A BMF TIMELINE
Celebrating 20 Years
For 20 years, BMF has pioneered the creative marketing space – traversing industries, channels, and geographies to bring audiences face to face with brands around the world.
Scroll below to discover our 20 year history of cultural engineering.
2004
Big Dream, Little Dorm
Bruce Starr and Brian Feit dream up first-of-their-kind strategic marketing concepts for music artists and labels, including a modern experiential unboxing program for Meshell Ndegeocello – one of the first artists signed to Madonna’s Maverick Records.
Leveraging their industry relationships, passion for experiential marketing, and a vision years beyond their ages, Brands Music Fusion – or BMF Media Group (BMF) as we know it today – is born.
#ThrowbackThursday, BMF first Instagram post; October 2012.
Peace Beyond Passion, Meshell Ndegeocello, Maverick Records.
Washington Square Park, 2004.
Introducing:
The Music Lounge
By BMF
BMF conceptualizes The Music Lounge. Calvin Klein Fragrances signs up as the first title sponsor to tout their new image of CK One to influencers at Chicago’s Hard Rock Hotel during Lollapalooza. The Music Lounge by BMF continues for over a decade, showing up at some of the biggest cultural events around the world.
2006
The Music Lounge at Chicago's Hard Rock Hotel, 2006
One of the earliest BMF logos
LIVE! From
"One Night In..."
BMF teams up with American celebrity blogger and media personality, Perez Hilton, to run live events, including the legendary music series “One Night In.” The series was so successful, it ran for the next 10 years.
2007
"One Night In" 2007-2017
2008
BMF Spots The Star Power Of Lady Gaga Ahead Of 'The Fame'
BMF brings The Music Lounge to the Winter Music Conference in Miami. In collaboration with Armani Exchange and Sirius Satellite Radio, the lounge inside the Raleigh Hotel penthouse offers a home base for talent, media, and celebrities to escape, relax, and recharge. It's here - Lady Gaga performs her first brand-hosted event ahead of the release of her debut studio album, The Fame.
Lady Gaga, Miami, 2008
Amplifying 'The Sound Of Your Stay' With
Hard Rock International
2009
BMF positions Hard Rock International at the forefront of music industry trends by launching ‘The Sound of Your Stay.’ The experiential hospitality program invites Hard Rock Hotel guests to download a complimentary curated playlist from a custom keyring upon check-in.
Safilo USA charges BMF with re-launching ‘80s eyewear label Carrera in NYC, bringing old and new together with a contemporary DJ set and an iconic throwback performance by Debbie Harry. BMF continues with additional brand building and launch activities globally, executing events in LA, Chicago, Miami, Santiago, Rio, Sao Paulo, Punta del Este, and Mexico City.
BMF Goes
Around The World
With Carrera
2009
Carrera launch events, 2009
Bringing Café Bustelo Out Of The Bodega And Into The Hearts Of Consumers Everywhere
2009
BMF takes Café Bustelo out of the bodega and into the public spotlight with a series of experiential marketing activations over the course of five years, including a VIP party at Coachella that gets everyone buzzing over the beloved coffee brand and a limited-edition ‘I ❤️ Café Bustelo’ t-shirt sold exclusively at Urban Outfitters. The platform earns the attention of The New York Times with a dedicated feature.
BMF’s culture shaping creative marketing work with Café Bustelo primes the Miami-based brand for its acquisition by J.M. Smucker Co.
Café Bustelo, 2009
Café Bustelo featured in The New York Times, 2009
BMF partners with W hotels and iHeart Radio to bring The Music Lounge to life during Lollapalooza at W Chicago, followed by Ultra Music Festival at W South Beach (2011) and then globally for Lollapalooza Chile at W Santiago (2012).
Making Noise
Around the World
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2010
BMF dreams up The Dolls, pairing musical darlings DJ Mia Moretti and violinist Margot and marking the start of BMF’s talent division. Today, the duo has over a decade of musical marriage – from runway mixes to fashion afterparties, music festivals, and curated sound installations.
Over the years, BMF’s talent division evolves into Engagement, Social, and Content departments.
2010
BMF Takes On
Talent Management,
Creates The Dolls
Mia Moretti and Margot, The Dolls, 2010
2010
Legendary Reunions and Lines Around the Block
Courtney Love reunites with Hole at BMF produced Perez Hilton's "One Night In Austin" at SXSW. Snoop Dogg also performs. Fans wait for 10+ hours and wrap around the block 4 times to see the performance.
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BMF logo circ. 2010
Making History At SXSW With The First-Ever Fast Company Grill
2011
BMF makes SXSW history introducing the first-ever Fast Company Grill, an evergreen experiential platform still activated by the brand to this day. The event hosts tech, art, and innovation luminaries for food, drinks, and music in an oasis of smarts & networking.
