Craig Balsam

Craig Balsam is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Razor & Tie, an American entertainment company. Balsam grew up in Millburn, New Jersey, graduated from Emory College and earned his law degree from New York University where he met fellow student Cliff Chenfeld. After practicing law for several years, Balsam and Chenfeld left their law jobs in 1990 and formed Razor & Tie, an independent record label.^[1][2] The label initially focused on compilation albums (Monster Ballads) and reissues and has since become one of the leading rock labels in the country with artists such as The Pretty Reckless, Starset, All That Remains, The Sword and Red Sun Rising.^[3][4] In recent years the company has added Washington Square, an alternative leaning imprint and a music publishing company. Razor & Tie Publishing is responsible for No. 1 hits including “Home” by Phillip Phillips, “God Gave Me You” by Blake Shelton, “Whiskey In My Water” by Tyler Farr, “We Went” by Randy Houser and “Alone With You” by Jake Owen.

In 2001, Balsam and Chenfeld launched Kidz Bop, a series of audio releases of kids singing pop hits that are appropriate for children. The franchise has sold more than 16 million albums and become the leading kids’ audio brand in the country. Kidz Bop has expanded significantly to include a national tour, merchandise, music videos and a channel on Sirius XM.^[5][6]

Balsam has been the executive producer of a number of films including Joan Baez: How Sweet The Sound and The Last Five Years and theatrical productions including Small Mouth Sounds.^[7][8]

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