Matt Ferguson Email & Phone Number

Los Angeles, California, United States

I am responsible for directing content production for Yamaha Guitars + Basses + Amps, Line 6, Guild guitars, Ampeg and Cordoba guitars. This includes collaboration across products, product marketing, and partnership marketing teams to ensure compelling and consistent content that is aligned with each brands marketing + sales strategy.

Calabasas, California, United States

I am responsible for producing all video content and directing the Global Guitar Artist Relations program for Yamaha's Guitar Division which includes Yamaha Guitar/Bass products, Line 6, and AMPEG.

Calabasas, Ca,

Direct the Global Guitar Artist Relations program for Yamaha's Guitar Division that includes Yamaha Guitar/Bass products, Line 6 and AMPEG

Greater Los Angeles Area

Direct the Global Guitar Artist Relations program for Yamaha's Guitar Division that includes Line 6 and Yamaha Guitar/Bass products.

Greater Los Angeles Area

Greater Los Angeles Area

Directed international team of 10 Artist Relations professionals with four direct reports supporting six brands. Transformed existing, reactionary program to a proactive initiative benefiting the global marketing brand. Managed digital content and social media engagement. Placed product brands in feature films, TV, and marketed collateral. Spearheaded openings of flagship showrooms in Los Angeles that served as the template for future showrooms in London, UK & Austin, TX.. Oversaw daily operations for LA showroom, including inventory, booking, and media shoots, e.g. The Voice. Prepared biweekly reports to communicate progress and team wins.♦ Positioned team on forefront of product launches and new marketing initiatives—constantly staying ahead of campaigns and maximizing artist relations to the fullest potential.♦ Increased focus on Artist centric digital content with social media playing a pivotal role; audience following grew 40% YOY from '11 to '14.♦ Improved artist quality and diversity to accelerate marketing strategy; dramatically enhanced artist support and enabled greater emphasis on emerging and signature artists.♦ Created guidelines to ensure consistent results and ROI across five Artist Relations showrooms.♦ Collaborated with Product Marketing and Marketing Communications to produce 62 videos aligning artists and products with specific campaigns; view counts currently in excess of 6 Million. Served as Co-Producer for "Fender Sessions" – new initiative providing compelling Fender-centric artist video performance content and historic recording studio environment.- Inaugural sessions held at world-famous Capitol Studios in Room "A".- Captured video and photos of seven artists / bands over two days, producing 17 songs and seven interviews linked to current product marketing campaigns and initiatives.- Received 1.4 Million views for series since mid-June 2014 launch.

Greater Los Angeles Area

Advanced Korg, Marshall and Vox products across authentic and organic channels, capitalizing upon high-profile artists in conjunction with product marketing campaigns and social media content. Collaborated with brand managers and sales teams to define strategy, budgets, short- / long-term goals, and fiscal year forecasts. Directed leveraging of artist content for trade shows, catalogs, and ad campaigns. Oversaw artists' video production for respective YouTube channels. Negotiated product placements with musicians.♦ Transformed former Artist Relations program and re-launched as Entertainment Relations role; achieved dramatic increase in brand recognition within the musician and mainstream markets.♦ Formed corporate promotional alliances between KORG USA brand and non-musical brands, such as Levi's, to promote products to mainstream demographics.♦ Pioneered creation of "KORG Studio West" – a showroom / content space used for video / photo shoots, artist demos, and sneak peeks for both artists and key dealers.♦ Captured multiple artist placements of guitars and equipment for famous bands and musicians, including print ads, video shoots, and live performances.♦ Delivered monthly video recaps to senior leadership, providing a visual presentation of placement wins.

Greater Los Angeles Area

Managed ROI-based relationships with entertainment industry influencers, including artists, record labels, managers, TV, film / music producers, and actors, Directed artist-related marketing needs for eight product lines, interfacing with six instrument divisions across executive, product management / marketing, and manufacturing levels. Interacted directly with marketing team on social media initiatives, trade show participation, catalog / ad campaigns featuring artists, and product launches. Identified licensing opportunities to expand global brand recognition and influence, emphasizing mutually beneficial partnerships with acclaimed artists. Leveraged relationships and experience to create signature licensed products to align with brands and artists' fan base. Opened and operated two successful showroom / event spaces in LA. Trained new hires, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration. ♦ Lead negotiator for Gibson sponsorship and product integration agreement for TV show "Rock Star: INXS"— closed sponsorship for 35% of original asking sponsorship fee.♦ Coordinated multi-brand / model release of the Slash line of guitars, grossing $1.5 Million + on launch day.♦ Completed and promoted signature models with multiple artists, including Dave Grohl (The Foo Fighters), Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day), Tom Delong(Blink 1-82 + Angels & Airwaves), Slash(Guns n' Roses) Elliot Easton(the Cars) , Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue), Dwight Yoakam, and Kiefer Sutherland; successfully placed products in TV shows and feature films, e.g. "Walk The Line."Notable accomplishments:Collaborated with multiple instrument divisions and co-project managed 16 signature Artist instruments with Gibson Custom shop, Gibson Montana, Gibson USA & Epiphone. A highlight of this type of project was the 2008 release of an entire line of four Slash guitars and a global sales and marketing campaign that grossed over 1.5 million dollars in retail sales on launch week.

Huntington Beach, California

• Built, designed both prototype and Artist/Custom Resonator / Electric guitar’s. • Managed Metal Body production including plating and scheduling. • Responsible for assuring the assembly of Metal, Wood and Electric guitars.• Responsible for Quality Control, worked with Paint, Metal shop, Mill and suppliers to assure quality standards.

United States

• Worked closely with artists, management, media and other support personnel to assure successful recording sessions and live performances. • Responsible for all technical and logistical aspects of artist’s equipment and performance needs.• General Duties include set up, maintenance and repair of guitars, amps, effects, all tech services and advancing performance details.

Education record

Education record

Education record