Sean O'Connell

Music Allies, Founder & CEO

Sean O'Connell is the founder and CEO of Music Allies. He consults independent music companies on strategy, marketing, design, promotion and partnerships. His roster includes some of the most prestigious names in independent music including Jack Johnson's Brushfire Records, Aimee Mann, Justin Timberlake's Tennman Records, Joan Osborne, Martin Sexton, Velour Music, and Ani DiFranco's Righteous Babe Records. Music Allies also consults a number of leading festivals including the Bonnaroo Music Festival, the Outside Lands Festival, and Langerado.

O'Connell has a keen understanding of the evolving music business. Companies that partner with Music Allies utilize a collective marketing staff, allowing them to keep their costs down. His company levels the playing field for independents by providing them access to opportunities usually reserved for major labels.

Sean has been working in the music business for over 18 years. O'Connell jumped into the music world when he launched a public radio station in 1991 and he hasn't looked back since. O'Connell's experience includes work in concert promotion, operating music venues, online music distribution, independent radio promotion and artist management. Before launching Music Allies, O'Connell was an executive at the Rykodisc record label. Sean resides in Asheville North Carolina with his wife and two kids. He is the co-chairperson of Hatch Asheville, a non-profit mentorship festival aimed at developing economic opportunities for creative professionals.