Stephen Finfer
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Stephen Finfer is a Music Publisher, Manager, Attorney, Television Producer and Business Executive whose clients have included Kara DioGuardi,[1] Scott Storch, Selena Quintanilla, Emanuel Kiriakou, David Hodges, Greg Wells, Mitch Allan and Kasia Livingston. Having previously operated his own law firm and management company, Stephen Finfer aided Dr. Dre and Master P in establishing their respective record labels, Death Row Records and No Limit Records. Together with business partner DioGuardi he formed and currently operates the boutique music publishing company, Arthouse Entertainment.[2]
Early life
Stephen Finfer was born in Brooklyn, and grew up in Long Island, New York. He is a graduate of Brandeis University, and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in the state of California.
He began his career as an entertainment litigator at the worldwide law firm of Shea & Gould in Los Angeles, before becoming a staff attorney at Capitol/EMI Music, where he ran business affairs for their licensing division (CEMA Special Markets), and latin music division (EMI/Latin Music). Thereafter, Finfer opened his own law firm and management company, where his clients included Dr. Dre/Deathrow Records, Master P/No Limit Records, Capitol Records, Priority Records, LOUD Records, Justin Warfield, House of Pain/Everlast, and Selena Quintanilla. As a manager, Finfer's Deluxe Management banner represented such artists as Fleetwood Mac and Ian Astbury.[3] 000
Career
Management career
After legal and business affairs positions, Stephen moved on to senior creative and management positions throughout the music industry. He was appointed General Manager of MCA Music Publishing in1996. Thereafter, he served as Senior Director of Creative Affairs at Famous Music Publishing (a division of Paramount Pictures).
In 2000, Finfer was appointed General Manager of TVT Music's new publishing operation. The company obtained worldwide pop success with songs written by writers like: Scott Storch (Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Eminem, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, and Beyonce); Lil Jon (Usher, Pitbull, Ying Yang Twins).,[4] and Ja Rule.
Arthouse Entertainment
In 2002, Stephen Finfer and his business partner, Kara DioGuardi established the music publishing and production company, Arthouse Entertainment. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Arthouse became one of the most successful boutique publishing companies in the world; maintaining a roster of writers that consistently deliver worldwide pop hits to this day. The company has received more than 25 Pop music awards for the most performed songs on the radio.
In 2007, Arthouse Entertainment sold an equity interest in the company to Spectrum Equity/JPMorgan, and entered into an administration partnership with Bug Music, the largest independent contemporary music publisher in the World. In 2012 Arthouse Entertainment sold a portion of its music assets to Roundhill Music for an undisclosed sum. In August 2013, Arthouse entered into a funding and administration agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group.
Some of Arthouse’s biggest hits include, Bruno Mars’ “Just The Way You Are”, "Lazy Song", and “Grenade”, Jason Derulo's "Want You To Want Me", and "Trumpets", Eminem f. Rihanna's "The Monster", Demi Lovato's "Heart Attack", Cee Lo Green’s “Fuck You!”, Carrie Underwood’s “Undo It”, Darius Rucker’s “This”, Pink’s “Sober”, and B.o.B’s “Nothin' On You”.
The following is a partial list of artists who have recorded Arthouse songs:
| Arthouse Artists (partial list) |
|---|
| Bruno Mars |
| Katy Perry
Eminem Rihanna Jason Derulo Demi Lovato Chris Brown Gwen Stefani |
| Carrie Underwood |
| Cee Lo Green |
| Pink |
| Flo Rida |
| Britney Spears |
| The Jonas Brothers |
| Hannah Montana / Miley Cyrus |
| Bad Meets Evil |
| Darius Rucker |
| Cobra Starship |
| Christina Aguilera |
| Snoop Dogg |
| B.o.B |
| Travie McCoy |
| Kelly Clarkson |
| Sugarland |
| Jessie James |
| Colbie Caillat |
| Theory of a Deadman |
| Red |
| Friday Night Boys |
| Mika |
| Hilary Duff |
| Ludacris |
| Flipsyde |
| Matisyahu |
| Sugababes |
| Lindsay Lohan |
| Santana |
| Big & Rich |
| Jewel |
| Katharine McPhee |
| The Pussycat Dolls |
| David Archuleta |
| Nick Lachey |
| Ballas Hough Band |
| Backstreet Boys |
| New Kids on the Block |
| Whitney Houston |
| Cassie |
| Ruben Studdard |
| Faith Hill |
| Belinda |
| Green Day |
Film/TV
In addition to his work in the music business, Stephen Finfer has produced for Television. Finfer was signed on to produce various television projects including developing a music-comedy series “Big In Japan” for USA Networks
Other Management
Finfer also runs his own personal management company, representing a select group of talent including Kara DioGuardi (who was a judge on 2 seasons of AMERICAN IDOL, starred as head judge on Bravo’s “Platinum Hit”, and portrayed Roxie Heart in the Broadway rendition of CHICAGO), and Universal/Republic recording artist, Clairity.
Stephen has also consulted for various executives and entertainment companies, and renders creative services such as executive production, and music supervision.