Ian Montone operates best behind the scenes, often shying away from personal publicity and allowing his impeccably cool, artist-forward roster to shine. But we’re dragging him into the spotlight whether he likes it or not.

A straight shooter, the well-respected and much-liked Montone has built a powerhouse indie management firm in Monotone Inc., repping Jack White, Vampire Weekend, LCD Soundsystem, The Shins, Cold War Kids, Broken Bells, Pete Yorn, The Kills, Angie McMahon, Still Woozy, Briston Maroney and Spacey Jane, to name a few.

Eschewing both a website and social channels, Monotone's operation has staff in Los Angeles, New York, London and Mexico City and a tight, loyal team of 20 music managers overseen by Montone and the senior leadership of Matt Pollack, Brian Cross and John Picard. Other veteran managers include Tiffany Steffens, Amy Schmalz, Lalo Medina, Ameet Eini, Brian Graf, Maddie Case, Chris Anderson, Gary Walker, Cesar Rosas, George Sakaguchi and Jordan Long.

Then there’s the next generation of managers, among them Denali Dunuwila, Nicole Morris, Rachael Jansky and Veronica Guerinot. Former label A&R Daniel Vayness and his longtime client, producer-artist Solomonophonic, are new additions to the fold.

The full-service management company boasts its own indie label and publishing arms as well as in-house touring and promo/streaming teams.

Montone is also a co-founder of media and production group LBI Entertainment with partner Rick Yorn, a hugely successful producer and manager of A-list film and TV talent. With Yorn, Montone manages Jamie Foxx, Jonah Hill and Julia Garner, among others.

Montone’s first client was The White Stripes, who are being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year. Before devoting himself to management, he was a partner at esteemed law firm Davis, Shapiro, Lewit, Montone & Hayes, LLP, where he focused on the music business and sending us cease-and-desist letters.

The White Stripes, LCD Soundsystem, Vampire Weekend