Team

Golstate Headshots CharlesGoldstuck e1675188658794

Charles Goldstuck

Managing Partner

MikeP Headshot e1719169386760

Mike Posner

Creative Ambassador

image01

Tamara Conniff

Chief Creative Officer

Yonas Argei Goldstate Music

Yonas Aregai

Chief of Staff

Untitled design 13

AJ Caruso

Principal

Untitled design 14

Ben Chaiken

Senior Research Analyst

Paul Craig Goldstate Music

Paul Craig

Director, Human Resources

Lauren Cunningham GoldState Music

Lauren Cunningham

Executive Assistant

Untitled design 1

Anna Howard

Associate

Lance Jung Goldstate Music

Lance Jung

Chief Administration Officer

Justin 2

Justin Mandel

Marketing Consultant
Chris HS

Christopher Murray

Director, Finance & Operations

Headshot Adiya 1

Aditya Mutharasu

 Data Analyst

Alan Newham Goldstate Music

Alan Newham

Senior Financial Director

CP Headshot

Carolyn Peterson

Senior Financial Director

Russ HS

Russel Rieger

Senior Marketing Advisor

Josh Sallen Goldstate Music

Joshua Sallen

Principal

Headshot Lydia

Lydia Yerrick

VP of Legal and Business Affairs

© GoldState Music 2024

Charles Goldstuck

Managing Partner

Highly accomplished operating executive and investor within recorded music, music publishing, and technology. Prior to establishing GSM, he founded and served as Co-Chairman of Hitco Entertainment, a music and entertainment company focused on the creation, production, recording, and distribution of recorded music and artist services. Other prior roles include Executive Chairman of TouchTunes Interactive Networks (Octave Group), the world’s largest out of home interactive digital entertainment network; President and COO of the Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG). Co-founded J Records in 2000 with industry legend Clive Davis and built it into the RCA Music Group. Founder of The Sanctuary at Albany, a state-of-the-art recording studio and music academy.

Mike Posner

Creative Ambassador

Mike Posner’s expansive, multi-platinum discography has earned him global recognition. His songs have been streamed more than 10 billion times, and his pop single “I Took A Pill In Ibiza” was nominated for “Song of The Year” at the 2017 Grammys. In addition to his own music, Posner has written hits for some of the world’s biggest artists, including Maroon 5 and Justin Bieber. In 2019, Posner walked nearly 3,000 miles across North America in an effort to inspire people to challenge themselves, surviving a rattlesnake bite along the way. He then made it to the peak of Mount Everest in 2021, raising more than $250,000 dollars for the Detroit Justice Center for his endeavor.

Tamara Conniff

Chief Creative Officer

Tamara Conniff is the Creative Director of GoldState Music. She comes to GoldState after serving as Partner and CEO of music rights company AMR Songs where she built a successful portfolio of catalogs. She has served in a number of high-profile leadership roles in the music industry, including EVP Business Affairs for Jay-Z’ Roc Nation Music Publishing. During her term, Roc Nation Publishing picked up a number of Grammy awards, including Song and Record of the Year and Best R&B Song. Conniff also launched two successful joint ventures in Nashville: Rhythm House with award-winning hit songwriter Jesse Frasure. Previous positions include COO of Artist Publishing Group scoring hits with Maroon 5, Pitbull, David Guetta, Enrique Iglesias, and Justin Bieber and President of Music Services for Front Line Management/Ticketmaster. She started her career as a journalist and was the first to ever hold the position of Editor-in-Chief at Billboard.

Yonas Aregai

Chief of Staff

Music business professional with international experience throughout various fields within the industry. Most recently the General Manager and Partner of MER Group, one of the most successful music companies out of the Nordic region. Developed flagship client Alan Walker into becoming one of the most popular artists within the EDM genre, amassing 50 billion streams worldwide since his 2015 debut. Holds a BA degree in marketing management from Norwegian School of Management and University of California, Berkeley. Recognized as one of the Nordic Music Industry’s ‘Top 20 under 30’ by NOMEX (a collaborative organization facilitating growth in the Nordic music sector).

