Who the f$%& does this guy think he is anyway??
Do you want the short version, or the long version??
TLDR version: I’ve had a major interest in music for as long as I can remember, and have been working with it in one way or another since I was about 16. From radio, record stores, major labels, indie labels, venues, management, and more…I’ve done a little bit of almost everything.
(And no, I don’t play anything. Except Super Mario)
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As for the long story:
For me, it all started when I was about 16. Before that, I’d only ever really been exposed to my parent’s music. Which, no offense to them, was pretty limited. Country and easy listening/AC Top 40. Then I took a class in HS that was part of the school’s radio station; WDSO 88.3 FM. That was the beginning of finding a LOT of other genres, artists, and ways to experience music!
Winter of ’99… remember those stores in a mall that sold cassettes and CDs? I worked at one of those! Camelot Music, which later combined Record Town, Strawberries, and a few others into what’s now FYE. I remember towards the end of my first year that Shaggy’s Hot Shot was a huge album. For me, I’d never heard anything like it and, while it didn’t end up being my personal favorite style, I absolutely LOVED it!
One of my most embarrassing moments… How did I not realize yet that someone could have a career in the music industry?!?! Well I didn’t. Though I finally started studying Music Business at Columbia College Chicago. It was pretty clear I’d found the right thing for me since I finished my degree in 3 years
While in Chicago I discovered the lost treasure of Tower Records. I miss that place. From exploring their shelves pretty much every time I was in Chicago I discovered bands like Arcade Fire, The Shins, Fall Out Boy, and a bunch of other artists that I could connect to, who would help mold my current tastes
Interning is kind of a thing you’re supposed to do when you’re in college… so I did. Somehow I got into the absolutely perfect internship for a guy like me. Victory Records. I know what everyone says about that place (I was there for a good part of it). Being a part of (even a little part) the label that released Thursday, Taking Back Sunday, The Forecast, and so many more favorites of mine was/is indescribable though. Talk about learning!
My first out of college gig was in line with what I’d already done. I had the chance to manage a Barnes & Noble music department at. I remember 2 very specific things from my time there…. 1. My boss commenting about DVDs being cheaper at the Best Buy across the street, but then not understanding why we didn’t hit sales goals. 2. Bringing in re-pressed vinyl and being judged because “who’s gonna buy those”. Yet vinyl sales doubled between the time I started and the time I left, and have since gone up almost x19
Right after I left B&N I started my own label. I didn’t handle it all that well, but learned a lot, and still get to say that I’ve released 2 albums worldwide that can be listened to online. Plus, I released them for 2 dear friends who I absolutely love
Making the move to Indy was one of the biggest steps to bring me where I am now. I took a job with Universal Music Group. (Yeah, the biggest label in the world). Not a dream job, but a big step, and a whole lot of experience that I needed! The next 9 years brought stories and friendships that I still have now
After a few years at UMG & around Indy, I got comfortable enough to branch out. Likely later than I should… but better late than never. I reached out to MOKB/Do317 and got another internship. I learned a bit more about Indy’s scene, and met some people with shared passions. I wrote a bunch of reviews and previews, and got more comfortable in a city where I didn’t know anyone
I eventually found the neighborhood I wanted to be in, and then found out how much of a good choice I’d made. There was a record store moving into the hood! Square Cat Vinyl. Run by a few passionate guys who shared my interest in local music. They gave me a job, which was a great connection for the Indy music scene
Kinda suddenly, kinda not; the job I’d moved to Indy for was coming to an end. Since I was pretty good at my job, they offered me nearly 6 figures to move to LA and continue working for them. Jury’s still out on whether I made the right decision…but I turned the offer down. In LA I’d be one among thousands. In Indy…I’d like to think it’s just a few dozen. I think I can do more good here
What comes after a 9 year career ends? A lot of self reflecting. A lot of wondering what’s next. I put together a few shows at Square Cat. I read a lot about what had been happening the past 9 years in the music industry. I kept making friends with Indy musicians
It took a little while to find what was next, but I eventually did. Sofar Sounds decided to grow their presence in Indy, and I was lucky enough to get the job. In 8 1/2 months as City Director I put on over 50 shows, with over 150 musicians. I was really proud of that work. Check out the list of past shows to see the artists I worked with, and the video page to see some of what we created
After Covid brought live concerts to an end another gear shift was due. I’ve been consulting with some local musicians, and a couple non locals. I created a podcast! (Check out the podcast page for details on that). I’ve also learned a few extra skills that are going to come in handy going forward
And now this. Headlong. With some continued luck and more hard work, this will be the future…
