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Revolutionizing the Music Industry: Larry Jackson and the Birth of gamma.
In a transformative move, Larry Jackson stepped away from his influential role as Global Creative Director at Apple Music, a position he cherished for its innovative potential. His departure was not born from dissatisfaction but rather sparked by a compelling vision. This vision materialized into gamma., a venture he is deeply passionate about.
Jackson describes gamma. as a creation that emerged from his keen interest in addressing a pressing need in the music industry. “I was searching for a home for the disenfranchised,” he reflects. He recognized an ever-growing community of artists feeling overlooked by traditional industry frameworks. “Their quest for a new distribution model and ecosystem compelled me to act,” Jackson explains.
The term “founded” aptly reflects the inception of gamma., a multifaceted enterprise that delves into creative production for various projects, including a recent advertisement for Under Armour’s Curry Brand and a collaborative jewelry line with Snoop Dog. As Jackson describes it, gamma. is akin to a “kaleidoscopic kind of thing,” where he aims to carve out an independent space for the creativity he previously nurtured at Apple Music.
While notable figures like Snoop and Usher contribute to gamma.’s commercial success, Jackson emphasizes the importance of company culture. “We specialize in selling emotion,” he states. “Having people with emotional intelligence in the room is crucial.” This philosophy has led him to build a predominantly female leadership team, as he believes empathy and emotional understanding are vital traits for success.
“Male ego has historically led to many conflicts in our field,” Jackson notes. “On the other hand, I find that women excel in fostering empathy and emotional intelligence.” This sentiment is echoed by Angela Rogers, Head of Business and Legal Affairs at gamma., who points out the increasing empowerment of women in the industry. “This experience has allowed me to collaborate with numerous talented women,” she remarks. “We’re a small company that fosters diverse perspectives, fostering continual learning.”
Notable women in gamma.’s leadership include:
- Nathalie Besharat, EVP of Content Operations and Partnerships
- Alexa Dedlow, SVP of Visual and Creative Services
- Casey Compernolle, VP of A&R and Digital Strategy
- Jenna Gaudio, Co-President of Vydia/gamma. Technology and Distribution
- Lynn M. Scott, VP of Label Services and Client Success, Vydia
- Whitney Asomani, VP of Marketing UK
- Ann Hirsh, Senior Accounting Specialist
- A’sha Roe, VP of Operations
Jackson expresses pride in collaborating with such an impressive team, affirming, “The outstanding female executives here are the heartbeat of this company.”
Creative Culture at gamma.
The culture within gamma. reflects Jackson’s creative ethos. Recently, he was inspired by an employee’s A&R questionnaire, which reduced the nuanced process of artist evaluation to a simplistic score. “While systems are important, we cannot diminish artistry to a mere survey,” he recalls. He views his role as a protector of creativity and a challenger of rigid norms.
Compernolle shares this sentiment: “gamma. is distinctly different from my previous workplaces, and that uniqueness is its strength. The current landscape of the music industry provides rare chances to create something from the ground up, and the entrepreneurial vibe here is invigorating.”
This nurturing environment is why many respected advisors have chosen to join gamma. Dedlow expresses her desire for freedom in executing artistic visions without restrictions. “Working here feels more like a partnership with artists rather than a transactional model,” she states. “It’s a space that encourages creativity and motivation.” Besharat adds, “Working with Larry Jackson has significantly shaped my growth as an executive; his blend of creativity and strategy has continually inspired me.”
Jackson’s journey with gamma. has evolved into a remarkable business surpassing $100 million, a feat not commonly seen in passion projects. He highlights the contributions of his talented female advisors in this achievement. “I am privileged to collaborate with such exceptional female executives,” he concludes. “They will be central to defining this pivotal chapter of my career.”
As gamma. continues to thrive, the team of talented individuals stands ready to reshape the music landscape, driven by innovation and inclusivity.
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