KENT ANDERSON
KENT ANDERSON – BIO
Kent Anderson is a music industry consultant and educator with decades of hands-on experience across music marketing, artist development, digital media strategy, and music business education. Based in Chicago, Kent works at the intersection of artistry and strategy, helping artists, and organizations build sustainable, modern careers in the music industry.
Kent’s passion for music began early, studying piano and trumpet before finding his voice as a bassist. That lifelong commitment to music led to a multifaceted career as a music marketing consultant, producer, published author, and professor.
His professional journey began managing record stores for Trans World Music Corp., the nation’s largest music retailer, where he gained deep insight into consumer behavior, retail marketing, and artist promotion. This experience launched a career that would span multiple cities, major labels, and evolving music industry models.
Kent later joined GRP Records, working directly with legendary producer Tommy LiPuma. As Midwest Regional Sales Manager and later overseeing sales and marketing from New York, he helped guide the label during a period of national growth and critical acclaim.
This foundation in label operations, sales strategy, and marketing continues to inform his work today as a music industry strategist and consultant, advising artists and creative professionals navigating today’s digital-first landscape.
In addition to consulting, Kent is an Adjunct Professor of Instruction at Columbia College Chicago, where he instructs courses in the Business of Music, Entertainment Marketing, Digital Media Strategies, and Music Business: Decision Making.
As a music business professor and educator, Kent emphasizes practical, career-ready skills—bridging theory with real-world application. His coursework covers digital marketing analytics, branding, SEO strategy, monetization models, and the evolving role of AI in creative industries.
Kent is the author of It’s All About The Music Marketing Stupid (Second Edition), a widely referenced curriculum focused on helping artists understand marketing fundamentals, audience development, and sustainable growth. As a music marketing author and educator, he regularly speaks, writes, and consults on the future of the music business.
Through his consulting practice, Kent works closely with artists, songwriters, and creative teams to develop clear strategies for branding, releases, touring, and digital presence. His approach blends decades of experience with modern tools—helping clients make informed decisions in a constantly changing industry.
Whether advising independent artists, mentoring students, or collaborating with industry professionals, Kent Anderson remains committed to empowering creatives through knowledge, strategy, and execution.
Kent holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the University of Northern Iowa, with additional studies at the University of Iowa, a member of The Recording Academy, and is an Eagle Scout. A professional bassist for over a decade, he has performed on upright and electric bass with jazz ensembles, big bands, pit orchestras, rock bands, and R&B groups.
For consulting, speaking engagements, or educational collaborations, Kent welcomes opportunities to work with artists and organizations seeking clarity, growth, and long-term success in the music industry.
GEREY JOHNSON
GEREY JOHNSON
Gerey Johnson’s journey into music is as inspiring as it is unique. Armed with a political science degree from Northwestern University, he began his career in the banking sector. Eventually, he was promoted to an Assistant Vice-President, managing IRAs and retirement plans for a bank on the North Shore of Chicago. He left banking and became licensed as a money manager, working for a national investment firm, a boutique private investment company and a family-owned investment firm managing corporate clients in Chicago.
While holding down a nine to five as an investment banker, he continued to play guitar, gig, and write music. During this time, he was next made aware of the unfortunate news; his brother was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Gerey took his brother in and supported him until his passing. However, before his passing, Gerey’s brother convinced him he should forgo his successful career in the investment banking sector and pursue his true passion- to dedicate himself to music full-time. Honoring that wish, Gerey made the bold decision to walk away from banking and dedicate himself entirely to music—a choice that has defined his extraordinary career.
Growing up on Chicago’s South Side, Gerey was surrounded by music, from the jazz and R&B records his family played at home to the drum kit his parents first bought him. After experimenting with drums and keyboards, Gerey found his true calling in the guitar. Inspired by legends like Pat Metheny and Larry Coryell, he began gigging around Chicago, eventually upgrading to a vintage ’72 Thinline Fender Telecaster that remains in his collection today.
Photo courtesy of Charles Hammond
As the leader of his own fusion band, Cool World, Gerey became a fixture in Chicago’s music scene. His entrepreneurial spirit flourished when he began booking national acts for venues like The Jazz Bulls, where he also performed and became a minority partner. His ability to connect with other musicians and his growing reputation attracted major names like Brian Culbertson, Kirk Whalum, and Darryl Jones, solidifying Chicago’s place in contemporary jazz.
Gerey’s career expanded as he took on roles like Studio Manager at 35th Street Studios and A&R representative for Sony Records, refining his skills in artist development, composition, and music direction. He also garnered success as a songwriter, and music producer for several R&B acts, and jingles for a number of ad agencies. During this time, he reunited with his longtime friend Kent Anderson, joining A440 Music Group and further immersing himself in the world of contemporary jazz.
A pivotal moment came when Brian Culbertson invited Gerey to join his tour. Since that time and over the next couple of decades, Gerey Johnson has recorded or performed with Brian, Marcus Miller, Boney James, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Sheila E and Richard Elliot and many others. Gerey has also produced and written music for major labels such Atlantic, Jive, Sony, RCA, and Warner Brothers.
Today, Gerey is a sought-after guitarist, producer, and music director. He balances a packed schedule of jazz festivals, cruises, and concerts while serving as MD for long-running smooth jazz series in Chicago, Louisville, and Lexington, Kentucky. With over 20 years of success as a musician, songwriter, producer, artist manager, and record label executive, Gerey brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and an expansive network of industry contacts to help artists achieve their goals.
