RCA Records Appoints New Heads of Promotion
RCA Records has announced a significant change in leadership within its promotions department. Sam Selolwane and Keith Rothschild have been named as the new Heads of Promotion, marking a strategic shift aimed at bolstering the label’s outreach and industry impact. This announcement underscores RCA’s commitment to strengthening its promotional capabilities across diverse music genres and platforms.
Sam Selolwane’s Visionary Leadership
Sam Selolwane brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic approach to her new role. With an impressive track record in artist development and a keen understanding of market trends, Selolwane has been instrumental in driving the success of numerous chart-topping hits. Her leadership is expected to foster innovative promotional strategies, ensuring RCA’s artists continue to thrive in an ever-evolving music landscape.
Keith Rothschild’s Strategic Expertise
Keith Rothschild, a seasoned professional with deep roots in the music industry, complements Selolwane’s creative vision with his strategic expertise. Known for his ability to navigate complex promotional campaigns, Rothschild has played a pivotal role in amplifying the reach of high-profile artists. His methodical approach will be crucial in enhancing RCA’s promotional efforts and adapting to emerging challenges in the digital age.
Strengthening RCA’s Promotional Framework
Under the leadership of Selolwane and Rothschild, RCA aims to create a more unified and versatile promotional framework. Their collaborative efforts are expected to bring fresh perspectives, integrating innovative technologies and diverse marketing techniques to elevate the label’s presence globally. This partnership highlights RCA’s dedication to staying ahead in an increasingly competitive music industry.
A New Chapter for RCA Records
The appointment of Selolwane and Rothschild signals a new chapter for RCA Records, one defined by bold leadership and a forward-thinking approach. By leveraging their combined expertise, the label is poised to further cement its reputation as a powerhouse in the music world, committed to nurturing talent and delivering groundbreaking music to fans worldwide.
Selolwane will oversee the hip-hop, R&B and mixshow formats, while Keith Rothschild will oversee the pop, rhythm and rock formats. Both will individually report into the company’s COO John Fleckenstein.
Fleckenstein comments: “Sam is a passionate, forward thinking leader who is a fierce advocate for our artists. She is universally respected by both her peers and RCA family alike. Keith is a seasoned pro who has made an immediate impact at RCA with his relentless drive and strong head for strategy. Together they represent a bold and progressive future for our RCA Promotion teams.”
Chairman & CEO, Peter Edge comments: “Sam is an outstanding executive and I’m excited to have her lead this team. She possesses the qualities of a bold leader and is admired by the industry at large. Keith is an influential leader and his ambition for our artists is clear. I know he will be effective in driving the team to deliver success on behalf of our artists.”
Selolwane comments: “As time and trends change, the passion for breaking artists in the new landscapes continues. I am excited to continue to work with my dynamic team pushing the boundaries of promotions with our incredible roster. I’m looking forward to making history under the leadership of RCA’s music visionaries. I am humbled, thankful and honored for this incredible opportunity.”
Rothschild commented: “I’m so thankful for this amazing opportunity. To be able to help lead the incredible RCA promotion team is an honor. I look forward to breaking new artists and working with already establid legendary artists at this historic label.”
Selolwane was most recently SVP, Urban Promotion at RCA Records, is a passionate music executive with over 20 years of experience (15 years in the Sony Music family).
She has been an integral part of building the urban radio campaigns for artists including Chris Brown, H.E.R., SZA, Ur, Miguel, Jazmine Sullivan, Davido, ASAP Ferg, ASAP Rocky, Khalid, G-Eazy, Alicia Keys as well as new comers Doja Cat, Mulatto and Foué just to name a few.
Prior to that, Selolwane held positions at Jive Records and an independent promotion company, Active Industry Research (A.I.R.). Prior to that Sam began her career as an on-air radio personality at her college Radio Station WEAA-88.9 FM hosting her own Friday night Hip-Hop show called Strictly Hip-Hop before landing an internship with the local Radio-One Radio Station in the market 92Q – WERQ, FM.
She went from intern to Assistant Music Director and maintained her on-air shift hosting a weekly hip-hop show called The Rap Attack.
In 2020, was listed on Billboard’s Women In Music Executives list and Variety Magazine’s New York Women’s Impact Report as well as received other industry acknowledgements including Variety Magazine’s Hitmakers list(2018), Billboard Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40: Music’s Top Young Power Player list(2015) and ASCAP “Women Behind The Music” (2014). Selolwane is a proud graduate of Morgan State University.
Rothschild joined RCA Records in April 2020 as SVP, Promotion. In his short time since joining the label, he has been instrumental in building a radio profile for rising singer/songwriter Tate McRae as well as campaigns for Doja Cat, Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus.
Prior to his time at RCA, he was SVP, Promotion at Def Jam Recordings where he spent 7 years working on the promotion campaigns for Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Alessia Cara, Fall Out Boy, Logic and many more. Rothschild spent a large portion (16 years) of his promotion tenure at Warner Brothers Records where he worked on the promotional campaigns for Muse, Black Keys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Linkin Park and many more.
2021 is off to an exciting start for RCA Records, SZA’s “Good Days” reaches the Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, while Chris Brown and Young Thug’s “Go Grazy” holds at its No. 5 Hot 100 high as it becomes the most-heard song on U.S. airwaves, hitting No. 1 on the Radio Songs chart.
Jazmine Sullivan continues to dominate the culture conversation with the announcement of her singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl alongside Eric Church while H.E.R. was announced to sing America the Beautiful.
Sullivan’s recent project, Heaux Tales debuted at No. 1 on the R&B Albums chart, No. 2 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. Tate McRae continues to soar globally with “you broke me first” continuing with multiple platinum and multiplatinum certifications across the globe.
