About

Chris Hession | Managing Director

Chris

So how on earth did I end up doing this ridiculous job then?! Following a very near miss with a career in aviation via a painful Degree in Physics of all things, I found myself auditioning to be a weather presenter in BBC Birmingham. Really, don’t ask. This eventually led to work at BBC Birmingham in local radio in 2003. Following this I studied Music Production for 2 years, built a home music studio (a very grand title for what it actually was) and subsequently moved back to the BBC to work with Janice Long at BBC Radio 2 in Birmingham as a Broadcast Assistant.

Janice recommended me to a Promotions team in London and this led to a full time job as a National Radio Plugger. I stayed there for 5 years before leaving to set up my own company in 2009; the very orange Hesso Media. We work with a broad range of artists old and new, signed and unsigned. When we take an unsigned artist from a grass roots level right through to the A-list playlist rotation level, it really is the best feeling in the world as we’ve been part of the whole development and the journey. That last sentence has a distinct whiff of fromage about it, doesn’t it? But it’s true.

One of the best parts of the job is being able to offer advice on Radio Remixes and choices for singles. I think we’ve got pretty good at that, even if I do say so myself… Have a look at the A&R section!! This is something that we now do on a regular basis with many of our clients and have built up several excellent relationships with Record Producers.

Aside from running Hesso Media, I’ve made jingles & beds for radio and work on my productions at home (trying desperately not to sound like Ross from Friends here, HA!)…. I have no plans to promote any of the latter though, so you’re in luck there.

 

 

What our clients say

  • quotemark

    The Hess has introduced me to loads of new artists over the years....Jack Savoretti, Gizmo Varillas to name 2!

    quotemark

    Janice Long, Broadcaster, BBC Radio 2

  • quotemark

    Hesso Media have been with me from Day 1... They are the reason I first got played on the radio and they still are the reason my music’s played on the radio!! Hesso Media are committed, loyal and most of all they’re really damn good at what they do.

    quotemark

    Jack Savoretti, Artist

  • quotemark

    Always a pleasure to work with, Hesso are reliable, communicative and effective. A well organised and invaluable part of the team and no strangers to playlists.

    quotemark

    Phil Knox-Roberts, Dharma Records

  • quotemark

    Hesso have totally SMASHED our latest campaign with Jack Savoretti - BBC Radio 2 Album of the Week, singles playlisted and A listed, also playlisted on Magic, Absolute and BBC London culminating in a Top 20 chart position week 1 and rising!!! They give 100% and if there is any opportunity going it’s grabbed with both hands…. what more could any label or management want??!!

    quotemark

    Danielle Livesey, PUSH Music Management

  • quotemark

    You could say I’m biased because Hesso has become such a good friend of mine, but I feel like I owe my whole profile in the UK to him. He is quite literally the best there is in this country. I shouldn’t even mention it because I’m afraid to jinx it, but we’ve had 13 consecutive playlisted singles on Radio 2 together. He’s more than just a plugger too; it’s a cliché with most pluggers that they fancy themselves as music producers, but he has a proven track record when it comes to radio edits and mixes. He has an ear for melodies and hooks like some of the best writers out there. And if you’re lucky enough to work with him – because he is very principled and will not take on projects he doesn’t believe in, unlike most of the music industry – you will get someone who is passionate, connected and modern. There’s none of that “old guard” nonsense. Like I said, though, I’m probably biased. I just love the guy.

    quotemark

    Nell Bryden, Artist

  • quotemark

    Hesso are an incredible team to work with. They are always so passionate about the music and dedicated to whatever the mission is in such a fun and great away.

    quotemark

    Katie Melua, Artist

  • quotemark

    Chris attacked my campaign with dynamism and huge amounts of energy. As a result, I achieved R2 Album Of The Week, Record Of The Week and 2 successive A-lists. I cannot praise (or thank) them enough.

    quotemark

    Thea Gilmore, Artist