81
DANIEL GLASS, 61
Founder/president, Glassnote Entertainment Group
Last Year’s Rank: 88
GAMBINO GRAMMY COUP: The indie label group nabbed a whopping seven Grammy nominations, led by Childish Gambino’s “Awaken, My Love!,” which received album of the year and best urban contemporary album nods; as well as record of the year, best R&B song and best traditional R&B performance for the slow-building single “Redbone,” which climbed to No. 12 on the Hot 100 and went quadruple-platinum. “More than ever, it feels like it’s 2.0 for our company — a new era, a new spirit, a new kick in our step,” says Glass.
A&R TOUGH LOVE: Glass describes the past two years at the label as a “cathartic moment of A&R,” comparing his artist-relations strategy to his parenting style. “I didn’t indulge my three kids every time they whined or cried or had a whim,” says the Brooklyn-bred executive. “Too often as custodians of artists, we try to be popular, friendly, nonconfrontational. That is actually not in everyone’s best interest.” Glass cites the “tough love” approach as instrumental to the slow-and-steady rise of Sydney-based trio Mansionair, whose breakthrough hit alongside ODEZSA, “Line of Sight,” nabbed a best dance recording nod.
