The Music Industry Office: Stay or Go?
What’s your job title and what does the gig entail?
General manager. Oversight of all day-to-day operations at a record company.
Ten years ago, is this something you imagined you might be doing?
Yes. I had the same job then and had no intention of leaving it.
Do you still harbor other aspirations?
Despite the intense stress that accompanies any job in the media industry, and especially now at a time of constant change and challenges, I periodically give thanks that I get to work with such great music and so many loveable and bizarre people.
How has working in an office environment changed you?
Bad back, internet overload, more prone to drinking
every evening.
Do you think your job will still exist in ten years?
Yes.
Is your office more The Office or Mad Men?
Mad Men. People are stylish and drink heavily.
What’s the best part of office life? And the worst?
The camaraderie. The backbiting.
What are three things someone coming into your field should know on their first day?
1. Nobody on earth has to pay for music; it’s your job to give them a reason to do so.
2. Don’t stop being a fan. If you haven’t been in a record store, bought on iTunes, shared files, read blogs, gone to shows or listened to streaming radio, then you have no idea how your customers think.
3. Pick up the phone. Email, text, IM and similar technologies only get you so far, and this business is built on relationships.
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