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WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, AND WHAT CHANGE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN 2020? PM: I love the people I meet and the things I learn on a daily basis. I have learned so much from artist management and had to grow up very quickly and get my shit together as much as possible because I started tour managing and managing when I was in high school. I want to see a more eco-friendly music industry + of course beyond just in music. I encourage managers, agents, bands, etc. (no matter how big or small) to be conscious of what their impact is on the planet. I think a great place to start is to enable a “green rider” for your touring world. Meaning ethically sourced rider items and no plastic water bottles. We love eco-friendly bands! No matter how big or small it is so important to be with it and know that everything we do impacts climate change worsening. Another thing I want to see is our continuous movement of inclusivity in music. Festival bills are embarrassing when you take off the men involved and look at how little women are included. There is no excuse. Hire women and young people — I’ll never stop saying it. WHAT ARE SOME LESSONS THAT YOU’VE LEARNED DURING YOUR TIME AS AN ARTIST MANAGER? PM: There are a lot of cool things I’ve learned but I’d say learn how to be able to talk to everyone. Knowing how to talk to the CEO of a label and a janitor at a label the same way is huge. No one is inferior or superior and it will get you a long away. I’m lucky my parents taught me that from the start. HOW CAN PEOPLE WHO WANT TO SOMEDAY WORK IN THIS FIELD GET A START? PM: Go to shows! Go meet bands and find bands you love. Friends’ bands are the best from past experience but there is nothing wrong with a cold email or DM to an artist you love asking if they have management. Be dedicated and always be at the band’s best interest
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and remember you work for the band. It isn’t about you, it’s about the band and furthering their career (which will further yours as well if all goes according to plan). WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS THIS PAST YEAR? WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR 2020, AND HOW CAN THE PUBLIC HELP? PM: My New Year’s resolutions were for the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl (which WE DID!) and to be more eco-friendly, so I am trying as hard as I can personally and professionally to do the best I can. January was awesome because The Greeting Committee played their biggest sold-out show yet and I joined Berko Pearce and Scott Sheldon to work on artists such as Irontom and AWOLNATION while continuing to rock TGC. I am excited for this year! New music from everyone. AS CONSUMERS AND FANS, WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP IMPROVE AND SUPPORT THE MUSIC SCENES WE LOVE? PM: Support artists and their hard work! Pay for music, concert tickets and band merch — it keeps everything going! Please also support each other. In Kansas City, TGC are working on some ways to level up fans feeling safe at shows and in general. They are awesome to work with as they are always trying to improve everything around them. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SAY? FEEL FREE TO WRITE IT HERE. PM: Yes, be involved in your local music scene. I would not be where I am without Kansas City. Kansas City is my #1 for life. Learn about every industry — not just music. Fashion, politics, film, etc. all impact each other and music, specifically. It is imperative to stay with it and know what is happening as artists are intertwining their music careers into other industries. It is an exciting time!
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