AJ Caruso

Principal

Finance professional with investment banking and start-up operating experience. Responsible for planning and analysis at GoldState Music across all funds. Previously the Head of Strategy and Finance at Hitco Entertainment, a PE-backed contemporary music and entertainment company. Strong knowledge in music valuation, advising on both buy and sell-side catalog sales. Prior to Hitco, AJ was employed at Deutsche Bank in NYC in their Financial Sponsors Investment Banking group. Honors Program graduate from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College.

Ben Chaiken

Senior Research Analyst

Emerging technology specialist with experience in Artificial Intelligence Research, decentralized business development, and executive leadership education. Former Brand Velocity Group Private Equity Fellow with experience in LBO modeling and deal structuring. Previously employed at Grant Thornton Public Sector in the strategy service line with a focus on cybersecurity solutions onboarding and legislative monitoring. Bachelor’s Degrees in International Relations and German from Colgate University.

Paul Craig

Director, Human Resources

Results-driven human resources professional with expertise in employee relations, recruitment, performance management, payroll and benefits administration, policy development and implementation, training and development, and compensation. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills coupled with sound business judgment. Proficient in assisting organizations in meeting business objectives in a rapidly changing environment. Team player, bringing enthusiasm and energy into group efforts.​

Lauren Cunningham

Executive Assistant

Live events and administrative professional. Previously a freelance hospitality coordinator working both domestic and international concerts, festivals, and events. Prior roles include an Administrative Assistant at Townsquare Media with experience in office management and executive support. Bachelors degrees in Entertainment Management and Journalism from The University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Anna Howard

Associate

Finance professional with music copyright valuation and strategy consulting experience. Anna is responsible for data ingestion, deal underwriting, and portfolio management at GoldState Music. Prior to working at GoldState, Anna was a music catalog valuation expert at FTI Consulting, performing dozens of valuations spanning individual publishing and masters’ catalogs, to some of the largest music portfolio transactions and securitizations in the industry to date. Anna graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in Finance.

Lance Jung

Chief Administration Officer

Accounting and Operations professional with music administration experience. Previously the Controller and Head of Production at Hitco Entertainment, leading all accounting and supply chain administration for the company. Prior roles include Grant Thornton’s Business Risk/Advisory Services practice, with significant experience in financial and operational audits, enterprise risk assessment, IPO planning, and ERP software planning/implementation Dual bachelor’s degree graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Justin Mandel

Marketing Consultant

Marketing professional and content creator with project management experience. Prior to GoldState, Justin served as the Manager of Social Media at music rights company AMR Songs, where he developed social media strategies for frontline and catalog artists and served as project manager for new releases for frontline artists. Justin brings a wealth of diverse experience to GoldState, having worked closely with music supervisors, coordinated influencer marketing campaigns at the music discovery platform Discz, and served clients as practice manager at Hyacinth Wealth within the LPL Financial network. Justin graduated from American University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business & Entertainment.

Christopher Murray

Director, Finance & Operations

Finance and operations professional with notable experience in systems analysis & design, recorded music finance, and music publishing finance. As the former Director of Finance and operations at Glassnote Records, Christopher not only managed intricate financial operations and royalty processing but also engineered intuitive analytical tools that revolutionized decision-making within the company. Christopher received a Bachelor’s Degree of Science with a concentration in Economics from St. John’s University.

Aditya Mutharasu

Data Analyst

Data Analyst with expertise in data modelling and strategic decision-making. At GoldState, Aditya is responsible for data management, analysis, and modelling. Aditya has experience in launching early-stage startups into accelerator programs and consulting for various clients across industries with data-driven solutions. Holds a Master’s degree in Quantitative Management: Business Analytics & Strategy from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, and a Bachelor’s degree with double-major in Information Systems & Operations Management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Gies Business school with High Honors.

