Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos – with locations from Bali and San Diego to Singapore and Macau – proudly announces Matthew Watts as Director of Music & Marketing – Hotels & Casinos.
Bringing more than 15 years of experience in the music industry, Watts will focus on the strategic development, direction and implementation of music marketing activities and brand partnerships for Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, as well as overseeing The Sound of Your Stay music amenity program, VIBE managers at the brand’s 20 hotels and curating the sonic landscape for the hotels and casinos.
“As we continue to evolve our music programs at hotels and casinos, revitalizing the guest experience and promoting music culture, we are thrilled to welcome a seasoned professional with invaluable experience in the music industry,” said James Buell, director of music & marketing – Hard Rock International. “Watts will play an integral role in our team further strengthening our brand by implementing music into our brand programs.”
Prior to Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, Watts lead the Artist Management Department of Advanced Alternative Media out of the New York Office, one of the most highly regarded producer management companies in the world. Contributing to his combined career of music and marketing, Watts helped launch the U.K. Record Label, Communion Records, founded by Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons in the U.S. marketplace where he was responsible for brand partnerships, marketing, and live promotions. Communion Records works with artists such as Michael Kiwanuka and the Mercury prizewinning, Ben Howard.
Watts began his career as one of the founding members and guitarist of the pop/rock group, The Starting Line. The group sold over 700,000 albums worldwide with albums released by big names including Drive Thru Records, Geffen Records and Virgin Records. The band’s success continued by being named No. 1 Charting Billboard Heatseeker Artist with the debut album “Say It Like You Mean It”, playing more than 1,200 shows and festivals, including numerous appearances on the Vans Warped Tour and tours with the likes of Fall Out Boy, Paramore, All American Rejects and more.
