Jake Whitener

Jake Whitener is the Director of A&R at Matador Records. Jake has over seven years of experience working in the music industry, with a background in publicity, administration, and editorial work.

Jake started their career as an intern at Beggars Music in March 2011. Jake worked their way up to Publicity Assistant at Capitol Records, before moving to Red Light Management as their Receptionist / Office Administrator. Jake then left to work as an Editorial Assistant at the Los Angeles Times, before returning to the music industry as a publicist at Big Hassle in July 2015.

At Big Hassle, Jake managed and strategized national press campaigns for high profile clients such as alt-J, Brian Fallon, Caveman, Dawes, The Pretenders, Sparks, Summer Moon (Nikolai of The Strokes,) Tycho, Wolf Alice and many more. Jake also served as co-publicist and media strategist for major music festivals including Beach Goth / Growlers Six, Bonnaroo, Sloss, Lockn’ and Outside Lands.

In September 2018, Jake was promoted to Director of A&R at Matador Records. In this role, they are responsible for finding and signing new artists to the label. Jake has a keen ear for finding talented new musicians and helping them develop their careers. Jake is passionate about their work and takes great pride in helping artists achieve their dreams.

They work with Risa Lawrenson - Head of Radio Promotion, Gerard Cosly - Co-Owner, and Chris Lombardi - Co-Owner. A direct report to Jake Whitener is and Emma Buchanan - A&R Coordinator. Jake Whitener reports to Patrick Amory, President & Co-Owner.