Eddie Neam is a music executive who has spent more than a decade in the music industry. He has worked with labels, artists and management such as Def Jam Recordings, Interscope Records, Empire Distribution, and Deathrow Records. He also has more than five years of experience in the music promotion industry working with band managers and artists in scouting and securing appropriate venues. It’s those five plus years that he is pushing ahead with as he seeks to continue to help artists promote themselves and make a name in the competitive industry.

When it comes to pushing artists forward, Eddie Neam  is adept at negotiating fees and publicizing events (radio, television, Internet, print media) while ensuring that artists have everything needed, from lodging to sound checks. He also possesses working knowledge of entertainment contract guidelines governing promoter fees, sound check dates/times, length of performance/s and other performer- specific demands.

It took Eddie Neam seven years to build his brand. He started from nothing and says the biggest things that got him to where he is today are handshakes and smiles building up a network of opportunities for him to move forward with. “Your network is the most valuable thing in this field,” he says. “Don’t ever burn a bridge with someone who you know because you never know who that person will become 5 years from now.”

Neam says a music executive with Def Jam Recordings once told him teamwork is what pushes people forward in the industry. In the ten-plus years he’s worked in music, Neam . has networked with a variety of clients, artists, and major record labels. Today, he enjoys a network of friends who he says he wouldn’t be here without. 

Eddie Neam has successfully obtained gold and multi-platinum certification for his marketing and promotions of major records. Among these hit records are “Everyday We Lit” by YFN Lucci featuring PnB Rock, which was certified gold after peaking at #12 on the Billboard hip-hop charts and “Taste” by Tyga featuring Offset, which peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 in August of 2018. This includes working with Def Jam Recordings to help push records for Kanye West. Neam has also successfully pushed independent records into mediabase charts. 

Today, Neam offers services such as marketing campaigns for independent artists and producers. “I want to help them push their music projects out professionally while they’re on an independent level,” he says. Neam also does tour management for artists and producers that need help building their brand from scratch.

Neam feels he’s found his passion in the music industry and he credits that passion as the reason for his current success and drive to achieve more. “Success to me is following your sole purpose in life,” he says. “Knowing who you are in this world and what you can do to create positive energy. When you feel that you are using all the tools that the universe provides and you are using it for the greater cause to bring peace to this world, then I think you’re successful.” 

Neam also offers artists public relations talent as the director of public relations for Rotary International of Cape Henry. In that job, he helps his community members in Virginia Beach promote themselves, but those same skills can be applied to people in music.

The music industry has a lot of moving parts and Neam prides himself in being able to help artists and producers navigate the complexities of the business. It’s not just getting in a booth and recording a song that gets you a hit, even in an age where creation is easier than ever before. You can get a song trending on TikTok or use it in a popular tweet, but it’s people like Eddie Neam who will help get it on the Billboard charts and playing over radio airwaves. 

Whether it’s those airwaves, streaming, or social media, Eddie Neam sees his job as helping to get artists out there. It’s a part of a greater feeling of purpose in his life that pushes him forward to a higher level of success. 

Photos courtesy of Peter Squicciarini from Dark Light Visuals