George Monger
Connect Music
CEO
George Monger is an award-winning entrepreneur, visionary leader, and music executive redefining how independent artists build sustainable careers in the modern music economy. As resident and CEO of Connect Music, Monger is pioneering a model that empowers creators to retain 100% ownership of their intellectual property while gaining access to the capital, data, and infrastructure traditionally reserved for major labels.
A proud Memphis native, Monger’s journey began in the performing arts, managing an internationally touring singer before founding a nonprofit music organization dedicated to nurturing young talent. In 2016, at 27 years old Monger became Chief Operating Officer of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the orchestra’s reach to diverse audiences and establishing a landmark partnership with the University of Memphis. His early work laid the foundation for a career devoted to creativity, equity, and cultural innovation.
In 2020, Monger launched Connect Music; a data-driven music and technology company that provides distribution and publishing administration services through a transparent, revenue-sharing model. Under his leadership, Connect has quickly become one of the fastest-growing independent music monetization platforms, now serving over 200 label clients and partnering directly with Spotify, Apple, and Pandora for editorial placement and discovery.
In partnership with Preserver Partners, Monger secured a $10 million credit facility that allows independent artists to access funding without giving up ownership of their music. The fund represents a groundbreaking commitment to artist equity offering the resources of a major label with the freedom of independence.
Beyond his executive success, Monger is recognized as a thought leader in the creator economy, speaking on the importance of ownership, financial literacy, and infrastructure for underrepresented artists. Monger frequently speaks about the creator economy, data-driven artist strategies, and the ethical structures needed to ensure creative rights are protected in the generative AI world.
His work is driven by a belief that creativity should be both celebrated and fairly compensated, and that the next generation of music entrepreneurs will rise from communities often overlooked by traditional industry structures. His work is rooted in Memphis, but his ambitions span the global music landscape. Through Connect Music, George Monger is not just changing how music is distributed; he’s transforming how it is valued, owned, and sustained. From Memphis to the world, he is leading a cultural and economic shift that places power back where it belongs: in the hands of the creators.