Management Team
Caroline Hoste
Founder | Artist Manager
Caroline Hoste is the founder and powerhouse behind MUSIC2. Equipped with more than a decade of entertainment and music industry experience, Caroline is characterized by the contagious level of enthusiasm and passion with which she supports her artists and their visions.
She began in the industry as Arts Editor of The Mancunian Student Newspaper in the mid 90s whilst studying a Double Honours degree at Manchester University. Upon completion of her degree, Caroline moved to Vancouver where she embarked upon her role as the Project Manager for Irish band cult favourite "The Chieftains" at SL Feldman and Associates. Determined to follow her own vision and launch independent artists that inspired her, she went on to establish MUSIC2 in 1999.
Nearly ten years later, Caroline is committed to elevating independent artists with their music, careers and brands. A renegade visionary, her focus is on empowering artists and providing them with the tools to achieve their ultimate goals and career dreams.
For new artist submissions, click here.
Gerard Talbot
Head of Licensing
Gerard's resume speaks for itself. He transferred to the USA from Virgin retail in the UK to head up the artistic boutique music labels of EG, Real World, Venture and Earthworks out of NYC, so yes he got to work with Robert Fripp, Brian Eno and David Sylvian.
In 1993 he transferred to Los Angeles to run the catalogue department of Virgin Records. He then took a brief misstep as Iron Maiden’s label A&R (but to his credit he did get to work personally with the Gang Of Four!) before going on in 1995 to the stylish and newly founded Astralwerks to head up their licensing division. Gerard then had the pleasure of working with Fatboy Slim, Basement Jaxx, Air and Chemical Brothers, to name a few of the reasonably successful artists under Astralwerks's wing for licensing in film/TV. After a brief stint licensing for Ministry of Sound I went solo in 2003 and are fully independent in music licensing, clearance , consultation as well as my own Publishing company Purley Sounds (ASCAP).
For new artist submissions, click here.
James Hoste
Management Assistant
James Hoste learnt his vested interest in independent music at an early age through family influence, which broke out in the shape of an online blog, Plastic Cowboy, in early 2007, helping promote and chart the breakthrough of several key acts. Since that point in 2007, Plastic Cowboys has followed and in some cases helped pioneer the success of Justice, Klaxons, Burial, Simian Mobile Disco, Late Of The Pier, Kissy Sell Out, Foals, The Whip, Friendly Fires, Andy George, Plimsouls amongst others.
Living in London he has quickly immersed himself in the music industry and worked on many projects, such as working for artist management company ATC, working with acts such as Kate Nash, The Duke Spirit, Yoav, Ali Love and others; working part time with PR company Trailer Media working campaigns for Fat Boy Slim, Hybrid, Grand National, Pathaan. He has helped promote long standing Nottingham night "Dollop" upon its expansion into the capital. He has also invested time helping new nights such as "Voodoo" to start out, book talent and gain notoriety, all alongside constant updates on the blog as well as forging a healthy portfolio of online reviews for various websites culminating in an all encompassing piece for Festival Republic (formally Mean Fiddler) of their own festival, Reading 2008.
For new artist submissions, click here.
Lisa Libutti
Head of Marketing & Web Development
From 1990, as an avid music lover and online marketing consultant, Lisa Libutti has been intimately involved in the development of a variety of internet technologies promoting music culture.
After finishing her degree in the Bay Area, she headed straight to Silicon Valley to work with some of the emerging new media and technology companies such as UK based 3D Software company Superscape, and Intel new media company Mediadome. Born out of this experience Lisa now specializes in internet marketing strategies and comes with 10+ years experience in managing online media and marketing campaigns, with a focus in social media, digital content and web development.
Her technical background and marketing experience comes from working with direct marketing firm eDirect Publishing based out of Los Angeles, California where she partnered with a variety of new media technology companies and online marketing firms from all over California.
Lisa is experienced in setting up and managing social media channels: websites, blogs, social networks, podcasts, groups, forums, and other online communities and tools. Adept at planning and executing social media marketing campaigns for artists, entrepreneurs and clients with an emphasis in new media and web 2.0 technologies.
For new artist submissions, click here.