Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos Announces Matthew Watts Director of Music & Marketing

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos – with locations from Bali and San Diego to Singapore and Macau – proudly announces Matthew Watts as Director of Music & Marketing – Hotels & Casinos. Bringing more than 15 years of experience in the music industry, Watts will focus on the strategic development, direction and implementation of music marketing activities and brand partnerships for Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, as well as overseeing The Sound of Your Stay® music amenity program, VIBE managers at the brand's 20 hotels and curating the sonic landscape for the hotels and casinos.

"As we continue to evolve our music programs at hotels and casinos, revitalizing the guest experience and promoting music culture, we are thrilled to welcome a seasoned professional with invaluable experience in the music industry," said James Buell, director of music & marketing – Hard Rock International. "Watts will play an integral role in our team further strengthening our brand by implementing music into our brand programs." 

Prior to Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, Watts lead the Artist Management Department of Advanced Alternative Media out of the New York Office, one of the most highly regarded producer management companies in the world. Contributing to his combined career of music and marketing, Watts helped launch the U.K. Record Label, Communion Records, founded by Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons in the U.S. marketplace where he was responsible for brand partnerships, marketing, and live promotions. Communion Records works with artists such as Michael Kiwanuka and the Mercury prizewinning, Ben Howard.

Watts began his career as one of the founding members and guitarist of the pop/rock group, The Starting Line. The group sold over 700,000 albums worldwide with albums released by big names including Drive Thru Records, Geffen Records and Virgin Records. The band's success continued by being named No. 1 Charting Billboard Heatseeker Artist with the debut album "Say It Like You Mean It", playing more than 1,200 shows and festivals, including numerous appearances on the Vans Warped Tour and tours with the likes of Fall Out Boy, Paramore, All American Rejects and more.

Internationally recognized as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, Hard Rock properties offer stylish and contemporary design, unparalleled service and the thread that unites them all – music. Hard rock's portfolio of Hotels and Casinos are located in the world's most enviable resort destinations, as well as urban getaway cities. Hard Rock Hotels cater to the evolving and distinctive needs of today's cosmopolitan, modern travelers, who seek a reprieve from traditional, predictable properties, whether for business or leisure travel.

For more information or to book a stay at any of the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, please visit www.hardrockhotels.com.

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 189 venues in 58 countries, including 143 cafes, 21 hotels and 10 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company's two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Biloxi, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, San Diego and Singapore. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include Seoul, San Juan and Marseille. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Daytona Beach, Abu Dhabi and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

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SOURCE Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos