Pride Interview Series: Feature.fm’s Senior Business Development Manager Jeanette Borzon

In a continuation to this months interview series, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the Senior Business Development Manager at one of the music industry’s top music marketing firms. We’re ecstatic to introduce to you: Jeanette Borzon:

To start, we’d love to learn a little more about you. Tell us a little bit about life growing up in New York. 

I feel pretty fortunate having grown up in NY. There’s tons of diversity and opportunities which have enabled me to pursue a career in music while also allowing me to maintain my identity (for the most part). With that, it has its challenges. NY is highly saturated and competitive; you have to stay determined.

As someone who has been in the music industry for over a decade, how would you describe the culture of the industry? Has it changed over the years? 

I can only speak from my personal experience here, but I believe the culture of the industry has definitely changed for the better. It’s a much more inclusive space and I really enjoy seeing those that are part of our community in more defining roles. 

You cut your teeth in creative, as both a musician and audio engineer before shifting to the business end of music.  What led you to your current role as Senior Business Development Manager with Feature.fm?

Much like the creative roles of being a musician and engineer, business development is an art form. I love working with people and building relationships. Putting the pieces together to find mutual synergies takes a creative and strategic mindset. I love the challenges it presents and that is the biggest draw for me. I also love to see what opportunities partnerships unfold in the future. 

What has been one of your favorite projects you’ve worked on to date, and why? 

One of my favorite projects I worked on to date is organizing Feature.fm’s Pride Highlights – we highlight artists and their releases, as well as indie labels who represent the LGBTQIA community. It’s an incredible opportunity to amplify missions and releases.

Did you have any mentors along the way? How do you think they affected the course of your career? 

I’ve had many mentors and colleagues that have had a tremendous impact on the shape of my career path. Some of which have been founders of big data & music tech companies, others, global leads at major labels. They’ve really helped carve out a path for me that fit – one that was inclusive of my passions – music, business, and emerging technology. 

Do you feel the LGBTIA community is represented in the music industry? 

I do! For one, we have incredible artists that resonate with our community. Their releases fundamentally impact the next generation of artists, those struggling living openly, or those who aren’t sure how to advocate. I’ve also been fortunate enough to connect with the many LGTBQIA music business professionals that are behind the scenes, who help give those artists a means to share their voice. 

How do you think the industry can champion LGBTQIA community more? 

I’m hoping that more breakthrough artists emerge, as well as more events involving the community take place outside of Pride month!

Finally, what gives you hope about the direction the industry is currently heading? 

As it stands today, the Music industry is becoming more occupied with independent artists who are stepping away from traditional deals with labels. I’m hopeful that artists continue to empower themselves independently and I think we’ll be seeing more of that in the future. 

Music has given me the strength to be unapologetically me, and I hope it does the same for others. 

Visit Jeanette on LinkedIn HERE.

Visit Feature.fm to learn more.