Alan Newham

Senior Financial Director

Highly experienced financial and operating executive in the recorded music and music publishing fields Extensive knowledge of music licensing and distribution arrangements as well as recording artist and music publishing contracts; deep experience of the underlying systems widely used to operate and comply with such agreements. Involved in numerous negotiations to acquire recorded music and music publishing businesses. Most recently Senior Vice President Finance & Business Operations for Octave Music Group International, based in London. Previously General Manager of TouchTunes’ international business, leading the expansion into Europe and the multiple negotiations that created the largest supplier of interactive music in public venues Other prior roles include senior positions at Sony Music Entertainment and partner at Ernst & Young.​

Carolyn Peterson

Senior Financial Director

Highly impactful finance, strategy and operations executive. Previously Chief Financial Officer at Hitco Entertainment, a music and entertainment company focused on the creation, production, recording and distribution of recorded music and artist services. Experience includes 25 years at Paramount Pictures in various executive roles including Executive Vice President, Finance, Sales Administration and Operations for $1.6B Worldwide Television & Digital Distribution Division. Seven years of public accounting experience at KPMG, specializing in the entertainment industry. CPA in the state of California and MBA from the Anderson School of Business.​

Russel Rieger

Senior Marketing Advisor

Highly experienced music industry executive bringing expansive operational and strategic knowledge from a wide span of business sectors in media, tech, branding, marketing, startups, investment, and social impact. Currently CEO of Not Dead Yet Media, a media and tech company. Prior positions include EVP and General Manager at Madonna’s Maverick Records, building the label into a freestanding record company within the Warner Music Group. Additionally, headed Creative Services and A&R, executive producing soundtracks in both film and video games, receiving a Grammy nomination. VP and General Manager at London Records, launching the music label in the US. Principal at a branding and marketing company for Top 100 clients. Founded a strategic agency working with startups in the tech, music, media, social impact, and book publishing sectors.

Joshua Sallen

Principal

Finance professional with experience in all stages of music rights acquisitions, from ingestion of raw historical royalty data and valuation underwriting to investment execution and portfolio management. Responsible for leading the identification, review and evaluation of music investment opportunities, as well as portfolio monitoring and management of acquired catalogs. Previous catalog acquisition experience with Influence Media Partners, a BlackRock-backed music rights fund. Prior to his role at Influence Media Partners, Josh built his foundation in finance through roles in private equity with Pomona Capital and investment banking with Wells Fargo Securities. He received his MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and his BBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.​

Lydia Yerrick

VP of Legal and Business Affairs

In her role as VP of Legal and Business Affairs, Lydia Yerrick works closely with GoldState’s leadership, to oversee rights acquisition agreements, offer due diligence support, negotiate songwriter and artist development deals, handle all aspects of new deal processing, and oversee ongoing administration of GSM’s growing roster of songwriters, artists, and acquired assets. Prior to GoldState, Lydia was the VP of Business Affairs & Administration at AMR Songs and held key copyright, A&R administration, licensing and business affairs roles at BMG, EMI, Concord and Roc Nation. She holds a B.A. from UCLA and a J.D. from Southwestern Law School, where she served as Associate Editor of the Law Review, and is licensed to practice law in California and Tennessee.

Timeflies

Timeflies is an American pop duo formed by Rob Resnick and Cal Shapiro in 2010. Known for their unique blend of pop and electronic music, Timeflies gained fame with their debut album The Scotch Tape and their popular “Timeflies Tuesday” YouTube series. The duo’s singles like “I Choose U” and “Once in A While” have achieved significant commercial success, leading to sold-out tours and performances at major music festivals.

Taylor Phillips

Taylor Phillips is a prominent country songwriter who moved to Nashville in 2013 and quickly made a name for himself. He has co-written chart-topping hits like Luke Combs’ “Hurricane” and Kane Brown’s “Good As You” and “Homesick.” Phillips’ recent successes include collaborations with top artists like Luke Bryan and Morgan Wallen, solidifying his reputation as one of country music’s leading songwriters.

