Month: March 2014

Categories
Job Board News

Blogger Spotlight: Dan Howell (Yet Another Music Blog)

Surprise! We usually post only one time per day, but due to a recent burst of content creation opportunities we have found ourselves inundated with more interviews and columns than we know how to handle. We thought about stretching this material out and sticking to our normal posting schedule, but then decided getting it to you as soon as we were able was better for everyone involved. If you like this increase in content production, let us know! Email james@haulix.com or, if you prefer social media, tweet to @Haulix and let us know which columns you enjoy the most.

We have all heard the saying “everyone’s a critic,” but what if someone who chooses to write about music they enjoy does not see themselves that way? I must admit it’s a question that never crossed my mind before beginning the interview you’re about to read, but it certainly does make one think. Most of the people we have featured in this series have made it a point to distinguish themselves as a journalist or critic, but that is not the case with the Dan Howell, the man with whom we speaking this afternoon. He sees himself as simply a man who likes to share the music he loves with those willing to listen.

Yet Another Music Blog is the brilliant result of Dan Howell sharing his opinions on music with the world. Through interviews and editorials YAMB brings together the latest and greatest music from around the globe and presents it to curious music fans on a gorgeous designed site through fun, easy-to-read content that’s not afraid to dig for a good story. The best part of all may be Dan, as well as his partner Dan English, continue to write simply because they love discussing music. Their love for the art form they cover drives their efforts, and it shows in the final product.

We asked Dan about his work in music, and what we found was a man who puts his passion for the creative arts before any thoughts of business. He may not write about music full time, but he’s certainly doing his part to better the industry for everyone involved. If you would like to learn more about his efforts, please take the time to bookmark and frequent YAMB. Additional questions and comments can be left at the end of this post.

H: Hey there! Before we dive in, please take a moment and tell everyone your full name, job title, and the site we’re here to discuss:

D: Dan Howell, Search Director at Tell Jack and the site we’re here to discuss is www.yetanothermusicblog.com.

H: It’s great to have you with us. To begin, I would like to learn a little about your history with music. Has it always played a major role in your existence?

D: I’ve been a big fan of music since I can remember. My earliest memory was probably listening to a Madness LP on repeat for hours on my Mum’s record player. Music has always been really important to me, and that is probably largely down to my sister. Every so often, between New Kids on the Block and Mariah Carey, I would hear some amazing music playing from her bedroom.

H: Who is the first artist you can remember obsessing over, and how did you initially discover them?

D: I guess the first album that majorly struck a chord with me was Dummy by Portishead. I ‘borrowed’ this from my sister when I was about 11 or 12 years old and it opened up a whole world of music for me. When I hit 17/18 years old, I started socialising with an older group of friends and they introduced me to the likes of Leftfield, Boards of Canada, Aphex Twin etc. Since then, I’ve had short-lived obsessions with so many artists.

H: When you reflect on your life as teen and young adult, are you able to pinpoint any formative moments or experiences that may have lead you to a life in music criticism?

D: I don’t really see myself as a critic, it’s more that I let people know if I like something. Generally speaking, if I don’t like a certain track, album or artist, they won’t make it on the blog. Who am I to critique? I can’t even play an instrument! I give credit where credit’s due. Everyone thinks they can be critics these days, because they hide behind their computers and voice their pompous opinions to the world. It angers me. Small-time food critics are the worst!

H: What is the first concert experience you can remember? Go on, paint a word picture for us…

D: The first real live music experience was probably when I went to Leeds Festival at the age of 15. It took weeks of bargaining with my Mum before she finally agreed to let me go for the weekend. It was definitely an eye-opener! The crowds were huge, we were with amazing people, we drank until we passed out and I saw Rage Against the Machine play one of their last gigs. Oh, and there was a riot on the last night. That will stay with me for a long time…

H: As far as writing is concerned, when did you begin to look at your gift with wordplay as something others may enjoy as well?

D: I didn’t really think about other people reading my articles until I saw my first print article. It was for a free local lifestyle magazine and it was distributed in all the shops and bars in Manchester city centre. When I saw people reading it in one of my local bars, it completely weirded me out. Anyway, my work seemed to get a good response and the magazine kept giving me more work, so I must have been doing something right!

