Craig Connors – CEO
Craig is a seasoned software executive, having spent the last several years as both a Chief Technology Officer and General Manager at VMware and Chief Technology Officer at Cisco. A lifelong music fan, he leverages his business travels to experience live music around the world.
In 2022, Craig decided to branch out and start his own label, combining his expertise in technology with a music world that is increasing reliant on technology to be successful.
Craig is passionate about the space for singer/songwriters to thrive, which can be identified in a list of his favorite artists include Dave Matthews Band, Guster, Damien Rice, Ron Pope, Em Beihold and Leandro Cury.
Jon Topper – Director of Management, A&R and Strategy
Jon Topper is a highly accomplished music manager and producer of events, celebrated for his significant contributions to the success of prominent bands such as moe., Antigone Rising, and Cornmeal. His expertise in artist management extends to his role in helping these bands navigate the competitive music industry and achieve widespread acclaim.
Topper’s work with moe., showcases his ability to guide artists through the complex landscape of the music business. Under his management, moe. not only solidified their position in the jam band scene but also expanded their reach to a broader audience, building a dedicated fan base along the way.
Antigone Rising, a female-fronted rock band, also benefited from Topper’s managerial prowess. Through strategic planning and a deep understanding of the industry, Topper played a crucial role in elevating Antigone Rising’s profile, contributing to their success in a competitive genre and getting them signed to Atlantic Records.
In addition to managing these notable acts, Jon Topper has earned recognition for his involvement in organizing and promoting numerous festivals and events. His commitment to creating opportunities for artists to showcase their talent has been instrumental in shaping the live music experience for fans around the world.
One of Topper’s standout achievements lies in his independent work with bands that have self-released on their own labels. His dedication to supporting artists in maintaining creative control over their work has empowered numerous bands to succeed on their terms. This commitment to independence has contributed to the sale of nearly a million albums in catalog, demonstrating the widespread impact of Topper’s work in the music industry.
In summary, Jon Topper’s career is marked by his exceptional skills in artist management, production, and event organization. His work with moe., Antigone Rising, Cornmeal, and other independent artists has left an indelible mark on the music industry, shaping the careers of numerous musicians and acontributing to the vibrant landscape of live music events and festivals.
Brian Asplin – Label Manager (USA)
Having worked in live music for most of the last 20 years Brian has worn many hats including currently owning independent record label Harmonized Records, managing bands like Everyone Orchestra and working as the Director of Partnership Development for AC Entertainment, a part of Live Nation. Brian helps Tolok to develop the label and artists.
Carlos Gorozpe Orive – Label Manager (LATAM)
A Mexico City native now living in the Riviera Maya, Carlos is a trilingual individual with a background in Communication Sciences. Despite a successful corporate career and owning businesses, he has maintained his wild, musical spirit.
Passionate about music since childhood, Carlos’s taste spans Classical to Rock, with a fondness for the 70s and 80s. He plays guitar and piano and has dabbled in singing, even participating in productions like Les Misérables.
Carlos’s lifelong dream of being immersed in the music industry came true when he joined Tolok in 2023 as our Label Manager, taking care of the day-to-day logistics of running the label.
Ariann Aguilar – Art Director
Ariann is an art director with a decade of experience who has always approached the challenges presented by life with a creative lens, bringing a unique artistic perspective to projects spanning tourism, real estate, governmental initiatives, charities, and currently, Tolok!
Passionate about providing a creative platform for music artists to express themselves and connect with their audience, Ariann continues to contribute to the vibrant intersection of art and music. Her work can be found in Tolok’s own logo as well as some of our cover art, social media content and animated music videos.
Tony Balcazar – Marketing Coordinator
Tony is a well-seasoned and full-stack marketer with over a decade immersed in the dynamic world of online and offline marketing. His journey has led him to collaborate on shaping strategies and campaigns for international brands across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Beyond the marketing world, his passion for music has been a constant, and he spent six enriching years studying the art of music at a conservatory, learning the violin. Now, at Tolok, he ensures to guide our marketing strategies.