Fast Company Grill, SXSW, 2013
As the AOR to Starwood’s W Hotels globally, BMF partners with Vitaminwater and Rock Paper Photo to announce MADONNA: A Transformational Exhibition. The exclusive traveling, multi-media exhibition features never-before-seen photographs of the music and fashion legend’s iconic 1980s street style, shot by celebrated photographers Richard Corman and George DuBose.
Debuting at W Mexico City, the exhibit, which combines music, photography, and pop culture, is transformed during the launch event by famed New York City street artist Alec Monopoly with his signature style. The exhibition travels around the globe making stops at the newly opened W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, W Paris – Opera, W Bangkok, W Hong Kong, and W New York – Times Square.
BMF Shows The World A New Side Of Starwood’s
W Hotels Through Art And Madonna
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MADONNA: A Transformational Exhibition, 2012
2012
BMF 10 Year Anniversary logo, 2014
BMF spearheads the W Hotels CFDA Fashion Incubator Program, supporting emerging designers through inspiration trips to properties around the globe, designer showcases, and special events.
Supporting Emerging Designers With
W Hotels & CFDA
2012
CFDA at W Hotels, 2012
2013
BMF And Lady Gaga Stop Traffic At H&M Flagship Grand Opening In Times Square
BMF brokers a first of its kind partnership for Lady Gaga’s "ARTPOP" album to be sold at H&M stores nationwide and holds midnight autograph signing to open America's largest H&M in Times Square. WWD reports fans stand in line for up to 30 hours for a chance to shop with the pop star.
Lady Gaga at H&M Times Square Opening, 2013
2011
BMF Supports Lady Gaga Through Multi-Year Rise To Global Superstardom
2011: BMF executes its first multi-city touring activation for Lady Gaga's third studio album, teaming up with Belvedere, Gilt City, and Polaroid for a 5-stop “Born This Way Haus Party” bash.
2013: BMF transforms an old Alexander McQueen store on West 14th Street in NYC to Lady Gaga's ‘ARTPOP' Pop-Up Shop – an immersive fan 'gallery' experience displaying some of Gaga's most iconic costumes, including the famous meat dress. The experience also shows up in Los Angeles.
2014: BMF celebrates 'G.U.Y.,' the third single off Gaga's 'ARTPOP' album by transforming the OUT NYC gay hotel lobby into a shiny tribute to the Grammy-winning artist, featuring art, costumes and props - including a bed - that Lady Gaga used while filming the music video.
'Born This Way' Haus Party, 2011
'ARTPOP' Pop-Up Shop, 2013
'G.U.Y.' Gallery at OUT NYC, 2014
After years of showing up in Miami, BMF creates a permanent foothold in the city by opening its doors to the Miami office.
Welcome to Miami
2014
2014
BMF Takes Over Times Square Again,
This Time With David Beckham
BMF throws an epic Super Bowl party with H&M and David Beckham at H&M Times Square.
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David Beckham at H&M Times Square, 2014
BMF heads west, opening its Los Angeles office to service clients in the entertainment industry.
In 2024, BMF’s Los Angeles office celebrates 10 years.
BMF Opens Office In Los Angeles
2014
BMF recognizes and embraces the power of digital with the opening of the BMF Digital Department, focusing on all things social media.
2015
BMF Expands Into Digital Services
BMF makes noise in the beauty industry by bringing MAC into the festival scene – showing up at SXSW, Coachella, and Lollapalooza with next-level talent collabs.
BMF Brings MAC Into The Music Scene
2015
DJ Mia Moretti, MAC Cosmetics, 2015
2016
BMF Travels With
W Hotels To Marriott International Following Starwood Merger
BMF is named AOR for Marriott International's Distinctive brands portfolio.
Marriott International Premium brands portfolio, 2016
BMF sets its sights on global reach as it opens the London office.
BMF International Office Opens in London
2017
Introducing Renaissance Hotels To The Middle East With Gwen Stefani
2017
BMF's first event in Dubai introduces Renaissance Hotels to the Middle East with a grand opening celebration featuring an epic performance by Gwen Stefani.
Today, BMF continues to support Renaissance properties worldwide, delivering elevated experiences to their guests through their ‘Global Day Of Discovery’ program, which just returned for its 9th annual year.
Gwen Stefani performaning at Renaissance Hotel, Dubai, 2017
BMF brings all 30 Marriott International brands together for the first time under one roof with MI:30, an experiential activation for their Brand, Marketing, Sales, and Consumer Services (BMSC) Americas Leadership Summit.
BMF Brings 30 Marriott Brands Under One Roof
2017
Marriott International MI:30 Conference, 2017
BMF acquires sister agency, LFB Media Group - a boutique lifestyle Public Relations firm - doubling down on the agency's commitment to integration across all marketing channels.
