Ted Kartzman

Summary

Ted Kartzman has dedicated 25 years to the independent music industry, leveraging technology to empower independent artists and labels. Notably, he managed relationships with major independent labels and music distributors at Google and YouTube, contributing to the licensing of 50 million tracks for Google Play Music and overseeing content deals for YouTube Music. During his tenure at Google, Ted initiated programs like the Preferred Distributor Program, Indie Advance Program, and revamped the YouTube Services Directory for Music, supporting independent rights holders. His 12-year journey at Google involved executing over a thousand deals across 5 continents, always advocating parity for independent musicians, and their labels and distributors. Ted was a voice for diverse artists within Google and YouTube live events during his time there, notably producing 6 annual one day multi-artist summer festivals (with artists including Big Boi, Hot Chip, Leon Bridges, Nathaniel Rateliff, Trombone Shorty, as well as dozens of single artist live performance events w/Khruangbin, Tom Morello). In 2016, Ted pioneered Classical Live program with top orchestras for Google Play Music. In 2018, Ted produced a series of sponsored independent livestreams, partnering with local San Francisco venue The Independent. Ted's expertise spans Web 1.0 ventures like co-founding JamBase.com, early streaming with Rhapsody, and working at the digital aggregator IODA (now part of The Orchard). He's managed artists, acted as an independent concert promoter, and currently serves as the Executive Producer of the BAJAJA Music Fest. ~~ The world is better with more diverse voices powering it. Teddy Kartzman provides support for independent music distributors, record labels, independent artists, festivals, and events, with the purpose of empowering those brands / businesses who are forging their own path. It’s important to lift up voices outside the mainstream dominant voice so that they can create sustainable businesses and understand new revenue models.