Rachel Zucco is a 33-year-old senior director at Bravado, the merch powerhouse under Universal Music Group. Her job? Turning wild ideas and viral moments into sellout merchandise for artists like Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, and Blink-182. When Morgan Wallen posted his ‘God’s Country’ exit from SNL, Zucco had a matching t-shirt ready to buy in under 48 hours. She’s also the force behind Post Malone’s ‘Big Ass Ciggy’ a four-foot-tall body pillow shaped like a giant cigarette that retails for $80 and has become a top seller.
Zucco’s role involves connecting artists, management, and retail teams across tour, e-commerce, and licensing. She calls it being “the glue” in the process. For Camila Cabello’s album ‘C,XOXO,’ the team created rhinestone flasks and neon designs. She even works with developing acts like Gigi Perez, who’s opening for Noah Kahan. Zucco started at Bravado nine years ago “at the bottom” and has worked her way up by getting scrappy and staying creative.
The next time you buy a concert tee or a silly pillow from your favorite artist, remember there’s a whole team of people like Rachel making it happen in real time. Would you rock a 48-hour drop tee, or do you prefer your merch planned out months in advance?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.