BMF Officially Adds PR
2018
Making Sunglass Hut Shine Amongst The Stars
LFB Media Group brings Sunglass Hut to BMF and is named influencer and public relations AOR, supporting high-profile product launches including the Sunglass Hut x Sarah Jessica Parker Collaboration. Today, BMF continues its sixth year as the brand’s AOR.
2018
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Sarah Jessica Parker, Sunglass Hut, 2018
2018
Starting Something Priceless With Mastercard At The Grammys
BMF starts something Priceless, partnering with Mastercard and the Grammys to create the week-long experience Mastercard House in New York City celebrating nominated artists, including Dua Lipa, SZA, Will.I.Am, and Portugal. The Man.
BMF continues its relationship with Mastercard developing, a series of priceless experiences and brokering one-of-kind partnerships, including a multi-year relationship with Create & Cultivate.
Mastercard House, Grammy Awards, 2018
BMF throws an epic TikTok VidCon after party, the platform's first VidCon experience, creating an immersive and interactive content capture playground with performances by Ty Dolla $ign. TikTok is now the cultural tentpole event’s title sponsor.
BMF Throws TikTok's First VidCon Party
2019
TikTok VidCon After Party, 2019
2019
BMF Creates a Museum For Missy Elliott, MTV VMA Video Vanguard Award Recipient
BMF brings to life a first-of-its-kind immersive music pop-up with Pepsi for MTV VMA Video Vanguard Award recipient, Missy Elliott with the Museum of Missy Elliott.
Museum Of Missy Elliott, 2019
2020
One Word: GUCCI
BMF designs and produces Gucci Beauty's first-ever consumer activation in LA, the Gucci Beauty Network Studios, for the L’Obscur launch, creating a halo product launch for the entire collection.
Gucci Beauty Network Studios, 2020
Making
Black History
With TikTok
BMF brings Tiktok's inaugural #MakeBlackHistory Creators Summit to life inviting over 100 Black creators together in Los Angeles for two days of community building, inspiration, learning, and fun.
2020
Meeting Tom Ford Beauty in Virtual Life
BMF partners with Tom Ford Beauty to develop a virtual event toolkit and user-friendly, COVID-safe platform for their global markets to seamlessly execute press previews and launch events for the latest Runway Replay and Soleil Brûlant collections.
2020
Tom Ford Beauty in Virtual Life, 2020
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Names BMF as Social AOR
BMF begins multi-year relationship with Rosewood Hotel & Resorts, leading social strategy for properties around the world. Today, BMF oversees 15 accounts across four continents.
2020
BMF Shuts Down NYC for Rihanna's Savage X Fenty Vol 3 on Amazon Prime Video
BMF stops traffic in the heart of NYC for Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty Vol 3 on Amazon Prime Video with a larger-than-life experiential, COVID-safe stunt, earning BMF three CLIO Entertainment awards.
2021
Savage X Fenty Show Vol 3 NYC, 2021
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2022
Adweek Experiential Executive Of The Year
Bruce Starr is honored as Experiential Executive Of The Year by Adweek's 2022 Experiential Awards.
CBS Summer of Ghosts, 2022
2022
A Spirited Summer-Long Celebration With CBS 'Ghosts'
BMF designs & produces an award-winning summer long activation for CBS 'Ghosts' - TV's #1 new comedy – ahead of their season two launch, inviting fans to events that brought characters' backstories to life through strategically timed and thoughtfully crafted stunts, partnerships, and experiences – earning BMF 2022 campaign of the year from Adweek Experiential Awards.
BMF integrates with Mission NY and moves into the future as a fully-integrated agency offering Strategy + Creative, Digital, Public Relations, and Experiential services.
BMF Integrates With Mission NY
2022
Embarking On Major Transformations With Global Brands
2022
BMF’s award-winning work and integrated service offerings inspire brands in the midst of major transformations - including Japan Airlines, Crystal, Lilly Pulitzer, and Stoli - to choose BMF as their PR agency.
After working with Amazon as a valued client for many years across Music, Prime Video, Home, and Handmade, BMF launches @AmazonLuxuryStores on Instagram and celebrates with a series of events in the Hamptons.
BMF Launches Amazon Luxury Stores
2022
Amazon Luxury Stores, Amazon Prime Day, Amazon Home, 2022
BMF Announces New Content Division
BMF works with Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh and Simone Ashley for a series of social-first films for La Mer – a first for the global luxury skincare and makeup brand. The campaign also marks the first official project under BMF’s Content division.
2023
BMF founding partner Brian Feit is awarded 40 Over 40 by Campaign US.
Campaign US
Awards BMF
2023
Automobili Lamborghini America x The Quail, 2023
2023
Gearing Up For The Future With Lamborghini
BMF finds a new gear as Lamborghini America's Experiential AOR, just as the supercar brand celebrates 60 years and introduces its electric future.
BMF 20th celebration at The Russian Tea Room, NYC, 2024
2024
BMF At
20
BMF celebrates its 20th year and sets its sights on a future of culture shifting integrated experiences.
