As a journalist, editor, and DJ, Michael Paoletta has been part of the music and entertainment industry since the late-’80s. Joining Billboard in 1998, Michael held down several posts, including Brand Marketing Editor and Dance/Electronic Music Editor. As Brand Marketing Editor, Michael covered all areas of branded entertainment—the marriage of bands and brands.

In 2009, Michael accepted an executive producer position with Comma, the critically acclaimed and award-winning music agency that specializes in creating original music for broadcast and digital. Based in New York, Michael, together with Comma managing director Bonny Dolan, heads up Comma’s supervision and licensing division. Comma’s work, both original and licensed music, has been featured in commercials for Canon, Adidas, Payless, CVS, Orbit, Pokémon, Verizon, Coke, McDonald’s, Apple, and other brands. 

Additionally, Michael organizes Comma’s artist showcase series for ad agency creatives and their clients. The showcases—held in Comma’s New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago studios—shine the spotlight on new and established acts. Numerous artists have graced the Comma stage; they include Bruno Mars, St. Vincent, Giorgio Moroder, Bleachers, Andrew Bird, Cyndi Lauper, Wild Belle, Iron and Wine, Robert DeLong, Alison Moyet, Johnnyswim, Juana Molina, and Walk the Moon.

Throughout, Michael has been interviewed on numerous networks, including NBC, FOX, CBS, CNN, VH1 and the BBC, as well as been quoted in such publications as the New York Times and New York, offering insight and knowledge on all things pop culture.

One more thing: Michael is a voting member of the Recording Academy, the organization responsible for the annual Grammy Awards.