Adam McKeown
Co-Principal - Splat Productions LLC
Moderator - Marketing & Merchandising

Adam McKeown has enjoyed a successful career in the music business, and it’s one that has taken him down many diverse paths including marketing, touring, information technology, and musical instrument marketing. 

Hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, McKeown’s foray into the music business began with his education at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he graduated in 1996 with a BS in Recording Industry: Administration and Operations.  While still attending MTSU, McKeown got a jump-start on his career by serving as a college representative for Sony Music Nashville.

After graduation, McKeown became an Independent Marketing Consultant for Sony Music, where he oversaw the company’s new media initiatives, effectively helping the company to lead the charge in Nashville in making online music available legally for consumers.  He also developed state-of-the-art systems for capturing demographic information, analyzing site trends, and applying findings into ADI maps.  His work with CD Extra, DVD, and e-ttachment development allowed Sony Music to implement low-cost new media marketing tools, promotions, and contests to bolster traditional marketing efforts.

While continuing his work with Sony Music Nashville, McKeown concurrently took a position in Artist/Entertainment Relations for the Montana Acoustic Division of Gibson Musical Instruments in Nashville where he facilitated product placement with artists including Dixie Chicks and Edwin McCain, and in television and music industry events. 

McKeown’s skills in the realm of online and new media technology opened up a new door for him, and in 1998 he accepted the role of MIS Consultant for Sony/ATV Tree Music Publishing, where he was charged with maintaining the company’s MIS network.  McKeown was also instrumental in aiding the company’s studio manager in developing a digital recording system for the music publishing powerhouse.

McKeown’s expertise quickly became well-known in the Nashville music industry community, and soon he was courted by Gaylord Digital to join their team to develop low-cost viral marketing opportunities to enhance the awareness of the company’s web properties.  At Gaylord, he worked with myriad record labels and artist managers to create new opportunities for exposing their products and clients to potential consumers through new technology, while simultaneously expanding the Gaylord brand.  His work was instrumental in creating immense value to Gaylord’s electronic properties, including www.musicforce.com, www.musiccountry.com, www.lightsource.com, and www.songs.com.

It was during this period that McKeown co-founded Splat Productions, a company that specializes in online media research and web development for clients that include Sony Music Nashville, Citadel Broadcasting and The National Baseball Hall of Fame.  The company is responsible for identifying core audiences and developing detailed plans for their introduction into the new media marketplace, including the development and construction of websites that are able to track detailed information regarding visitors and usage that provide invaluable research information for each client, tailored to the specific needs of each one individually.

McKeown resides in Nashville with his wife, Jennifer, and often spends his free time on his farm in western Kentucky where he unwinds by clearing brush on his tractor and playing fetch with his dog “Strat.”

For more information and to learn more about Splat productions, visit www.splatproductions.com.