HISHAM DAHUD
Creative Marketing Strategist to Artists, Innovators, and Music-Tech Visionaries | 20-Year Background
MY APPRAOCH
ALIGNMENT first
Success in our industry—whether as an artist, label, or music tech—requires alignment. Each step must be thoughtfully laid out and executed in the right order to create real impact.
This philosophy isn’t theoretical—it’s a proven framework I’ve developed through 20 years of experience as both an artist and a strategist. I’ve built careers, guided brands, and navigated the intersection of creativity and business from both sides.
This dual perspective has shaped an approach that ensures every creative vision is backed by strategic execution.
WHY WORK WITH ME?
Most consultants market from the outside—I market from within.
As both a music artist and a strategist, I don’t just understand the industry—I live it. I bridge the gap between artists and the brands that serve them, ensuring products, services, and marketing don’t just reach musicians but truly resonate with them.
I’ve spent years as a marketing strategist for top names in the music industry (see below), while also touring, performing, and building my own career as RIŻIK. This dual perspective allows me to provide real-world strategies that reflect where the industry is headed—not where it’s been.
This isn’t what I do, it’s who I am.
The 4 Pillars of My Work
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Embrace a core identity beyond labels, genres, or objectives. It’s not just about what you create, but the deeper story, vision, and purpose that make you unique.
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Once your identity is defined, next is crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with the right audience—those who truly see themselves in your work. Attention is fleeting; connection is everything.
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Content if your vehicle for storytelling, visibility, and momentum. The key is balancing three elements: attracting new audiences, deepening engagement, and integrating your core initiatives—all while staying authentic and clear.
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Finally, sustainable growth requires the right systems to turn creativity into tangible results. The goal isn’t just engagement—it’s about converting it into real opportunities, revenue, and lasting impact.
AMAZING clients leAd to amazing projects
What people are saying.
“Hisham's expertise in digital strategy is only topped by his boundless love of music. In an industry rife with cynicism and burnout, I've never seen his enthusiasm and optimism waver. Always a delight to work with him.”
— Joshua Glazer, Los Angeles
“Hisham has tremendous knowledge of the music business and a modern approach TO MUSIC marketing.”
— Ali Samdpour, Washington D.C.
“I was treading water until Hisham gave me the direction I needed, both theoretically and practically. It was the full-contact approach I needed."
— Spencer Richard, Edmonton, AB, CA
“I'm a better professional because I had the opportunity to work with Hisham. He doesn't need to say much to accurately communicate what you need to hear. HE can change a life with a phrase.”
— Gabe Bo, São Paulo, Brazil
CARE TO WORK TOGETHER?
🎯 Creative Strategy Session
A focused 1-on-1 session to clarify your vision, define your strategy, and map out actionable next steps. Perfect for artists and brands needing a fresh perspective or breakthrough moment.
📈 Ongoing Consulting
A tailored, high-touch partnership covering marketing, branding, and growth—designed to help you cut through the noise and build long-term success. Ideal for artists, labels, and music-tech companies looking for sustained guidance.
🎤 Workshops & Speaking
Engaging, actionable presentations at the intersection of art, technology, and creative sustainability. Perfect for teams, conferences, and organizations looking for insightful industry knowledge and inspiration.
Book a call
Let’s connect to learn how I can help!
HOW I GOT HERE
From MySpace to Mainstream
I started in music as a creative, but quickly realized that talent alone isn’t enough—artists need to connect, engage, and build something sustainable.
In 2010, an internship with the legendary DJ Shadow led me to managing MySpace pages for artists, pulling me into the world of direct-to-fan marketing and music tech. I helped build FAME HOUSE, one of the industry’s first digital marketing agencies, helping artists like Eminem, Pearl Jam, and Tiësto own their audiences. Our work set new industry standards, earning recognition from Rolling Stone, Billboard, and MTV.
After FAME HOUSE was acquired by Universal Music Group, I transitioned into independent consulting, advising artists and brands on audience growth and career sustainability. Today, through ArtistPro, I bridge music, marketing, and technology with both emerging and established artists, brands, and labels.
MY OWN MUSIC IS A TESTBED
RIzIK
From strategy to sound
After years of helping artists build their careers, I realized I wasn’t just drawn to the strategy—I was drawn to the art itself. Music has always been my first language, and RIŻIK is where I explore that fully.
I don’t really ‘write’ songs—I uncover them. RIŻIK isn’t just about self-expression; it’s about self-exploration. Every piece of music I create is a search—following instincts, uncovering emotions, and translating feelings into sound.
I compose, perform, and produce in real time, letting the music emerge naturally, shaping it until there’s nothing more to discover. With over 100 million streams, global brand placements, editorial support from major DSPs, and a Coachella 2024 performance with Saint Levant, RIŻIK has resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. My music has scored an award-winning short film, and my cinematic-electronic approach has landed me collaborations with AWAL to develop new works optimized for sync and licensing.
My background is deeply rooted in live performance. I grew up playing instruments long before I knew how to record, feeling music as a physical experience first. That instinct remains at the core of RIŻIK. I play like a drummer, compose like a storyteller, and perform like someone searching for something just out of reach.
Every track is a moment of discovery, every performance a glimpse into that process. The music isn’t the final product—it’s the byproduct of the journey.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
EDUCATION & SPEAKING
empowering the music industry
Having been the recipient of influential and generous guidance along my path, I’m deeply committed to education and thought leadership, helping artists, labels, and music companies navigate an industry that’s constantly evolving.
Through workshops, panels, and live events, I provide insights that bridge the gap between creativity and business, ensuring that artists and professionals alike can build with clarity, purpose, and sustainability.
I’ve had the privilege of sharing my expertise at SXSW, Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), SF Music Tech, and more, speaking on topics ranging from artist development and brand strategy to content marketing and business infrastructure.
Whether through intimate coaching sessions, large-scale industry conferences, or hands-on workshops, my focus remains the same: giving creatives and companies the tools to thrive in an industry that rewards alignment and strategy as much as talent.
If you’re looking to bring actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies to your next event, let’s connect.
PRIOR EVENTS
Book a call
Let’s connect to learn how I can help!