In our latest roundup, we present eight rising professionals from various parts of the biz whose dedication and effort make their superiors look good.

This week's entrants will also find their faces in our latest mag, which could make for a great (or dismal) conversation during Sunday brunch.

Angelica Fernandez Zavaleta
Senior Director, Finance, Warner Music Latina

Zavaleta has found herself chatting with DannyLux at the elevator, exchanging nods with Yandel and bumping into Myke Towers, inspiring her to think, “Wow—I can’t believe I get to be part of this world.” She’s thrilled to be on the front lines helping WML sign talent like Natanael Cano, Maria Becerra, Junior H and Blessd and participating in the process of bringing their music to the world. Zavaleta’s secret superpower? Baking. “In my spare time I create beautiful, intricate cakes,” she reveals. The only baking we do is just after waking.

Charlie Heat
Producer/A&R, Primary Wave

Heat has orchestrated beats for Kanye’s The Life of Pablo, scoring multiplatinum hits like “Famous” and “Waves”; left his mark on tracks by Madonna and Bryson Tiller, serving as executive producer of the latter’s eponymous 2024 album; and scored a Rhythm Top 10 with DaBaby’s “Shake Sumn.” He’s presently geeked about forthcoming releases by Sia that he co-produced with Jesse Shatkin and a string of other tracks dropping this summer. Heat’s a cigar aficionado—he’s even crafted his own line. No cigars will be lit after he sees this feature, however.

Kate Myers
Director, Strategic Partnerships, Warner Music Nashville

Myers’ chops were showcased in 2023 when she launched Ian Munsick’s Voices of the West doc with an event at Vegas’ National Finals Rodeo, offsetting the cost via sponsorships while honoring the Native American and Western cultures that have inspired the Wyoming artist. This year she’s connected Austin Snell and Busch Light, made Chase Matthew Lucas Oil’s first music brand ambassador and collaborated on The Castellows’ first brand campaign, with Farnam. “I have crystals and tarot decks in my office,” informs Myers, who got nothing but bad vibes from us.

Christian Conant
A&R Manager, Prescription Songs & Amigo Records

Conant has had the pleasure of seeing his signings Maddie Zahm and Fly by Midnight play not only across the U.S. but in Asia, and last year he contributed to Joy Oladokun’s Proof of Life, weaving talents like Chris Stapleton, Noah Kahan, Mt. Joy and others into its fabric. He’s likewise working alongside such genre-bending writers and producers as Lauren LaRue, Nick Bailey and new signing Ryder Johnson. Aside from his musical passions, Conant relates, “I have an undying loyalty to an obscure off-brand soda called Dr. Bob.” If only he felt the same about us.

Brooke Marcimo
Senior Director, Commercial Partnerships, Epic Records

Brooke once had the honor of dancing onstage with Jennifer Hudson during a casino company retreat while the star sang Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me).” More recently, Marcimo oversaw the launch of Future and Metro Boomin’s record-breaking album, WE DON’T TRUST YOU, and cheered on Tyla’s debut project. Next up: Meghan Trainor’s new album, Timeless, due 6/7. This partnership pro is a former lacrosse co-captain who can now often be found in a bowling alley. We’re pie throwers at best, but we sure look snazzy in those shoes.

César Figueiredo
Artist Manager, WK Entertainment
CEO, Central Sonora

Among other career highlights, Figueiredo has reveled in seeing acts like Latin Grammy winner LUDMILLA and MANEVA headline major festivals, from Rock in Rio to Lollapalooza Brazil. He’s currently focused on an upcoming album by MANEVA, aiming to crown them as Brazil’s top reggae band, while also celebrating Jorge Vercillo’s 30-year career with the sold-out JV30 Tour. He also recently watched LUDMILLA make her Coachella debut last month. In other news, Figueiredo says, “I take sparkling water with me everywhere I go. If it were an artist, I’d become its #1 sponsor.” We’re more flat than fizzy.

Cara Moser
Senior Brand Manager, Live Event Merch, Amazon Music

Moser fondly recalls managing client Daniel Caesar during his 2022 Coachella performances and Grammys turn onstage with Justin Bieber and Giveon on the Biebs song “Peaches.” At Amazon, she’s developing exclusive merch for stars like Mariah Carey, Doja Cat and Romeo Santos, available at venues and on Amazon.com and artists’ own D2C sites. Moser started her entertainment career in film and TV with ambitions of becoming a talent agent prior to falling in love with the live-music biz. We had our hearts set on becoming gazillionaires, but that didn’t work out.

Christian Redl
General Manager, TRIBL Records

From dining with Harry Connick, Jr. and getting style compliments from Lou Adler, Redl’s come a long way since first cracking Don Passman’s essential All You Need to Know About the Music Business. He’s especially proud to have gone from watching Tasha Cobbs Leonard record to helping her earn 3b+ streams, six RIAA certifications and a Grammy win for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance, in 2014 for “Break Every Chain (Live).” The son of a mechanic, Redl’s been working on cars since he could reach the pedal, something we still can’t do.