Music Industry Veteran BRIAN IVES is the New EIC,
CARMEN “SQUIGGY” DIGIACOMO Named Gear Editor
Townsquare Media has announced two new additions to Loudwire, its website that covers all eras and styles of hard rock and heavy metal. Veteran writer, editor and producer Brian Ives is the new Editor-In-Chief, while The Music Experience’s Carmen “Squiggy” DiGiacomo has been named as Loudwire’s new Gear Editor, and will host “Gear Factor,” a column and video series that will examine the world of musical instruments and accessories for rock and roll fans.
“We’re thrilled to have two top influencers in the metal community join the team at Loudwire,” says Craig Marks, editorial director at Townsquare Media. “Brian brings years of experience creating and curating great content in the rock and metal genres, and Squiggy is a one-of-a-kind gear expert and enthusiast with unequaled relationships with both musicians and instrument manufacturers.”
Mr. Ives has worked at some of the most influential brands in music and pop culture, including SiriusXM, MTV.com and VH1. Most recently, he was Editor of CBS’s Radio.com, but he started his career as Associate Editor of Foundations, a music industry publication focused on metal. He’s also appeared on VH1, CBS and the Biography Channel, as well as a number of SiriusXM shows, as a pundit.
Ives added: “I’m thrilled to join Loudwire, the premiere online destination for hard rock and heavy metal fans. I look forward to guiding the team into our next era as the leading voice in the most enduring genre of rock music.”
Mr. DiGiacomo is best known as the founder/CEO of the Music Experience, a traveling musical instrument exhibit/store at America’s top rock festivals, including Rock on the Range, Louder Than Life and Carolina Rebellion, and encourages fans to learn to play instruments. The Music Experience also features the Student Music Experience, which works directly with local music schools and students.
“It’s an honor to be working with the largest cultural influencer for rock and metal music. I am looking forward to bringing the industry that I am so passionate about to everyone in the Loudwire universe.” Says Carmen “Squiggy” DiGiacomo.
DiGiacomo is well connected and respected in the industry.
“The Music Experience rules! It’s great to see these guys bringing killer guitars and gear to the US festivals and Loudwire. Fans get a chance to try the stuff and meet their favorite players… it’s a great thing!” – Rob Caggiano – Volbeat
Stephen Carpenter of Deftones added: “Big shout to The Music Experience, Loudwire and Squiggy! So nice to see an environment where new players can pick up an instrument and jam! Keep it up!”
About LOUDWIRE:
Townsquare Media’s Loudwire.com is one of the leading hard rock and heavy metal websites in the world, with more than 6.4 million unique visitors each month and more than 1.3 million Facebook fans. Meanwhile, Loudwire’s YouTube channel has more than 675,000 subscribers and 200 million lifetime views. Townsquare Media is also home to ‘Loudwire Nights,’ a syndicated radio show that airs weeknights on multiple active rock radio stations across the United States. In 2017 the Loudwire Music Awards was launched in tandem with AXS TV and featured appearances from members of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Megadeth, Pantera and Avenged Sevenfold.
About TOWNSQUARE MEDIA:
Townsquare is a media, entertainment and digital marketing solutions company principally focused on small and mid-sized markets across the U.S. Our assets include 317 radio stations and more than 325 local websites in 67 U.S. markets, a digital marketing solutions company serving approximately 12,000 small to medium sized businesses, approximately 550 live events with nearly 18 million attendees each year in the U.S. and Canada, and one of the largest digital advertising networks focused on music and entertainment reaching more than 50 million unique visitors each month. Our brands include iconic local media assets such as WYRK, KLAQ, K2 and NJ101.5; acclaimed music festivals such as Mountain Jam, WE Fest and the Taste of Country Music Festival; unique touring lifestyle and entertainment events such as the America on Tap craft beer festival series and North American Midway Entertainment, North America’s largest mobile amusement company; and leading tastemaker music and entertainment owned and affiliated websites such as XXLmag.com, TasteofCountry.com, Loudwire.comand BrooklynVegan.com. For more information, please visit www.townsquaremedia.com.