Steve Barri

Steve Barri is a legendary producer and songwriter who played a pivotal role in shaping the music of the 1960s and 70s. Starting as a staff producer/writer at Dunhill Records, Barri produced hits for artists like Tommy Roe and The Grass Roots. He also formed the funk group Rhythm Heritage, which scored hits with TV theme songs like “Theme From S.W.A.T.” Barri’s influence in the music industry continues to be felt across multiple genres.

SOJA

SOJA (Soldiers of Jah Army) is a Grammy Award-winning international reggae band from Arlington, Virginia. Since their formation in 1997, SOJA has released several successful albums, including Strength to Survive and Amid the Noise and Haste, both of which topped the Billboard Reggae Album Chart. Their latest album, Beauty in the Silence, continues to showcase their signature blend of reggae rhythms and socially conscious lyrics.

Sanctus Real

Sanctus Real is a Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning Christian rock band that has been a staple in the genre since the late 90s. With over 4 million monthly streams and eight No. 1 singles, including “Confidence” and “Unstoppable God,” Sanctus Real has maintained a strong presence in Christian music. The band, now consisting of lead singer Dustin Lolli, drummer Mark Graalman, and guitarist Chris Rohman, continues to produce new music that inspires and uplifts.

Sam Tinnesz

Sam Tinnesz is an award-winning songwriter and artist best known for his viral hit “Play With Fire,” which has garnered over 400 million streams. His distinct voice and powerful songwriting have led to the success of other hits like “Legends Are Made,” contributing to over 1 billion views on TikTok. Tinnesz continues to be a formidable presence in the Nashville music scene, pushing the boundaries of alt-pop and hip-hop.

Sam Moore

Sam Moore is a Grammy Award-winning soul and R&B legend, best known as half of the duo Sam & Dave. Moore’s powerful voice has graced countless stages and television shows worldwide. His solo work, including the critically acclaimed album Plenty Good Lovin, has solidified his place in music history. Moore’s contributions to music have earned him a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, among many other prestigious accolades.

Ryan Stevenson

Ryan Stevenson is a Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter who gained prominence with his hit “Eye of the Storm,” which topped the Billboard Christian Chart for 16 weeks in 2016. After signing with Gotee Records, Stevenson has released multiple successful albums and singles, including collaborations with artists like Bart Millard and Amy Grant. His music continues to resonate with fans across the Christian music community.

RonKat Spearman

Ron “RonKat” Spearman is a Multi-Platinum artist, producer, and Grammy-winning songwriter known for his work with icons like Lenny Kravitz, Toni Braxton, and George Clinton. A former member of Parliament Funkadelic, Spearman launched his own project, KATDELIC, and wrote the hit “Don’t Walk Away” by Jade, which Billboard ranked among the “100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time.” His work continues to influence artists across genres.

Rob Williford

Rob Williford is a songwriter and guitarist best known for his frequent collaborations with country star Luke Combs. Williford’s impressive portfolio of writing credits includes the 2019 CMA Song of the Year, Beautiful Crazy and the chart-topping singles Forever After All and Doin’ This. 

Phil Wickham

Phil Wickham is a Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter who has become a leading voice in modern worship music. His hit “This Is Amazing Grace” was Billboard’s No.1 Christian Airplay Song of the Year and won BMI’s Christian Song of the Year. Wickham’s music, including songs like “Your Love Awakens Me” and “Overwhelmed,” resonates with congregations worldwide, making him a central figure in contemporary Christian music.

Nellee Hooper

Nellee Hooper is a Grammy-winning producer renowned for his work on some of the most iconic tracks of the past few decades. His credits include Sinead O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” Björk’s “Human Behavior,” and No Doubt’s “It’s My Life” and “Hella Good.” Hooper also produced multiple tracks on U2’s Grammy-winning album *How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb* and co-wrote Soul II Soul’s hit “Back to Life,” ranked among Rolling Stone’s “200 Greatest Dance Songs of All Time.”

