TAREN UP THE DANCE FLOOR

YMU's beloved DJ whisperer Taren Smith has been promoted to Senior Manager.

Smith—who joined the company in 2017—oversaw electronic music producer and crypto enthusiast 3LAU's record-breaking NFT auctions last year. Those have since generated more than $20 million. Her knowledge of the burgeoning Web3 space then led, in part, to the creation of YMU's new arts division, where she signed its first client, digital artist Slimesunday.

Smith also manages Norwegian DJ duo KREAM—which has 4m+ monthly listeners on Spotify—and dubstep producer/DJ Sullivan King. She recently helped shepherd King into the rock space, setting up successful collabs with members of Papa Roach, Ice Nine Kills, Fever 333 and Underoath.

She will report directly to Andrew Goldstone, YMU Executive Director of U.S. Music. “Taren is a fantastic manager—thoughtful, helpful, solution-oriented and always willing to go that extra mile for her clients," Goldstone declared while enthusiastically conducting a light show with rave gloves on his hands. "She has been instrumental to the success we've had with 3LAU and Sullivan King. I'm lucky to work so closely with her. I'm so grateful that I'm going to send her a picture of a bottle of Dom as an NFT just as soon as this sick beat drops, man."

“I'm thrilled to step into this role and embrace greater responsibility for both my clients and colleagues. It is a true honor to be able to work closely with such talented musicians and artists, and I’m grateful to have the support of YMU along the way," Smith said, specifically shouting out Goldstone, Managing Director of YMU Arts Jori Teplitzky, Global President of Music Matt Colon and Group CEO Mary Bekhait. "It's my hope in this new role to empower other women, in and outside of the company, who continue to be the backbone of the music industry."

Unfortunately for her, her big news is featured on this site, also known as the backside of the music industry.