Tom Derr, the CEO and founder of Rock Ridge Music, launched the company in the summer of 2004, creating a new music label business model that incorporated a label arm, artist management arm, and an online marketing arm. Prior to Rock Ridge, Derr was VP Marketing & Artist Development, Universal Records. He previously held positions at RCA Records, A&M Records, and Noise International, and his background includes 12 years of experience in music retail. Derr has been involved in the careers of artists as divergent as Dave Matthews Band, Sister Hazel, the Bee Gees, ZZ Top, Robert Plant, 3 Doors Down, and Reel Big Fish.

Cynthia Cochrane, a partner in Rock Ridge Music, serves as President and Creative Director. Prior to joining Rock Ridge Music, Cochrane held a number of industry positions, including Senior Vice President of Creative Services and Production for Universal Motown Records Group, Director of Business Affairs for BMG Direct, Director of Creative Services and International for Blue Note Records, and Supervisor, Production at Capitol Records. During her career, Cochrane has worked with artists such as Stevie Wonder, John Scofield, Nelly, Beastie Boys, Erykah Badu as well as Cash Money and Bad Boy Records.

Krista Mettler has served as Director of Publicity for Rock Ridge Music since 2005, while simultaneously maintaining her independent music publicity company, Skye Media. With over 25 years of industry experience, including stints at RCA Records and Universal Records, she has overseen all types of publicity campaigns (from grass-roots and regional press for developing bands to tour press to major national press campaigns for established and breaking artists) with with artists as diverse as Dave Matthews Band, Sister Hazel, Bruce Hornsby, Godsmack, 3 Doors Down, Ike Reilly, Steve Wynn, The Tragically Hip, Tonic, Oleander, Stroke 9, Tony Lucca, Psychostick, Chumbawamba, Brett Dennen, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Better Than Ezra, Richard Lloyd, Benjy Davis Project, and more.

Derek Dessler is an attorney in private practice in New York City and serves as Rock Ridge Music’s legal counsel. An accomplished and versatile dealmaker, Dessler uses his in-depth institutional knowledge of entertainment and media companies in counseling established and start-up companies. His clients include recorded music and music publishing companies, new media enterprises, cable television channels, Internet content services, recording artists, producers, and songwriters.

Dessler earned his A.B. from Columbia University and his J.D. from Fordham University. Before founding his law practice, Dessler was a legal and business affairs executive with the Universal Music Group, holding various executive positions.