(Photo Credit: Koury Angelo)
I ran out of money while studying abroad in Florence, Italy so i started promoting American/student driven nights at a few clubs out there. When I came back to Indiana University i took what i learned and created a music-driven weekly out there (which hadn’t been done before). Some guys in the entrepreneur community (shout out Russell Markus, Eric Kramer, Jack Minihan) reached out to me about promoting a Mike Posner concert, we collectively had the idea to take Mike on the road. Next thing you know we’re promoting Big Sean, Curren$y, Twista, Jeremih, etc shows in college towns from Kansas to Ohio and everywhere in between. The last tour we did was with Steve Aoki and he brought me to Los Angeles to help run his events sector, Dim Mak Live. The addiction to house music started there and hasn’t slowed. To answer your question, that was three and a half years ago. So dance music for 3 and a half years and music in general for 5 and a half. I will be 28 years old in October.
As someone with all encompassing experience as a talent buyer and founder of a management company, what would you say are some of the most important skills to have to succeed on the business side of the EDM industry? Why? Do you believe it is important to be well rounded with skills as a businessman?
I think its important to be well rounded as a business man, but also know your weaknesses, and either work with or hire people who are proficient at what you are not. I think most of the skills needed in the music industry you are more or less born with. Whether its an ear for music, creativity, the ability to network, being organized or having leadership ability – these are normally traits cultivated at a young age or that were god given. I think its difficult to acquire the skills needed in the music industry from any type of school.
Personally, what is your favorite style of music?
Disco house / deep house is my go to. but i like trap, big room, hip hop, old rock, reggae, jazz. I like melodies.
You’ve been building such promising names such as Bixel Boys, Slander, and many more. Who are some other artists you think the world should know about?
NGHTMRE, Meaux Green, Bearson, Bobby Puma, Wax Motif, Pomo, SomethingKindaWonderful, Vindata, and SNBRN.
What does it take for you to want to manage an artist? Are there specific qualities you look for or is it more based around their music?
Make hit records fast, know your brand, work hard, have a “look”, be easy to work with.
