The Team
At Riff Media Group, we’re united by a single passion: helping great music reach the people who will love it. Each member of our team brings their own skills, experiences, and perspectives—from social media strategy and creative content to promotions, fan engagement, and community building—but what ties us together is our shared love for rock, metal, and the artists shaping the scene. We don’t just work with bands; we champion them, amplify their voices, and celebrate the connection between music and the fans who make it come alive. Together, we’re more than a team—we’re a community of music lovers, storytellers, and advocates dedicated to creating moments, building audiences, and keeping the spirit of independent music thriving every day.
LISA Wills
Co-Founder, Riff Media Group
Originally from North Brunswick, New Jersey, Lisa has called Fredericksburg, Virginia home for over 20 years. Music has been a central part of her life since childhood, sparked by her father’s love of guitar and dinner-table jams with ABBA and Neil Diamond. Her passion ignited further after attending her first Metallica concert in the mid-80s, and she has been living, breathing, and promoting her favorite bands ever since.
Balancing a career and motherhood, Lisa has spent recent years helping new bands build and grow their digital presence through fan groups, street teams, and social media campaigns. On any given day, she can be found scouring her feeds for emerging music and creating online buzz that draws fans together—a talent recognized by SiriusXM Octane DJs.
Her personal playlist spans Ghost, Shinedown, and Architects, while she also champions today’s rising acts like Any Given Sin, Kingdom Collapse, and VRSTY. Once Lisa falls for a band, her passion is unstoppable, reflected in the sheer number of shows she attends annually—often rivaling the mileage of touring artists themselves.
At Riff Media Group, Lisa leads social media strategy, content development, and campaign execution, bringing her signature energy and expertise to every project.
MATT JAMES
Co-Founder, Riff Media Group
Originally from South West England, Matt is the Riff team member with the unmistakable accent. Music has always been a driving force in his life, but his passion for supporting bands truly took off during the pandemic. What began as a simple desire to help artists share their sound quickly evolved into a mission to elevate their presence and connect them with fans worldwide.
Matt’s taste in rock and metal runs wide—he appreciates the power of mainstream acts but is constantly searching for that one band with something truly unique. His playlists are a blend of familiar names and hidden gems, reflecting both his curiosity and his ear for standout sound.
Three of Matt’s favorite bands—Architects, RXPTRS, and TheCityIsOurs—speak to his diverse musical palette. He thrives on conversation about all things music and has a knack for discovering new talent before they break big.
At Riff Media Group, Matt leads graphic design, content creation, and creative development and execution. His eye for detail and passion for visual storytelling help shape Riff’s bold, engaging aesthetic across every platform.
Stephanie Bentzen
Administrative Coordinator, Riff Media Group
Originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Stephanie currently lives in her hometown, though she’s also spent time in Omaha, Nebraska. Music has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember—growing up singing and dancing along with her dad, she developed a lifelong love for the songs that moved her.
Stephanie’s involvement in the music scene began in 2010 when she started helping the band Sick Puppies promote their music, tour dates, and online community. A few years later, she discovered Kingdom Collapse at a local show and joined the KC Army Facebook group, where her passion and dedication quickly caught the attention of Joe Alfano. One video call later, Stephanie joined Riff Media Group to bring her organizational skills and enthusiasm to the team.
Her personal playlist reflects her devotion to the bands she loves. Shinedown tops the list, with two tattoos to prove it, alongside Breaking Benjamin, Any Given Sin, and The Funeral Portrait. Once Stephanie connects with a band, her support is unmistakable.
At Riff Media Group, Stephanie keeps the team on track, coordinating meetings and tasks. As co-founder Matt James says, she “keeps people in line,” bringing precision, passion, and love for music to everything she does.
Abe gascon
Promotions Coordinator, Riff Media Group
Originally from Mechanicsville, Maryland, Abe has been hooked on music since he first heard Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” at age 13. His journey into supporting bands began in 2019 when he attended a local show headlined by Any Given Sin and joined their fan group through Joe Alfano. From that day forward, Abe has been deeply involved in the independent music scene, helping bands grow their fan communities and connect with listeners.
For Abe, music is more than a passion—it’s a source of calm, inspiration, and joy. Some of the bands closest to his heart include Any Given Sin, Metallica, Silvertung, Etched In Embers, and Kingdom Collapse. True to his words, “I’m just a simple guy who loves music and the rock community!”
At Riff Media Group, Abe serves as Promotions Coordinator, energizing fan bases, sharing bands’ music, and helping fans engage online. He’s the team’s ultimate “hype man,” bringing enthusiasm, dedication, and love for music to everything he does.
Joe Alfano (1973 - 2023)
Co-Founder, Riff Media Group
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Joe brought more than 25 years of experience in marketing and communications to Riff Media Group. His journey into music promotion began in the winter of 2019, when his lifelong passion for rock and metal inspired him to team up with producer Chris Dawson of Aphotic Studios to launch the first of many Facebook fan communities—starting with one for Saul. What began as a simple idea quickly became a thriving space where artists and fans could connect, share, and grow together.
Joe’s ability to bring people together was unmatched. His drive to support emerging talent led him to create vibrant fan communities for rising bands such as Kingdom Collapse, Relent, and Above Snakes. Known for his warmth, humor, and tireless enthusiasm, Joe was both a mentor and a friend to countless artists and fans across the scene.
Outside of music, Joe cherished time at home in Boston with his wife, Cheryl, and their sons, Zachary and Jacob. His love for family, music, and connection continues to inspire everything Riff Media Group stands for.
At Riff Media Group, Joe led business development with creativity, strategic insight, and an unwavering passion that remain deeply woven into the company’s foundation.