About

About – Hitting The Head

Hitting The Head is a photography and art book dedicated to capturing the raw energy, charm, and culture of NYC’s iconic dive bars. Published by Goff Books in 2026, the book preserves the stories of these disappearing spaces, offering a visual journey through the city’s counterculture history.

This project is about more than just photographs — it’s about moments that are fleeting, unexpected, and unfiltered. Each image captures the spontaneity of urban life, the unique personalities of these bars, and the spirit of a community often overlooked.

Our mission is to document and celebrate these spaces before they disappear, creating a timeless collection for collectors, art enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates authentic storytelling through photography.

Hitting The Head is the beginning of a broader creative vision, which will expand into prints, apparel, and other artistic merchandise. Every page is designed to immerse you in the moment, challenge your perspective, and invite you to see the world through a different lens.

Experience the impact. See the story. Feel the moment.

About the Author

Andre Howard is a seasoned music executive and educator with over two decades of experience across A&R, artist management, marketing, and commerce, spanning both major and independent sectors of the music industry. He began his career at Def Jam, working alongside iconic artists such as JAY-Z, DMX, Method Man, and Redman, before moving into artist management at Family Tree Entertainment and Violator, where he supported acts including Fantasia, Missy Elliott, Pharoahe Monch, and Busta Rhymes.

Andre later founded The Media Music Inc., securing brand partnerships and sync opportunities with companies such as Reebok, ESPN, HBO, and Shady/Aftermath. He has held senior roles at Republic Records, eOne, Warner Music Group/ADA (VP), and UnitedMasters, leading award-winning and multi-platinum campaigns for artists including Central Cee, Saint JHN, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Brandy, Brent Faiyaz, and BigXthaPlug. His work earned him recognition as a Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Player in 2021.

Currently, Andre serves as Head of Marketing for DNA/Hitmaker Music and as a professor at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, where he mentors the next generation of music industry leaders by bridging real-world industry experience with academic insight.