Helena Ngo, Fender
Helena Ngo, Fender
💭 Thoughts on women dominating popular music, marketing with purpose, and traveling to Scandinavia.
I’m Helena Ngo and my career has always been fueled by a strong passion for supporting artists and empowering them to create and share their music with the world. I’ve had a wide range of roles across artist management, at labels, music journalism, public relations, music licensing and account management at brand agencies, and leading music marketing in-house for global brands. I’m currently the Director of Artist Marketing at Fender’s LA office, where I lead artist marketing strategy and am an advocate for diversity and inclusion. Outside of work, I’m usually lounging around with my wife and Shiba Inu pup, or enjoying all the amazing food LA has to offer
🎯 Current focus
I feel fortunate and excited everyday by what my team works on at Fender, which is centered around the connection between artists with our brand and products. We have a deep appreciation for artists, and they are crucial to what we make. We’re honored to build direct relationships and support them whatever ways we can.
🎶 Women dominating popular music
I'm enjoying the strong presence of women dominating popular music in 2024. boygenius sweeping the GRAMMYs, Taylor's undeniable impact, Billie's boundless musical genius, Charli's cultural sway, Beyoncé's genre crossover appeal. The mainstream embrace of queer pop via Chappell Roan, Reneé Rapp, MUNA, and many others is refreshing to see as well. Love to see younger audiences dancing in the safe spaces these artists are creating!
The Boyfriend on Netflix really scratches an itch I used to have for another Japanese reality dating show I was obsessed with called, Terrace House. The Boyfriend features a cast of gay men - a first for Japanese reality TV. It's slow-paced and subtle, full of kindness, and the epitome of "demure" in the most endearing way. It's a nice contrast from the chaotic drama of American-based reality shows or our political debates… a light-hearted watch that allows my mind to slow down and truly decompress.
Will and Harper is a nearly perfect documentary about one famous friend wanting to show support for their friend going through a recent transition. It’s deep, serious, relatable, sometimes heartbreaking but also heartwarming, with some cheeky fun sprinkled in. It made me cry 3 times and I love a good cry. But more importantly, it helped me better empathize with the trans experience and I think many of us need that enlightenment.
🕉️ Mantra of the moment
My phone's lock screen has a simple message in small text: "LIVE IMMEDIATELY.” It's nice to have this to look at so much, as I never want to forget how finite life is. Instead of thinking about traveling somewhere, book the damn flight. Ping pong lesson? Sure, why not! Dreading the idea of leaving the house but miss your friends? Get your ass up and go meet them. Feel like cuddling with your pup at home instead of getting drunk at a party? Nothing wrong with that! We humans have an average of four thousand weeks – spend that time in whatever way brings you the most joy.
🧳 Traveling to Scandinavia
We have a trip to Scandinavia soon that I’m super excited about. I don’t know much about the local cultures and food, so I'm curious to learn more. But I do know it'll be a good mix of nature and urban exploration. Iceland is the first stop, where we’re staying in a different spot every night while we drive around the island, while looking up and praying for northern lights. Copenhagen is spot #2, then Stockholm. I’m a huge fan of Scandinavian design, music, and fashion, so definitely packing extra bags…
They do so many product collaborations and host events constantly that it's almost hard to keep up with. Maybe that's the point? To constantly create and release, especially alongside brands and creatives that they align with. And the products always look cool and distinctly Brain Dead.
💪 Those who have imparted spirit and strength
I wouldn’t be who I am without my mom's spirit and strength. She imparted her grit and fearlessness onto me, and I carry that with me daily as a reminder of her but also of who I am.
🕵️ Marketing with purpose
I tend to appreciate marketing that highlights a brand's purpose and “why” at the forefront. Nike's bold ads during the 2024 Paris Olympics ("Winning Isn't For Everyone") were provocative but reinforced their commitment to working with the world's best athletes. They know that who they align with matters to their audience. I also thought Always’ "Like A Girl" campaign was profound in reclaiming the typically negative phrase and turning it into an empowering statement for young women, building more confidence within their audience while giving a halo effect for their brand.
Follow Helena on Linkedin and check out Fender here.
💭 Share your thoughts ➡️ DM on IG or Email us.
✅ Make Thought Enthusiast better by filling out a quick reader survey here.