I HELP artists navigate the music industry and build sustainable careers through personalizeD Strategy Sessions and Coaching.
ABOUT
About Tom Gimbel
Tom Gimbel is a seasoned music industry veteran with over 30 years of experience spanning every facet of the business. From his time at independent and major record labels to music television production and live event management, Tom has had a hand in shaping the careers of some of the most iconic names in the industry.
His decade-long te
Tom Gimbel is a seasoned music industry veteran with over 30 years of experience spanning every facet of the business. From his time at independent and major record labels to music television production and live event management, Tom has had a hand in shaping the careers of some of the most iconic names in the industry.
His decade-long tenure at Arista Records saw him work with legendary artists such as Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, Pink, Dido, Annie Lennox, Aretha Franklin, Kenny G, Carly Simon, The Notorious B.I.G., Outkast, Usher, and Avril Lavigne, among many others.
In addition to his work with record labels, Tom has guided the careers of emerging and established artists through artist management. His roster has included the late Daniel Johnston, Lamont Landers (Lucile / Republic Records), Motopony, and others.
As General Manager of the Austin City Limits television show for 12 years, he helped elevate the program to new heights, winning accolades and global recognition. Tom also served as executive producer of the acclaimed documentary A Song For You: The Austin City Limits Story, which premiered at SXSW Film Festival.
Tom's impact extends beyond the music industry with his dedication to mental health advocacy. As co-founder of the Hi, How Are You Project, a nonprofit focused on mental wellness education for young people, Tom continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of artists and fans alike.
Through his new venture, Song Strategist, Tom offers consulting services for independent musicians, sharing his wealth of knowledge to help artists navigate the modern music landscape.
Services
What do you need to move your career forward?
- Career Strategy Sessions: Tailored guidance on setting long-term goals, career planning, and navigating the music industry.
- Music Release Planning: Detailed strategy for releasing singles, EPs, or albums, including timelines and promotional activities.
- Branding and Artist Identity: Consultation on developing a cohesive brand, visual identit
- Career Strategy Sessions: Tailored guidance on setting long-term goals, career planning, and navigating the music industry.
- Music Release Planning: Detailed strategy for releasing singles, EPs, or albums, including timelines and promotional activities.
- Branding and Artist Identity: Consultation on developing a cohesive brand, visual identity, and artist persona.
- Social Media Strategy: Customized social media growth plans, platform audits, and engagement tips for building a fanbase.
- Digital Marketing and PR: Guidance on digital marketing strategies, email marketing, playlist pitching, and press outreach.
- Music Monetization Strategy: Insights on how to generate income from streaming, live performances, merchandise, and more.
- Distribution and Streaming Optimization: Advice on selecting distributors (DistroKid, TuneCore, etc.) and maximizing streaming revenue.
- Fan Engagement and Community Building: Tips on building an engaged fan community through direct-to-fan platforms like Patreon or Bandcamp.
- Live Performance and Touring Strategy: Consultation on booking gigs, planning tours, and maximizing live show opportunities.
- Website and EPK (Electronic Press Kit) Review: Detailed feedback on artist websites and EPKs to ensure they appeal to industry professionals.
- Music Licensing and Sync Opportunities: Guidance on how to get music licensed for film, TV, ads, and video games.
- Collaborations and Networking: Strategies for networking, building industry connections, and securing collaborations.
- Financial Planning for Artists: Budgeting advice and financial planning for independent artists to sustain their careers.
These services can be offered individually or as part of larger packages depending on client needs.
Flexible Service Plans
Fit Your Schedule and Your Budget.
HOURLY Consulting
I offer a flexible pricing structure designed to meet the unique needs of unsigned music artists, whether you’re looking for a single consultation or ongoing guidance. My Hourly Rate option is ideal for artists who need specific advice or a quick tune-up on their strategy. Priced at $150 per hour, these one-on-one session
HOURLY Consulting
I offer a flexible pricing structure designed to meet the unique needs of unsigned music artists, whether you’re looking for a single consultation or ongoing guidance. My Hourly Rate option is ideal for artists who need specific advice or a quick tune-up on their strategy. Priced at $150 per hour, these one-on-one sessions provide targeted guidance on everything from social media strategy and branding to digital marketing, distribution, and release planning. Each session is tailored to address immediate concerns, with actionable steps that can be implemented right away.
PACKAGE DEALS
For artists seeking more comprehensive support, I offer Package Deals designed to deliver deeper, more sustained results. My 3-Session Package (priced at $400) includes three one-hour consultations, perfect for building a more cohesive strategy over time, such as planning an upcoming release or refining an artist's online presence. For those embarking on more complex projects, like a full album rollout or building a fanbase from the ground up, a 10-Session Development Package is available for $1,350. This package provides ongoing support, allowing us to dig into all aspects of your career, from branding to touring strategies.
MONTHLY RETAINER
For artists who want continuous mentorship and long-term growth, I offer a Monthly Retainer option. For $2,500 per month, clients receive unlimited email support and four one-hour strategy calls per month, ensuring that we stay connected throughout every phase of your journey. This tier is designed for artists who are serious about accelerating their career and want ongoing, real-time feedback on everything from marketing strategies to live performance opportunities. Whether you’re preparing for a major release or navigating a career pivot, the retainer provides consistent, high-level guidance to keep you on track. If you have some early momentum but are not yet ready to commit hiring a manager (and paying 15%-20% commissions), this is a great option for you.