Portia Sabin Named President Music Business Association

The Music Business Association (Music Biz) has named respected industry veteran Dr. Portia Sabin as President. The trade group advocates on behalf of the music industry.

The organization’s current longtime president James Donio will be stepping down from the post, but will continue in an advisory role, Music Biz said in a press statement.

“We are extremely grateful to Jim for his more than three decades of commitment, leadership and vision,” said Music Biz Board Chairman Matt Signore. “He has passionately guided the organization through any number of seismic industry changes and challenges during his tenure: the shift from a singular focus on the physical business to a broader identity embracing all forms of music consumption; a complete rebranding as the Music Business Association in 2013; and moving the annual Music Biz Conference to Nashville in 2015. The Conference has steadily grown in size, scope, and recognition, with the 2019 event being the largest and most successful in 20 years.”

Sabin started her career in music as the drummer in NYC pop-punk band The Hissyfits before she launched artist management company, Shotclock Management, before taking over the reins at indie label Kill Rock Stars in 2006.

In 2014, she launched the music business-focused podcast The Future of What, which showcases the efforts of people in the music industry who help artists succeed in the digital era and the business side of being an artist.

In addition to her upcoming role with Music Biz, Dr. Sabin also serves as chair of the board for trade organization MusicPortland and the original Portland Rock’n’Roll Camp for Girls.

She earned her Ph.D. in Anthropology at Columbia University in 2004.

“I am looking forward to embracing this new challenge,” said Sabin. “I’ve been very impressed with how the Music Biz conference has become a hub for the important discussions that need to be taking place in the industry, and I am excited to be joining an organization that embraces all aspects of the community. I am grateful to Jim for building such a strong foundation and am confident he’ll be just as successful in his future endeavors."