Steve Schnur

Steve Schnur is the Worldwide Executive and President of EA Music Group at Electronic Arts (EA), a leading company in the video game industry. He has held this position since 2001, where he is responsible for the development and integration of music across various EA game franchises, including popular titles like Madden NFL, FIFA, and Need for Speed .1 2 3

Background and Career

Born in suburban New Jersey, Schnur began his music education at Carnegie Hall at the age of seven. He later attended New York University’s School of Music Business and Technology, where he began his career as an intern at MTV during its formative years. This led to a full-time position where he contributed to the programming that launched iconic music videos for artists like Madonna and Michael Jackson .2 3 5

Before joining EA, Schnur held significant roles in the music industry, including positions at major record labels such as Warner Music Group and Capitol Records. He has worked with numerous high-profile artists and has been involved in producing soundtracks for films like Cruel Intentions and Miss Congeniality, the latter of which earned a Golden Globe nomination .1 4 5

Contributions to EA

At EA, Schnur has transformed the perception of video game music from mere licensing opportunities to a crucial aspect of game design and marketing. His hands-on approach has led to the production of over 200 soundtrack albums and has garnered nearly 100 nominations for various awards .3 4 He also founded EA Recordings and Artwerk Music Group, which focus on artist development and music publishing .1 5

Schnur is recognized as a key figure in integrating contemporary music into gaming, helping to launch artists such as Katy Perry, Imagine Dragons, and Billie Eilish through EA's platforms .2 3 His efforts have significantly influenced both the gaming and music industries, making him one of the most powerful figures in entertainment today .2 3

Industry Recognition

Schnur has received numerous accolades throughout his career, being named one of the "Most Creative People in Entertainment" by Entertainment Weekly and one of the "Most Powerful People in the Music Business" by Billboard. He is also actively involved in various industry boards, including serving as a Governor on the NARAS Nashville Chapter Board .2 3 5

In summary, Steve Schnur's extensive experience in both music and video games has positioned him as a pivotal force in shaping how music is utilized within interactive entertainment.