Michelle Kerr, co-founder of Cosa Nostra PR, was a visionary whose passion, creativity, and tireless dedication to the music industry shaped the landscape of heavy and alternative music publicity. In partnership with Kirsten Sprinks, Michelle launched Cosa Nostra PR in June 2012, building a company that quickly became synonymous with excellence and authenticity in the world of music PR.

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With more than three decades of experience, Michelle was a trailblazer who championed artists with unrelenting enthusiasm. Her early career included PR stints with Sharon Chevin (The Publicity Connection) and Jungle Records, before a 17-year tenure at Roadrunner Records, where she established herself as a trusted advocate for legendary acts such as Slipknot and Machine Head. Her knack for storytelling, combined with her deep understanding of the music scene, brought countless artists and their stories to the forefront.

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Michelle’s influence extended far beyond campaigns and press releases. She nurtured strong, enduring relationships with clients, colleagues, and media professionals, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Major artists with whom Michelle had worked almost their entire career, have openly attributed much of their success to her dedication, passion, and belief in them. Her unwavering commitment to excellence was matched only by her warmth, humour, and side-eye smirk.

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Those of us who knew Michelle understood what it was about her that drove those successes and engendered such love and respect from so many people. Michelle’s no nonsense, get-it-done, attitude was legendary. But, beneath her sometimes-intimidating exterior was a true heart of gold. Michelle genuinely cared for those around her. Everything she did, she did with a passion and self-belief that was backed up by a wealth of knowledge and experience that she shared freely.

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The tributes that get the least attention are those that perhaps tell the true story of who Michelle was. We’ve read countless stories from those who received supportive notes from Michelle during the toughest of times, who benefited from invaluable advice in the early stages of their career, or for whom Michelle went above and beyond when they most needed it. All of this she did without fuss, without needing to be acknowledged, and we’re sure she would have rolled her eyes and dismissed the global attention her passing brought with the wave of a hand.

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Michelle was not just a leader; she was a beacon of inspiration to all who had the privilege of working with her. She was rarely daunted by anything, not even the cancer that eventually took her life. She called the shots right to the very end. 

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Michelle’s legacy lives on through the countless lives and careers she touched, the groundbreaking campaigns she spearheaded, and the spirit she helped instill in Cosa Nostra PR. We honour her memory by upholding the values she championed: passion, authenticity, detail, and a relentless dedication to the music we love.

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She was one of a kind, a rock star amongst rock stars. She is deeply missed but will never be forgotten.

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