By: Arturo Ingrahm

In an industry constantly evolving with new technologies, shifting audience preferences, and economic challenges, a little agency that could, has managed to carve out a unique space in the music industry . Established in 2017, Immediate Family, a buzzing digital marketing and project management firm, has grown into a multifaceted business, providing label services, project management, and consulting to some of the biggest names in music. But for founder Chris Pizzolo, the journey has been about more than just business—it’s been about creating value and meaningful connections across all tiers of the industry.

Building a Diverse Portfolio

Immediate Family has become known for executing innovative, impactful campaigns that generate real results for its clients. One standout project this year was the campaign for blues guitarist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, where the company secured a Times Square billboard for his live album release. The attention-grabbing initiative, paired with organic and paid media, generated millions of impressions, showcasing Immediate Family’s ability to maximize exposure on global platforms while keeping the artist’s message authentic.

In another example of creative problem-solving, the company worked with legendary guitarist Carlos Santana on a single release for their client Candid Records. Citing a roadblock in creating fresh content to work with, Pizzolo’s team ingeniously partnered with a popular guitar influencer, Marty Schwartz to create a “how-to-play” video for the song. The campaign was an enormous success, proving that Immediate Family thrives when faced with industry challenges, turning obstacles into opportunities.

Creating Meaningful Impact

Pizzolo is no stranger to using his platform for greater causes. A few years ago, in the midst of the pandemic, he organized an initiative with Miley Cyrus and Cody Simpson, delivering tacos to first responders. This act of goodwill garnered widespread media attention, solidifying Immediate Family’s reputation for not just pushing sales but creating meaningful, value-driven content. “We always aim to connect our work to something bigger than just the music,” says Pizzolo. “It’s about the fans, the artists, and the community.”

Immediate Family has also branched into supporting diverse voices in the music space. They’ve been working with the beloved co-star from the popular Ms Rachel program on YouTube, Jules. Jules, a non-binary trans children’s music entertainer, who creates inclusive music for all types of families has worked with Immediate Family to help launch a new album, tour, and line of merch. Pizzolo’s vision of fostering inclusive and meaningful art is a defining trait of Immediate Family’s ethos. “This music is bringing families together, and what Jules does for families around the world is truly incredible,” says Pizzolo

Navigating Industry Challenges

Running a business in a notoriously competitive and ever-changing industry like music isn’t without its challenges. For Pizzolo, leading a company requires a deep understanding of how to balance creativity with business pragmatism. His leadership style is informed by a blend of traditional business strategies and hands-on experience. When speaking Pizzolo cited resources like the Harvard Business Review and Marcus Lemonis’ “The Profit,” as his tools to adapt and lead with agility.

“Leadership is a constant learning curve,” he reflects. “Over the past seven years, I’ve definitely had to learn through trial and error, but that’s what makes the experience worthwhile. You learn what works and what doesn’t, especially when you’re dealing with something as fast-paced as the music industry.”

Expanding Immediate Family’s Reach

Today, Immediate Family operates across three tiers: digital marketing, label services, and artist management. Their label was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2021 for the album Acertijos by Pedrito Martinez, marking a significant milestone for the company. Yet, Pizzolo isn’t resting on his laurels. Immediate Family continues to push boundaries, especially in its digital marketing arm, which generates the bulk of the company’s revenue.

Immediate Family’s success also lies in its adaptability. The company has moved beyond traditional marketing techniques to embrace a multi-channel, multi-faceted approach. This adaptability is perhaps most evident in how the company handles the ever-growing demands of the digital age—leveraging everything from social media moments to influencer campaigns.

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, Pizzolo’s focus is clear. He aims to scale Immediate Family while refining internal operations. “Our digital marketing business is our strongest arm, and we’ll continue building partnerships and refining our workflows to drive efficiency,” he explains. For Pizzolo, success is not just about revenue—it’s about ensuring the company maintains its creative spirit while building a sustainable, growth-oriented business model.

As Immediate Family continues to grow, so too does its influence on the music industry. Pizzolo’s ability to navigate the nuances of business and creativity has made him a thought leader in the space, and under his leadership, Immediate Family is poised to remain a driving force for years to come.

For more information, visit Immediate Family Records.

Published by: Nelly Chavez