Kobalt
Cortney is an experienced brand manager with a deep understanding and passion for culture, entertainment, technology, and pushing the boundaries with innovative marketing that drives conversations among the target market. She offers a global mindset in understanding diverse consumer and community behaviors and has a track record for successfully building and rebuilding brands like Kobalt Music Group, the largest independent global music publishing company representing over 40% of the top 100 songs and albums in the US. With unique strategy and innovation, she's organically grown Kobalt’s omnichannel social media following by 166% — that includes a 252% increase on Instagram alone, in addition to a 402% increase in impressions. Her reputable journalism background — she took home 3rd place in the Entertainment Feature category at the 2014 Los Angeles Press Clubs awards — has helped bring perspective and drive the development of original content to create partnerships and effectively communicate company goals and initiatives that lead to optimal growth.
Good Company with Mahalia: An Intimate Conversation on Music, Identity and Love
What’s in a name? A history, sometimes a legacy, and always, a story. As we pass by billboards and scroll through playlists, we see artists' names daily. And, while we live in a day and age where most information is easily accessible, the deeper meanings — the backgrounds, the foundations, the upbringings — which habitually lead to the very music we love can be harder to find. In this interview, we dig deep into rising R&B sensation, Mahalia’s, story.
Captured at the intimate H Club, we witness a raw and unearthed side of the captivatingly charming and routinely relatable young woman hailing from the UK. From growing up bi-racial, attempting to negate stereotypes left and right, to approaching age-old topics like love refreshingly in her music, we learn just why she’s been named an artist to watch by the likes of The Brits, YouTube, and Pandora.
Her name has carried great weight since birth, and soon it’ll be on the lips and ears of listeners around the world. This is one story you won’t want to miss. The story is now live on Kobalt's Instagram or take a look here.
[Mis]Conceptions: Women In The Mix
A 2018 study conducted by USC Annenberg’s Music Coalition—recently championed by The Recording Academy— concluded that: the male to female ratio across 400 popular songs from that year is 47 to 1, 2 percent of producers are women, and 3 percent are mixers and engineers. Where are the women behind the boards? More importantly, how do those trying to make their mark gain agency to take a shot? In this roundtable, Adrianne Gonzalez (Christina Perri, Aloe Blacc), Charlie McClean (LÉON, Roast Apple), Emily Wright (Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson), MNDR (Mark Ronson, Q-tip), and Suzy Shinn (Panic! At The Disco, Weezer) dig deep, discuss and develop a plan of action. Led by Jamie Kinelski, VP, Creative, the talented women share their experiences, ideas, and palpable passion for change. This is [Mis]Conceptions: where creators set the record straight.
Love Songs For No One: A Valentine’s Day Celebration
It's Valentine's Day! Whether you're single or boo'd up, we can all appreciate a good love song. But, not all of us can bust out an original, using 5 completely random words, in 20 minutes.
Luckily, songwriters/producers David Hodges (Maren Morris, Carrie Underwood, Christina Perri, Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry), Evan Bogart (Lizzo, Andy Blac, Rihanna, Jason DeRulo, Leona Lewis), & Steven Solomon (James Arthur, Colbie Caillat, Avril Lavigne, Demi Lovato) are professionals.
Here's what they came up with using the words: strawberry, hot, meme, scream, and Chrissy Teigen. This is Love Songs For No One.
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and whether you're single or boo'd up, we can all appreciate a good love song. But, not all of us can bust out an original, using 5 completely random words, in 20 minutes.
Luckily, artists/songwriters Amy Kuney (Kelly Clarkson, Ben Platt, Tory Kelly, Jason Mraz, Anna Clendening) & Caroline Pennell (Selena Gomez, Rita Ora, Vance Joy, Liam Payne, R3hab) are professionals.
Here's what they came up with using the words: sad, disgusting, steak, RuPaul, and Chrissy Teigen. This is Love Songs For No One.
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and whether you're single or boo'd up, we can all appreciate a good love song. But, not all of us can bust out an original, using 5 completely random words, in 20 minutes.
Luckily, songwriters/producers Some Randoms (PRETTYMUCH, Kehlani, Trey Songz, Florida Georgia Line, Normani) & Pop Wansel (Ariana Grande, Alessia Cara, Nicki Minaj, Usher, Big Sean) are professionals.
Here's what they came up with using the words: Aidan, Dr. Seuss, date, sour, and Trump. This is Love Songs for No One.
[Mis]Conceptions: Where creators set the record straight
We've sifted through the chatter. Now it's time to break it down.
Here, producers Rogét Chahayed (DRAM, Miguel, Travis Scott,) and Kurtis McKenzie (Maroon 5, Migos, Zacari) candidly discuss exactly what it takes to make a hit record today. One's classically trained. The other learned how to make beats in his bedroom. Both are nominated nominated for Grammys. This is [Mis]Conceptions: where creators set the record straight.
About [Mis]Conceptions
Music is universal. A hit, undeniable. But, as they span languages and locations, evoking emotion and changing culture, some things get lost in translation. The more popular the song, the more misunderstood the creativity behind it. In [Mis]Conceptions: where creators set the record straight,” we sit down with some of Kobalt’s most influential songwriters and producers for an exploration of their creative processes—challenges, criticisms, and all.
Here, Grammy-nominated producers Jahaan Sweet (Kehlani, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Jessie Reyez, Amine, Drake, Eminem, The Carters) and Teddy Walton (Gallant, A$AP Rocky, BrysonTiller, GoldLink, Kendrick Lamar, Nipsey Hussle, Jay Rock) talk through trends, traditions, and their personal finesse of production.
Bounce music isn't new. In fact, it's in BlaqNmilD's blood. Thanks to his expertise and Drake's appreciation, it's finally getting the attention it deserves.This is [Mis]Conceptions: where creators set the record straight.
Off The Charts
We went live on Instagram with the incomparable R&B singer to talk everything from her 3 (61st Annual) Grammy nominations, including one for her latest album 'honestly,' to her legendary father, to some of her favorite lyrics she's ever written.
We went live on Instagram with the songwriter and producer behind Underoath’s ‘Erase Me’ album, including “On My Teeth,” which is nominated for Best Metal Performance at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. Here he discusses everything from taking risks amongst loyal fans to working across genres.
We went live on Instagram with the singer/songwriter who co-wrote "Slow Dance" and "Move You" from Kelly Clarkson's Grammy-nominated album, 'Meaning Of Life.' Here she discusses everything from her unique writing process to her own meaning of life!
