Featured Executive: Hannan Mumtaz, Sunpop

Hannan Mumtaz is a Kashmiri-American music business professional with a decorated background in creative and business fields. She is the lead Product Manager at SunPop, and has previously worked at renowned firms like JPMorgan and C3Presents. Mumtaz holds a degree in Commerce & South Asian Studies from University of Virginia, and resides in New York City.

Tell us about how you got your start in the music industry, and how it led to the work you do today

While studying at UVA, I produced live shows and managed artists in the indie-rock and hip-hop scenes. I cold emailed my way into an A&R & Marketing internship at C3Presents, and later worked at the very first Lollapalooza India festival. After graduation, I began working across SunPop’s management and label services roster, initially supporting, and now leading day-to-day communications for artists like Quarters of Change (Elektra), aldrch (Epitaph), etc.

Is there a success story or career milestone that you are most proud of?

Quarters of Change was my favorite up-and-coming rock band, even before I was involved in the business (and I’m not just saying that). It’s been very fulfilling getting to work on that project. I’m also excited about the growing South Asian diaspora scene in New York (and beyond) – which I support regularly. I’m always thinking about ways to make our roster more international.

Are there any projects you’re working on or company updates that you’re most excited about?

DIFFERENT HITS, our covers label in partnership with UMG has been a lot of fun. Quarters of Change at Governor’s Ball, Lollapalooza, and Shaky Knees this year will be a blast! And I’m always excited about our left-of-center clients like PTS! and Nimbu.

Outside of your work in music, do you have any other hobbies/ particular areas of expertise/interest

Outside of music, I spend a lot of time exploring NYC restaurants. I really enjoy reading about history and spirituality as well.

Keep up with SunPop!

Keep up with Hannan!

About A2IM:
A2IM is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade organization headquartered in New York City that exists to support and strengthen the independent recorded music sector. Membership currently includes a broad coalition of more than 700 Independently-owned American music labels. A2IM represents these independently owned small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) interests in the marketplace, in the media, on Capitol Hill, and as part of the global music community. In doing so, it supports a key segment of America’s creative class that represents America’s diverse musical cultural heritage. Billboard Magazine identified the Independent music label sector as 37.32 percent of the music industry’s U.S. recorded music sales market in 2016 based on copyright ownership, making Independent labels collectively the largest music industry sector.

Learn more about A2IM here.
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