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Our Team

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John HUGHES

Founder

Former SVP of Digital Marketing/Fan Engagement at Warner Music Group with more than 25 years experience in digital marketing and audience growth

Experience:

  • Deep relationships at Meta, Twitter and TikTok

  • Conceptualized WMG’s first fan network of social media properties, covering targeted music genres and decades, growing it to 8 million fans in less than three years, with an average monthly reach of 12 million

  • Continued relationships with WMG, UMe, Sony, BMG

  • Deep relationships with editorial and marketing teams at both the DSP and label levels

  • A&R pro with deep songwriter relationships, including Sam Hollander (Panic! at the Disco, Fitz and the Tantrums, One Direction, O’Jays), Rivers Cuomo (Weezer), Andy Partridge (XTC) and many more

  • Co-producer and A&R for The Monkees' 2016 Billboard Top 15 comeback album, GOOD TIMES, their first Top 20 album since 1968

  • Spearheaded a two-year catalog legacy campaign for The Cars which culminated with their induction into the Rock Hall

  • Created, produced and co-hosted the Totally 80s podcast

Rafael Hughes

Social Media & Marketing Manager

Rafael implements NearMint Music’s social media and marketing efforts, delivering dynamic, high-impact strategies. From crafting and managing content across platforms to producing and editing engaging video content, Rafael drives consistent audience growth and visibility.

He oversees YouTube channel content, ensuring a cohesive brand voice while optimizing assets for maximum views and subscriber growth. His expertise extends to email marketing, where he designs and manages newsletters that capture attention and boost engagement.

With a focus on efficiency, Rafael incorporates cutting-edge AI tools to streamline scheduling, audience targeting, and engagement tracking. He also manages creative assets, ensuring they’re organized, timely, and aligned with overall marketing goals. Rafael’s innovative approach keeps clients ahead of the curve in a fast-paced digital landscape.

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MADISON HEBEBRAND

Content Coordinator

Madison uses her creative energy to craft NearMint Music’s storytelling, turning artist moments into compelling, shareable content that resonates. With a knack for crafting authentic narratives, Madison has helped create standout campaigns, driving fan engagement and expanding reach. Skilled in digital media, video production, and social trends, Madison ensures every project aligns perfectly with the artist’s voice while capturing the imagination of new audiences.

Cassidy Basinski

Content Creator/Media Buyer

Cassidy brings a razor-sharp focus to connecting artists with their ideal audience. As NearMint Music’s content creator and media buyer, she excels at crafting targeted campaigns that turn casual listeners into lifelong fans. With deep expertise in audience segmentation, social media strategy, and ad buying, Cassidy ensures every post and promotion reaches the right people at the right time. From boosting reach to driving conversions, her data-driven approach and creative vision amplify every project, helping artists grow their fanbases and achieve measurable success.

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About NearMint Music

At NearMint Music, we do more than manage social media—we craft a 360-degree strategy to amplify every aspect of your music career. From growing your fanbase to driving streams, e-commerce sales, and YouTube views, we specialize in creating sustainable success.

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Our expertise extends to legacy content creation, ensuring your music remains timeless. Whether it's launching podcasts with millions of downloads or exclusive vinyl reissues, we keep your artistry alive for future generations.

Led by industry veteran John Hughes, whose campaigns have helped bring icons like Chaka Khan and The Cars into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, NearMint combines unmatched industry expertise with deep relationships at Meta, TikTok, and major DSPs. We don’t just follow trends; we create strategies that blend catalog management, social media, and A&R to maximize your impact.

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With NearMint, your music doesn't just grow—it thrives.

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