David J. Ashdown

Available

"jack of the trade"

Marketing Director -
XIPTO
Head of Artist Relations - WASHBURN GUITARS
Event Manager & Promoter - DUFF ENTERTAINMENT
Marketing & Events Manager - BIGFOOT ENTERTAINMENT
Sales & Marketing Manager - SOUNDVISION
Advertising Sales Executive - NEW CITY MAGAZINE
Radio Promotions - RELATIVITY/COMBAT/IN EFFECT RECORDS

Artist Relations & Management -

As Head Of Artist Relations at Washburn Guitars, signed international artists KISS, THIRD EYE BLIND, MOTLEY CRUE, GEORGE CLINTON, ALABAMA, DOLLY PARTON, CHEAP TRICK, HELMET and members of THE ROLLING STONE’S band to endorsement contracts.

I have worked with artists in all facets of the music business; as a concert promoter, booking agent, publicity agent, manager, endorsement liaison, talent buyer, event organizer and as a fellow musician.

Marketing & Publicity -

Launching new event and venue mobile "word-of-mouth" viral social marketing platform, Xipto.

Gained over 100 million impressions for Washburn Guitars via endorsee artist television appearances on THE COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, THE GRAMMY’S, LATE NITE with DAVID LETTERMAN, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.

Attained consistent press coverage for artists, events, and venues in Chicago, including newspapers THE CHICAGO SUN-TIMES and THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE as well as artist radio airplay at WCKG, WXRT, WLIUP and Q101.

At Washburn, improved product exposure by identifying cost-effective, big impact sponsorship plays; SAMMY HAGAR’S CaboWabo Tequila retail campaign, PANTERA/Taco Bell eating contests, and numerous guitar giveaways by partnering with artist’s record labels on radio promotions.

Experienced writing press releases, communications, product brochures, slogans, web content & promotional pieces. Have written copy for adverts that appeared in ROLLING STONE, GUITAR PLAYER, HIT PARADER, and AP.

At Relativity Records, spearheaded all college radio promotions for midwest.

Developed 80's concept act Quantum Leep, achieving over $1m. in performance fees within first two years.

Currently launching WOBBLEHOUSE.COM developing compelling new media.
http://www.wobblehouse.com

Event Management & Production -

As an independent at Bigfoot Entertainment, event clients included THE CHICAGO WHITE SOX, THE FIELD MUSEUM, HOUSE OF BLUES, THE US NAVY, CDW, THE LINCOLN PARK YOUNG PROFESSIONALS, THE GATEWAY GREEN COMMITTEE, & THE LAKEVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

At Duff Entertainment, co-promoter & producer of concerts at Chicago’s best venues including THE UNITED CENTER, THE SKYLINE STAGE, THE CHICAGO THEATRE, HOUSE OF BLUES, METRO, THE CUBBY BEAR & THE VIC THEATRE managing all elements of the show including talent, contracts, labor, security, and accounting.

Experienced managing and producing press conferences, autograph sessions, photo shoots, trade show presentations, and product catalogs.

Publishing & Licensing -

Secured placements on prime time television with PARTY OF FIVE, DAWSONS CREEK, MILLENNIUM, BEVERLY HILLS 90210 and the Broken Lizard film PUDDLE CRUISER.

Ran label, artist & publisher approvals for gratis license on Chicago radio jazz giant WNUA's annual "Make A Wish Foundation" Charity CD.

Music -

As a musician, I have performed at SXSW, toured the US, recorded with Grammy Nominated Producer Brad Wood, and have received positive reviews for recordings with ROLLOVER, BILLHOUSE, BOOM HANK, THE NURV, and BRAAM.

Received "Best of '05'" Honors from The Illinois Entertainer, WXRT Radio Chicago, and Rolling Stone rock critic Jim DeRogatis (Chicago Sun-Times) for artist BRAAM's "Madelaine" CD.

B.A. Colgate University, 1990
History & Political Science Double Major. Graduated with HONORS. Member Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, Colgate Rugby, & National History Honor Society.

Keen eye for talent with the ability to manage, nurture, develop and promote. Advanced business to business contract negotiation experience.

New York
Illinois
California - Northern

Would you consider staff positions as well as freelance work?: yes
Do you have a driver's license?: yes