H: What inspires you as a writer?

D: I definitely have a lot of respect for some of the bigger sites such as Resident Advisor and Pitchfork. They have some really talented writers and they’re always on the ball. It’s always good to remember that these sites came from humble beginnings.

H: Okay, let’s move on to your site. Every time I stumble across your blog name I am reminded of the parody film ‘Not Another Teen Movie.’ What can you tell us about the spark of creativity that lead to the creation of your site? We’re very interested in learning your ‘origin story.’

D: I started the blog as a little project for a Digital Marketing agency I worked for and I was put on the spot to think of a name. There’s nothing profound about it I’m afraid – it’s just an acknowledgement that there’s soooo many music blogs out there, but hopefully we’ll do things better than most! I do like the name and it seems to go down pretty well with our readers. I buy quite a lot of records and the original idea was that I’d write about the latest additions to my collection, but then I started to focus on interviews with the artists. Sometimes I think the interviews make the best reading.

H: How would you summarize the content found on your site?

D: A round-up of my favourite music/musicians. I’m pretty paricular about the type of music that goes up, but I can’t even begin to pinpoint exactly what passes and what doesn’t.

H: From what I can find, it appears you are the sole contributor to your blog. Have you given any thought to expanding the writing team?

D: I’ve actually just got another guy on board, Dan English. He DJs in Manchester and has a sharp ear for music. I’m open to other people contributing – if anyone’s interested, get in touch.

H: At this point there seems to be absolutely zero advertising associated with your efforts. Have you given any thought to monetization?

D: I’ve actually just redesigned the site and added some banner ads. Some people are dead against putting ads on their beloved blogs, but I think, “what the hell?”

[ Editor’s note: This interview was over a span of days. When we began the launch of the YAMB new website had yet to take place. Due to scheduling delays with this article, it has since gone live.]

H: The posting routine on your site varies. Sometimes you update frequently, other times days go by without posts. Do you have any plans to raise the frequency of new content being added to the site?

D: Since the redesign and getting Dan onboard, we’re definitely looking at ramping up the number of posts. I feel the blog has a new lease of life since the redesign and I’m definitely making it a higher priority.

H: What goals do you have for your writing efforts? How about goals for the site in general?

D: I want to grow the site as much as possible and I’ve got a few things lined up, in terms of expansion, for later on this year. Watch this space…

H: I assume you have a job outside of the site. What do you do day-to-day?

D: I’m a Digital Marketer; I specialise in Search Engine Optimisation. I basically live in the internet. I’ve worked in the industry for a little over 4 years now and I love it. I’ve learned so much in a relatively short space of time and it definitely keeps me on my toes. Working in this industry certainly gives me the upper hand over some of the other music sites, in some respects.

H: Would you like to reach a point where you write full time, for yourself or someone else?

D: Of course. To grow the site to such an extent that I could work on it full-time is pretty much the dream. For now it’s a bit of fun, but who knows where it could go.

H: When it comes to receiving music for review/feature consideration, which distribution services do you prefer and why?

D: Honestly, I prefer it when artists contact directly. This is mostly people who are just starting out, but it just makes the whole thing that bit more special.

H: If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

D: I’d get rid of Simon Cowell. Maybe put him on that one-way trip to Mars everyone’s been talking about recently.

H: What advice would you offer aspiring music critics?

D: Get yourself out there. Contact your favourite magazines and blogs and offer your articles for free. Good content is so valuable to these guys, so you’ll probably be surprised at the responses you get. If you have a genuine passion for music, that will show in your work and you shouldn’t have any problems getting it published somewhere.

H: That’s all I have for you. Before I let you go however, are there any final thoughts or observations you would like to share with our readers?

D: Erm, go check out KZA’s latest album, Dig and Edit 2. We just interviewed him and the album is awesome 🙂

Categories
News

Romantic Relationships Within Bands: Can They Work?

Hello again, everyone. Welcome to the very first ‘Advice’ column of the week. We always knew this series would be best if written by artists currently working in the industry today, and that is exactly who we have recruited for the columns you will see going live in the weeks ahead. Artists from a wide variety of genres have begun stepping up to help others on the rise, and we are thrilled to help their advice reach those ready and willing to listen. If you have an idea for a future installment of this series, please email james@haulix.com and pitch your story. We can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.

