We are passionate listeners, careful negotiators and creative problem-solvers.
Our story began with an idea. We wanted to launch a business by turning a hobby into something more.
Merchandise Music is the creative partnership of Aaron Hagele and Tim Slowikowski—directors, producers, and writers with a shared background in independent film, comedy, and music.
- Met in Chicago at the Second City Training Center
- Co-founded the sketch group Merchandise (2006–2009)
- Performed original work at Second City, iO, and UCB LA
From 2014–2022, Aaron and Tim directed, produced, and edited the feature-length music documentary Party Dream, which followed an iconic underground band and celebrated the strange beauty of DIY culture.
- Premiered at festivals nationwide
- Won multiple Best Feature awards
- Distributed by Gravitas Ventures
With Merchandise Music, you get two for the price of one. Two pros who know about production and sound from the inside out.
Our love of storytelling + sound inspired us to launch Merchandise Music—a music supervision and consulting company pairing original, underused music with film, television, video games and even slide shows (if they’re cool enough).
We bring years of post-production experience, an ear for the unexpected and a knack for finding the right sound to elevate tone and visuals.
Whether writing comedy, directing documentaries, or obsessing over the perfect needle drop, we bring humor, heart and hustle to every frame.
Meet the team
Aaron Hagele
Co-founder & Owner
Co-founder & Owner