John Rosenfelder uses Web 2.0+ and traditional methods to heighten a buzz and generate sales for artists and products. He has helped independent, unknown talent receive national airplay and, in the same breath, helped the legendary Willie Nelson cross over into college radio airplay—giving the singer a new cachet of “cool” among Generation Y and an eccentric audience.
When Nirvana landed a deal with Geffen’s DGC Records — after having generated a heavy buzz with college radio — John played a critical role in ensuring a logical transition for the band. While touring with the band as they gained mainstream recognition, John (then with Geffen/DGC) leveraged his combined experienced as a former music director, independent label representative and major label publicist to represent the band as one with integrity and a group that would always remain loyal to its indie-label appeal and community following.
John Rosenfelder on CMJ's first non-artist cover (2/02)
Since launching his career in the music industry at a young age in 1985, as the music director of WUSB-FM, Stony Brook, New York, John has helped artists ranging from lesser-known to legendary achieve commercial success. He has been instrumental in building awareness and sales for such artists as Willie Nelson (#1 AAA with Teatro); Elvis Costello (first #1 at college radio in 19 years for “When I Was Cruel”); Shelby Lynne (Best New Artist Grammy®), and Buddy Guy (highest chart debut of his career, at 68* in 7/30/08 Billboard “Top 200”) with labels such as Geffen/DGC, Island Def Jam, Windham Hill, MCA and independently since 2003.
John’s rich understanding of how to foster relationships between key parties—artists, station programmers and industry executives—has helped him build a massive network through the Internet. His knack for blogging on timely topics has earned him a following on Earbender.com. A sports buff, John also occasionally blogs for BaseballDigest.com where he covers the Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles.
As owner and president of Earbender, John leverages his contacts and knowledge in a multitude of industries to spread their message through new and traditional marketing.
– Judy Asman/The Astute Recorder
Earbender.com is John Rosenfelder’s home on the web. It re-emerged as a blog in 2007, with a view toward creating robust communication with college and community radio. Earbender.com is intended to teach its editors and those reading it about the internet, especially as it pertains to music marketing.