Natalie Taylor

Natalie Taylor is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Birmingham, Alabama. Taylor’s impassioned lyrics and powerful vocal range can be heard across a wide range of major film and television productions. She is best known for her RIAA Platinum hit, “Surrender,” which soundtracked millions of videos across TikTok and other social media sites and continues to tug at listeners’ heartstrings today.

Laura Veltz

Laura Veltz is a country-centric songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Veltz, a staple in the Nashville music community, has written for the likes of Maren Morris, Dan + Shay, Ryan Hurd, and Lady A. She has received four Grammy nominations and won the Song of the Year at the 2020 Country Music Association Awards for “The Bones.” 

Kimberly Perry

Kimberly Perry, formerly of The Band Perry, is a country music superstar who achieved massive success with the No.1 multi-platinum hit “If I Die Young,” which won the CMA Single of the Year and Song of the Year in 2011. In 2023, Perry launched her solo career with “If I Die Young Pt.2,” co-written with Nicolle Galyon and Jimmy Robbins, continuing the story of her previous hit with a fresh perspective. Her solo debut album, Bloom, marks a new chapter in her illustrious career.

KB

Kevin “KB” Burgess is a Dove Award-winning rapper, speaker, and podcaster whose impactful music has made waves in the Christian rap scene. His hit “Church Clap,” featuring Lecrae, is a fan favorite, and his album Tomorrow We Live debuted as the No.1 Christian Album on Billboard. KB’s music, including tracks like “No Chains” and “Today We Rebel,” continues to inspire and challenge listeners with its powerful messages.

Josh Jenkins

Josh Jenkins is a Nashville-based songwriter and lead singer of Green River Ordinance. Jenkins co-wrote the grammy nominated hit “Fancy Like” by Walker Hayes as well as the 2022 Country Music Awards Song of the Year, “Buy Dirt,” by Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan. Jenkins held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songwriters Chart for multiple weeks in 2021.

John Sebastian

John Sebastian is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known as the founder of The Lovin’ Spoonful. His work with the band produced hits like “Daydream” and “Summer in the City.” Sebastian also found success as a solo artist, with his song “Welcome Back” becoming the theme for the sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter. A master harmonica player, Sebastian was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 as a member of The Lovin’ Spoonful.

John Colby

John Colby is a Grammy and Emmy-winning composer, producer, and music director, renowned for his contributions to televised sporting events. As ESPN’s music director (1984-1992), Colby composed the iconic “DaDaDa DaDaDa” theme for SportsCenter. His career spans over two decades, during which he has crafted music for numerous Super Bowls and other major sports events, solidifying his legacy in sports entertainment.

John Boylan

John Boylan is a legendary record producer with a career spanning over four decades. He has produced albums that have sold more than forty million copies globally, working with artists like Linda Ronstadt, Boston, and the Little River Band. Boylan’s influence extends beyond music production to film soundtracks and television, making him one of the most versatile figures in contemporary music.

Jim McCormick

Jim McCormick is a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum songwriter celebrated for his work in the country music genre. He has penned three #1 hits on the Billboard Country Charts, including Jason Aldean’s “Take A Little Ride” and Brantley Gilbert’s “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.” McCormick’s songs have been recorded by industry giants like Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, and Trisha Yearwood, making him one of Nashville’s most sought-after songwriters.

Jeremy Ruzumna

Jeremy Ruzumna is a key contributor to Fitz and the Tantrums’ success, co-writing hits like “Out of My League,” which topped the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, and “HandClap,” the band’s highest-charting single. Ruzumna also co-wrote Macy Gray’s Grammy-nominated “I Try” and has worked with artists like Bruno Mars, DaBaby, and CeeLo Green, making him a versatile force in the music industry.

