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ABOUT

Tony Pontius has worked over the last 25 years in the music Industry in a variety of roles, both as an artist and behind the scenes. Starting his career as a DJ and bass player in the 1990s, Tony progressed to audio engineering (doing live sound for The Nightingales, These New Puritans, Hadouken, and many more) and production, then into running labels and music promotion.

Tony later consolidated this knowledge, achieving a First Class Honours Degree in Music Business and Live Events from London Metropolitan University, augmenting his earlier HND in Audio Production. Tony continues as a practising artist and DJ, and lectures in Music Business to degree level in London; he also offers his wealth of knowledge and practical experience as a music industry consultant.

 

Tony started Hottwerk Records in 2007 as a means to release the electronic music created by himself and his friends.  It has since grown to incorporate a raft of record labels, and offer a range of services including music business consultancy, and promotion packages and radio plugging services, specialising in electronic music. 

 

There are many areas in the music industry where we can offer solid guidance and advice. From musicians starting out and wanting to understand how copyright works, or how money can be made from your music, to seasoned professionals looking to start their own labels or get the right remixes for their tracks, we can help! From product management to A&R to PROs to distribution, and beyond – we can give you the guidance and tools to help you take yourself to where you want to be.

 

And if you’re in need of music promo? Using years of music industry experience and an extensive contact base, Hottwerk are experts in getting your music into the inboxes and record boxes of DJs in clubs and on radio shows throughout the world, right across the spectrum of electronic music.

 

Headliners, tastemakers, and residents, from the huge names to those who are just breaking through on the various underground scenes, receive and react on our club promos; our radio campaigns reach music teams, producers, DJs, and podcasters at all levels.

 

As specialists in electronic music promotion our targeted strategic campaigns ensure that when we send out your music, it gets heard by all the right DJs and international, national, and regional radio.

 

Our weekly feedback reports are invaluable tools - labels and artists can use the reactions that we supply as ammunition when trying for placements/banners on download stores.

 

Reactions from tastemaker DJs and radio plays can be crucial in getting tracks signed to record labels, and can also form part of a wider profile-raising PR campaigns for producers, DJs. Vital chart placings by DJs on high profile sites such as Resident Advisor, Beatport, and Traxsource, and tracks being used on podcasts and guest mixes, are all more important than ever - and Hottwerk has an excellent track record in gaining these coveted accolades for our clients.

 

Whether you're taking your first tentative steps as an artist or are an established label (or anywhere in between), talk to us. Our competitively-priced services are tailored to your requirements and we treat each and every project that we work on with bespoke care.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Hottwerk ran several campaigns for Shaboom Records over the past couple of years and were more effective than any other PR company we worked with over the same period. They have a very focused and personal tastemaker promo list and are great at working specialist radio shows and the BBC. Really impressed with the results they get with new unknown artists and would recommend them to anyone who releases good quality dance music..."

Mark Bell (Shaboom Records)

"I'd like to thank you for a job well done! You've done awesome work with the Detroit Grand Pubahs release."

DJ Pierre (Afro Acid Records)

"Since I've been working with Tony, he's given me an invaluable insight into how the record industry runs. He's also been an extremely important ear to all of my new productions, giving help and encouragement from the off. Through Tony's help he's enabled some productions to be signed and also given me the chance to remix some of the many talented artists on the label. Tony runs his own label alongside other high profile labels for some big players. This wealth of knowledge really shines through when you're looking for industry advice on record labels and business practice. Add this to the fact that Tony has been a leading electronic music producer for 10+ years he can also help with production skills. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Tony to help anyone working in this field."

Greg May (DJ/Producer - Rooms Inc/Fantastic Voyage/Bangers Only)

“Tony and Hottwerk have a vast amount of experience within the music industry and a great depth of knowledge – from novice artists to music biz veterans, the advice given is invaluable”

Gary Mills (Vix20 / Session Guitarist)

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