Rev. Moose

Rev. Moose is a highly accomplished music industry leader with experience in artist development, marketing, advocacy, non-profit management, and international program development. By utilizing his extensive professional network, Moose has proven his ability to build and lead successful organizations, drive systemic change, and foster growth within the independent music sector. Through Marauder, he helps companies, organizations, and government entities develop strategies and in-person events that mutually benefit music communities.

Moose is the founding and emeritus executive director of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF), having co-created both organizations at the onset of the COVID-19 lockdowns that devastated the live entertainment industry. He led NIVA’s #SaveOurStages campaign that resulted in over $16 billion in federal forgivable grant funding for independent venues — the largest arts and culture funding program in American history. While running NIVF, Moose helped direct more than $3 million in grants for emergency relief, professional access, and workforce development while striving for a more equitable and inclusive live music industry.

Years before the formation of NIVA, Moose brought Independent Venue Week, the esteemed series that spotlights locally owned and operated performance spaces, to the U.S. market. Independent Venue Week was the first national network of American independent venues and promoters, which ultimately served as the cornerstone for NIVA’s creation. The annual initiative grew to include venues from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Chuck D (Public Enemy, Prophets of Rage), Big Freedia, Alison Mosshart (The Kills), and others have graciously served as artist ambassadors for the program.

Moose has created several programs to help music industry professionals, including the Port Authority Music Export Academy, national trade missions, and entire conferences. The Port Authority Music Export Academy was an eight-month accelerator program that helped industry leaders from outside the U.S. create strategies to bring their priority projects to the world’s largest music market. Moose has also supported national programs for the European Union, Canada, Australia, Chile, and more to create authentic relationships with American peers. In addition, Moose has led the creation, programming, and production of several prominent industry conferences throughout North America and abroad.

Before founding Marauder in 2015, Moose expanded the international reach of The Syndicate’s press, radio, and marketing departments, starting as the company’s first full-time employee. He previously developed CMJ’s initiatives working with foreign music export bodies while leading its editorial and sales teams.

Moose’s passion for supporting the individuals who power the music industry defines his work. In addition to having paid internships since Marauder’s inception, the firm’s work producing the two largest independent music industry conferences in the U.S. (A2IM Indie Week and NIVA’s annual conference) led to event staff being paid for what would have previously been volunteer positions — a practice that continues today.

Moose sits on the board of NIVF as well as the advisory board for NIVA and Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD). His work has earned recognition from the Clio Awards (Clio Music Impact 2021), the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (Outstanding Advocacy on Behalf of the Performing Arts 2021), A2IM (Humanitarian 2021 & 2022; Independent Champion 2025), Webbys (People’s Voice 2021), IQ Magazine (Indie Champions 2024), Reed Awards (Trade Association of the Year 2022), and CMJ (Most Likely to Change the Music Industry 2006).