Check Out Hannah Madison-Taylor’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Madison-Taylor.

Hannah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
How I got started and how I ended up where I am today, is really quite funny and miles apart. Growing up, I was a classically trained violinist, and then danced pre-professionally in a ballet company.So music was always a big part of my life, but never in a million years did I think I would end up having an actual career in it.I graduated high school early, and my plans were to move to London and join the Royal Ballet.My parents insisted(and rightly so!) that I go to a university for at least a year.I’ve always loved learning, and since I was still a minor, I thought that seemed fair.Through strange and wonderful series of events, I surprisingly ended up being offered a scholarship for music rather than dance.That was kind of the beginning of everything. From that point forward, I became immersed in the world of music, and it opened up a path for my life and opportunities that I could never have imagined.I began to work in music studios, which led to opportunities in writing and producing music for Film/TV/Ad, and ultimately led me down a career path to work in music supervision, and music publishing.I’m so tremendously grateful that my life didn’t turn out, in any form or fashion, how I planned it at 17 years old!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh, I would say the road has definitely not been smooth.There were a number of twists and turns over the years that were really challenging.Though I’ve struggled with common themes like sexism or jealousy from colleagues, I’d say the most difficult thing I’ve experienced was a life-threatening situation.Without going into detail of that moment, I can tell you the experience shook me,both professionally and personally, to the core.However, I am so thankful to have family, friends,and colleagues that absolutely walked through that trying time with me, providing strength, encouragement, and healing along the way.The two most important lessons I learned during those times, was the importance of having a support system, and the gift of giving ourselves permission to not try to put on a happy face and just keep going full steam ahead. As the saying goes, ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup.’ It’s so important to take time for ourselves and recharge, especially when we’re going through hard things.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I began my career as a songwriter and producer for an ad agency while in university.I remember thinking after getting my first ad placement, “this can’t possibly be a real job, right?! It’s probably just a one-time thing.” However, it was in fact a ‘real job’, and led to my moving to Los Angeles after finishing school.I began working with film production companies, which led to my working at several music libraries initially as a songwriter/producer, and later in music licensing and clearance. From there I had opportunities to work in sync A&R, music supervision, music publishing, and music rights and management. I have been truly fortunate to have worked with some amazing companies and on a wide range of projects and productions in my career which include VH1, MTV, AMC, SYFY, Disney Music Publishing, Concord Music, Van Heusen Music Group,Secret Road, Sony/ATV, Nettwerk, Pitch Perfect, Lala Land in Concert Live-To-Film, The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert Live-To- Film, The Deep Water Horizon Documentary, Black Christmas, The Big Ugly, and The Mattachine Family.

While I have worn a number of hats in my career thus far, I would sum up what I do as creative music strategy and business development.Sometimes that comes in the form of music consulting or music supervision projects,and most currently, as Manager of Digital Marketing and Strategy for the estate of legendary songwriter, Jimmy Van Heusen.I am most proud of how my work allows me to play a key role in both the achievement of goals for the companies and clients I work with, and the continued growth and opportunities that open up, and that they might have initially thought were not possible.The thing I love most about my work, is being a part of bringing people’s dreams and visions to life. You ask what sets me apart: I think my unique background,skillset, and the ability to see the big picture with big possibilities, no matter what project I’m working on.Creatively, I think outside the box, while still understanding the bottom line in business.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I think most people would be surprised to know, how outdoorsy I am. Though I’m known for having quite the high heel collection, I actually love unplugging from everything, and going out in nature for a long hike.

Contact Info:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahmadisontaylor