Loton Corp (LTNR.OB) has announced that music industry veteran Phil Quartararo is to join the company as vice chairman of its new live stream music video platform LiveXLive.
Quartararo, who was previously on the company’s advisory board, is known for helping launch Virgin Records America and the careers of artists such as Lenny Kravitz, Coldplay and Janet Jackson.
In addition to having held the position of president at both Warner Bros and EMI, he is known as a major defender of artists’ rights, speaking out against piracy and the need to restore value to music.
Since 2007, Quartararo has focused on digital music distribution startups with his company Tripod Partners working with Beta Records TV, Shazam, and Guvera.
“Phil is a seasoned veteran in the music and tech industry and has proven to be a leader at LXL,” commented Robert Ellin, chairman of Loton, Corp “In his expanded role, Phil will focus on artist relations, relationships with managers, distribution agreements, and global strategic partnerships. We are glad to have Phil increase his commitment to our company and look forward to Phil continuing to expand his role over time.”
Quartararo said: “Building LiveXLive is a lot like when we launched Virgin. Everything in the music industry had become flat and mundane, and we came to shake it up. Despite all the streaming music apps fighting for consumers attention, the pipe between artists and fans is broken. I joined Rob Ellin and LiveXLive because I believe it’s giving artists and fans back that feeling of being directly connected to each other.”
After Quartararo helped Island break U2 in America, he was recruited by Sir Richard Branson to help launch Virgin America and later became its CEO. As president of Warner Bros, Quartararo signed artists such as Linkin Park and Josh Groban whilst guiding the careers of established stars like Madonna, Cher, Wilco, Eric Clapton, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Faith Hill and Green Day.
Since launching in May 2016, LiveXLive has streamed live performances from artists including Katy Perry, Rihanna, Rod Stewart, Metallica, Sam Smith, Elton John and John Legend. LiveXLive has also signed deals with festivals such as Rock in Rio and major clubs such including Los Angeles’ Saban Theater and The Marquee in Las Vegas.
By Ewan Wilkie