Ghostemane

Ghostemane is an American rapper and singer best known for his 2018 album N/O/I/S/E. Born in Lake Worth, Florida, and raised in West Palm Beach, he developed a love for hardcore punk and guitar from a young age. Ghostemane transitioned into the underground music scene, where he collaborated with artists like Pouya and Suicideboys, leading to the viral success of “1000 Rounds.” With a passion for blending genres, Ghostemane’s work has gained a significant following, especially his debut album, N/O/I/S/E.

DVLP

DVLP is a Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter from New York, known for his work in hip hop, Latin, and pop music. He first gained recognition as a collaborator with Lil Wayne, producing hits across multiple albums, including Eminem’s “Rap God.” DVLP has since expanded his repertoire, working with top Latin artists like J Balvin and Nicky Jam, and continues to produce hits for contemporary artists in Miami and Los Angeles.

Drew Parker

Drew Parker is a Nashville-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist best known for his work on Luke Combs’ debut platinum record “This One’s For You.” Parker has also contributed to Combs’ upbeat hit, 1, 2 Many, as well as Jake Owen’s single, Homemade. 

Dead Kennedys

The Dead Kennedys, considered one of the most influential punk bands of all time, merged revolutionary politics with hardcore punk music. Formed in San Francisco, California in 1978, the band released seven albums, including the critically acclaimed Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables . The band’s logo is one of the most iconic in punk rock history.

Daya

Grace Tandon, pka Daya, is a pop singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who burst onto the scene with the massive successes of double-platinum singles “Hide Away” and “Sit Still, Look Pretty.” Since her debut in 2016, Daya has cemented herself as one of the top female pop vocalists and won a Grammy for her collaboration with The Chainsmokers on “Don’t Let Me Down.”

David Ferguson

David “Fergie” Ferguson is a legendary country music producer & sound engineer. Fergie is best known for his works with iconic artists such as Charlie Pride and Johnny Cash, collaborating on the Grammy Award-winning album American Recordings. He has recently worked with Americana artists Tyler Childers and Sturgill Simpson.

The Nockels

The Nockels are a Christian music duo known for their influential role in the Passion Movement. Comprised of Christy and Nathan Nockels, they first gained attention with their group Watermark, releasing five albums. Their albums Life Light Up, Into the Glorious, and Let It Be Jesus all reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Christian Album Chart, cementing their legacy as influential figures in modern worship music.

China Music Group

China Music Group holds one of the largest international multi-genre music catalogs, featuring over 20,000 songs across genres like pop, metal, jazz, and classical. The catalog’s tracks have been synced in major films and TV shows, including the Oscar-winning *Everything Everywhere All At Once* and *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.* It also includes a sample library of 1,000 tracks, offering creators professional localized music for their projects.

Blake Harnage

Blake Harnage is a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Harnage’s career begun as one half of the alternative/experimental-rock duo, Versa, until the project ended in 2014. Since then, he has re-focused his efforts on producing and writing with notable work on Tate McRae’s mega-hit, “You Broke Me First,” and collaborations with All Time Low, The Wombats, and PVRIS.

Arnthor Birgisson

Arnthor Birgisson is an award-winning Icelandic-Swedish songwriter and producer who gained significant recognition with 98 Degrees’ hit “Because of You” in 1998. His impressive catalog includes collaborations with artists like Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, and Enrique Iglesias. Birgisson’s work frequently involves partnerships with Ina Wroldsen, with whom he created the hit “Strongest.” His most notable success is “Impossible,” performed by James Arthur, which became a global sensation.

Anberlin

Anberlin is an alternative rock band known for their pop-punk musical themes and Christian lyrical themes. 6 of Anberlin’s 7 full-length studio albums released between 2003 and 2014 charted on the Billboard 200 with 4 of the 7 reaching the #1 spot on the US Christian charts. The band has notably toured with the likes of Fall Out Boy and Thirty Seconds to Mars.

Alan Walker

Alan Walker is an artist, DJ and producer from Norway. Since his emergence onto the global music scene with his break-through single Faded, Alan Walker has grown into becoming one of the biggest artist brands within the EDM genre, amassing over 50 billion global streams and more than 115 million followers across social media.