Matthew Block

A&R and music industry executive with 25+ years of experience spanning artist discovery, artist development, recording, repertoire evaluation, artist relations, catalog development, licensing, and commercial strategy. Began career independently scouting and developing blues artists, producing and engineering recording sessions, and negotiating recording opportunities with independent labels before building a 25+ year career with Warner Music Group. At Rhino, directed A&R and creative development for more than 50 artists and catalog properties while partnering with artists, managers, producers, publishers, attorneys, estates, and rights holders.

Combines hands-on creative experience with strong business judgment, industry relationships, audience insight, and project execution.

Independent Music Catalog & Creative Rights Consultant - Independent Music Catalog & Creative Rights Consultant

(2025-01)

• Advise independent music clients, including Real Gone Music and ORG, on catalog sourcing, rights research, creative opportunities, and commercial evaluation of music projects.
• Evaluate recordings, repertoire, artists, and market opportunities using rights analysis, audience research, and commercial feasibility.
• Build relationships with artists, managers, estates, labels, and rights holders to identify and develop music opportunities.
• Research copyright, publishing, ownership, and licensing considerations supporting creative and business decisions.

Director, Product Development & A&R - Rhino Entertainment (Warner Music Group)

(2018-01 - 2025-01)

• Directed A&R, artist relations, repertoire evaluation, and creative development for more than 50 artists and catalog properties, including Grammy-winning and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame artists.
• Evaluated repertoire and creative opportunities and developed commercially viable projects in partnership with artists, managers, estates, attorneys, publishers, and rights holders.
• Managed approximately 25% of Rhino's $40M annual release budget, balancing creative opportunities, audience demand, commercial potential, and operational execution.
• Collaborated with creative, legal, marketing, finance, sales, and operations teams to move projects from concept through production and release.
• Applied knowledge of copyright, music publishing, licensing, and rights ownership to inform project development and deal-making.

Founder & General Manager - Run Out Groove (Warner Music Group)

(2014-01 - 2019-01)

• Founded and led Warner Music Group's first direct-to-consumer label, developing fan-driven A&R and release strategies for premium music projects.
• Generated $20M in incremental revenue through consumer-led repertoire selection, market analysis, and strategic project development.
• Built relationships with artists, managers, estates, and rights holders to develop and execute music projects.
• Developed a community of more than 100,000 email subscribers and 50,000 social followers, using first-party audience insights to inform A&R and release decisions.

Director, Non-Traditional Sales & Third-Party Licensing - Warner Elektra Atlantic Corporation (Warner Music Group)

(2011-01 - 2014-01)

• Negotiated music licensing agreements and developed strategic partnerships involving recorded music, publishing, and intellectual property.
• Generated more than $2.5M in new annual revenue through business development and relationship management.
• Collaborated with legal, finance, marketing, and sales teams to structure and execute music-related commercial opportunities.

Sales & Marketing Leadership Roles - Warner Music Group

(1999-01 - 2011-01)

Progressed through leadership roles supporting Warner Music Group's recorded music business.

• Built relationships across artists, retailers, labels, and music industry partners while supporting artist marketing, catalog initiatives, and new release campaigns.
• Roles included: Tele-Sales & Online Sales Manager, Territory Sales Manager, Regional Sales & Marketing Representative

A&R / Artist Development - Independent

(1990-01 - 1999-12)

• Scouted, signed, recorded, and developed emerging and established blues artists, working directly with artists to shape repertoire and recording projects.
• Produced and engineered recording sessions, including recording and mixing, while guiding artists through the creative development process.
• Negotiated recording and licensing arrangements with independent blues labels and rights holders, connecting artists and recordings with appropriate label opportunities.
• Built relationships with artists, musicians, producers, and independent record labels to identify and develop commercially viable recording projects.
• Worked with artists including R.L. Burnside and Pinetop Perkins, among other blues performers.

Bachelor's Degree - Broadcast Technology Arts (Audio Engineering & Technology Focus) - San Francisco State University (1991-01 - 1995-01)