmy Page, Jack White and The Edge which will be released by Sony Pictures ibn August.
Booking: I book and promote about 50 shows a year in Tampa Bay. I also book regional and national tours for my clients and supplement bookings with intensive promotional campaigns targeting press and fans. I hire all tour personnel and manage the accounting, payroll, accounts receivable/payable, bookkeeping and travel details.
Public Relations: I work on every aspect of an artist's image, from stage appearance to media work to photography & video. I help artists learn how to conduct interviews so they're invited back on radio shows and covered when they come back to town. I work with labels to develop marketing & advertising plans that target the right media for the artist's market. I write bios reporters can work with, oversee photo shoots that yield the best library of images, create functional press/promo packages - print & electronic, send accurate & organized press releases, and organize in-stores and other events.
Promotion: I cultivate my databases very carefully because information is key to getting press and radio coverage for my artists. I maintain specific databases for:
- Roots & Americana Specialty Shows
- Americana Music Association/Roots Music Report Reporting Stations
- CMJ Reporting Stations
- AAA & Non-Commercial FM Radio Stations
- Internet Radio/RadioWave Reporting stations
- FM Commercial Radio Stations
- Music press contacts (print & electronic, US & International)
A&R Report: Our newsletter, "Steele Management's A&R Report," goes out monthly to over 1,800 A&R reps and 3,500 music directors, putting band news and website links directly into the hands of the labels and publishing companies who are makinging deals. We are currently accepting applications from bands who want to see what this kind of industry exposure can do for their careers.
Dear Brett. This is Alisson Mark. Singer, musician and songwriter from NY. Diggin' everything you've produced... mainly your work with The Mojo Gurus. Keep up the good work as usual... since the 90's... You're more than welcome to check my music out as well. Best regards. Alisson Mark
Track Listing: 1. Let’s Get Lit 2. I Can’t Stand To Hear That Song Again 3. Bucket O’ Blood 4. You Didn’t Have To Do Me (Like That) 5. Better Of The Bottle 6. (Just A) Couple Of Kicks 7. Rebelene 8. Words From An Angel 9. 13 10. Price I Pay 11. Stingray 12. Nuthin' But A Thang 13. Party Doll
Track Listing: 1. Let’s Get Lit 2. I Can’t Stand To Hear That Song Again 3. Bucket O’ Blood 4. You Didn’t Have To Do Me (Like That) 5. Better Of The Bottle 6. (Just A) Couple Of Kicks 7. Rebelene 8. Words From An Angel 9. 13 10. Price I Pay 11. Stingray 12. Nuthin' But A Thang 13. Party Doll
