By Zack Frink

GigMerge is a new local company helping to guide music artists through their careers and helping businesses connect. Lead by Tiffany Johnson, GigMerge focuses on consulting musical artists in the Dayton area but has also provided consultation for artists in other cities, including Philadelphia, Atlanta and Houston.

Artists interested in working with GigMerge start with a consultation by sending their music and social media links to Johnson and answering initial questions about their current brand. Then, the artist meets with Johnson for a brand assessment meeting in downtown Dayton, or through a Zoom video call, where she learns more about the artist’s background and goals. Finally, both teams schedule accountability meetings on a regular basis where Johnson provides guidance and answers questions.

“We are always working on tools, connections and curating opportunities for artists. We keep them up to date in our email list,” said Johnson.

One of those artists is Sarah West, a soundtrack project manager for local sports media outlet Dayton High School Sports. “Tiffany opened up a door for every connect I needed,” said West. “She gathered video links online to help our artists register their songs and had legal references for them.”

Johnson also helped Keith L. Jenkins, president of the HR consulting firm The Oniru Group. When Jenkins wanted to venture into starting a record label and music publishing business, Johnson steered him in the right direction.

“Tiffany educated me on how music publishing, copyrighting and licensing works for my businesses,” said Jenkins. “She also shared invaluable insights in how to evaluate and position musical artists.”

For Johnson, the path to founding GigMerge wasn’t always apparent.

“I’ve loved music all my life, but I was never too sure what part of the industry I fit into,” she said. “While attending Drexel University, I did several internships ranging from live sound, radio, event planning, production, recording, and my favorites, A&R (artist and repertoire) and artist development.”

After graduating from Drexel, Johnson worked as a vice president of A&R and executive assistant to the CEO at a subsidiary of Sony. 

“I learned a lot from that job and ended up leaving to start GigMerge,” said Johnson.

Looking ahead, Johnson can also envision herself working with clients outside of the music industry. She said she knows a lot of freelancers, entrepreneurs, creatives and individuals that could always use more business.