It may not come as a huge surprise in the digital music space given the previous nine digital music executives in this series, but Todd Berman is a geek – both musically & in the most traditional sense of the word. An avid music fan, he’s an engineer who can regularly be found at any of the city’s finer live music establishments enjoying a local show or a national touring act. And if he’s not there, he’s playing video games at home in his new man-cave. He really likes video games. A lot.
Todd is most interested in industries making the huge transitions in technology. After beginning his career at Medsphere, leading a team of engineers working on a cost-effective EHR, he decided to try working in another field struggling with the digital transition – music. Todd joined imeem in December of 2005, where he was quickly promoted to VP of Technology, working on the entire service, front to back.
Last year Todd joined the Rdio team as VP of Engineering. Rdio is an upcoming music service from the founders of Skype currently in private beta. Among other streaming services, Rdio will reportedly provide streaming music with archivable playlists – wahooo! The company also recently hired a new Marketing executive featured in the Top Ten Twenties list: Marisol Segal (congrats, Marisol!)
Top Ten Top Twenties: Todd Berman
When I asked Todd within the 48 hour time limit assigned to all of the participants, Todd sent me a disclaimer:
“I feel like this may not be my list of top 20 albums of 2000-2009, but perhaps my list of
top albums from 2000-2009 that I still get excited to hear today”
Well, Todd – kudos to you for some truly timeless picks. Proof positive that the digital music space is built with as many skilled ears as it is dexterous coding fingers.
Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven – Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Apologies to the Queen Mary – Wolf Parade
The Rhumb Line – Ra Ra Riot
Transatlanticism – Death Cab For Cutie
It’s Frightening – White Rabbits
Lateralus – Tool
Sonic Nurse – Sonic Youth
Carnavas – Silversun Pickups
Kid A – Radiohead
Rated R – Queens Of The Stone Age
Waiter: You Vultures! – Portugal The Man
Things Falling Apart – Nine Inch Nails
The Hawk Is Howling – Mogwai
Death to Los Campesinos! – Los Campesinos
Happy Hollow – Cursive
Fever and Mirrors – Bright Eyes
Lapalco – Brendan Benson
Guerolito – Beck
Funeral – Arcade Fire
The Ugly Organ – Cursive
But Wait – there’s one more. This list goes to eleven. It’s cliche, yet true. Next up: Matt Graves…