It’s rare for any band to rise through the ranks of underground stardom and find success on the national stage, but it’s a downright miracle when that happens to a group that involves at least two members who are romantically involved. There is no real science behind this, of course, but much like the trouble most associate with dating your coworkers in an office setting, it’s widely considered a rule of them that relationships between members of the same band could spell disaster for the group as a whole if things go romantically awry.

But what about the other half of the conversation? There has to be a positive outcome or two associated with couples working together in a creative setting, right?

Fine Fine Titans are an up and coming hard rock outfit from Grand Rapids, MI currently preparing for the release of their debut EP (Omega) on March 18. Two of the members, Jennifer and Evan Bartlett, are married. We recently asked the members of the group to weigh in with their thoughts about relationships within a group and how it does – or does not – impact the creative process. You can read their thoughts on the subject below.

There is no question that FFT are a young group with plenty of room left to grow, but it’s hard to believe anyone could listen to their new material and not believe the band is destined for great things. If you would you like to learn more about their efforts, please make it a point to follow them on Twitter. Additional questions and comments can be left at the end of this post.

Romantic relationships within bands: can they work? If the relationship is destined to fail, will it almost undoubtedly destroy the band? If the band falls apart, does that put the couple’s bond at risk leading to an inevitable breakup or even some cases, divorce?

My most prominent concern in the above is that we are more often focused on the potential negative effects instead of the positive effects that a romantic duo can have on a creative project.

Evan and I were brought together by music. At the time, I sang in a band that had a strict policy of no dating within the group and it had been decided before I joined. This worked out wonderfully for all of us (the five men and I) because presumably, none of us were attracted to each other and it made it easy to focus on the task at hand. However, when I met Evan, it became impossible to ignore that we had a great deal of interests in common. We also shared a unrelenting drive and passion for our own dreams so we decided to combine lifestyles and start
a new band. Neither of us had ever balanced a romantic relationship inside of a professional venture and we were aware of the complications that could arise but we threw caution to the wind. We were hungry to make music. We knew we could help each other and we would be damned if we let some preconceived notion about disastrous couples in music stop us.

We would love to say that the last few years have been a cakewalk and our relationship has not suffered because of the band or the band because of the relationship but it would be a fabrication. However, humility has kept us together. Some days are harder than others and I can’t imagine what it’s like to be on the other side of us…the guys in the band watching as sometimes we dispute each other during writing, rehearsal or even which restaurant to stop at on the road. As much as we try to keep our most aggressive arguments behind closed doors,
we are almost honest to a fault and sometimes it’s impossible to hide that from the rest of the band. There have been times when both Evan and I had questioned if this would work out…if we were strong enough as individuals and as a couple to be successful in both a marriage and a professional endeavor. In fact, we’ve almost completely fallen apart and when I went public about it, we were reminded that this was bigger than the two of us.

The bond is what brings people together but it seems as the collective dream is what sustains the relationship. In our case, it wasn’t the desire for children that would make us a family but instead, the magic of music that we would use to build our home. I’ve always referred to us as a team and perhaps that pesky little marriage certificate somehow forces us to hang in there when the water is troubled…but that’s sort of the point. People are sometimes elusive and flighty and really a piece of paper can’t make you do anything but it sure helps to remind you that every movement you make affects more than just you. To have complete trust in someone when following your dream can transcribe to superlative motivation and our hope is that as the days go on and we learn to communicate with each other more efficiently, that will overflow into the rest of the band as well. We’re extremely fortunate to have a few patient guys by our side helping us through this. They say you shouldn’t shit where you sleep but forget the rule, the exception is always more intriguing. 

Categories
News

Blogger Spotlight: Mark Garza (Funeral Sounds)

Hello and welcome to the start of another exciting week on the official blog of Haulix. We have been preparing for March since the early days of 2014, and think you will be pretty impressed by the content we have in store. Our goals to inform and inspire the next generation of music industry professionals remains, but in the weeks ahead you will see content offering continue to expand. There is a lot more to understanding the music business than can be taught through advice and interview feature. Stick around and you’ll see what we mean. If you have an idea for this blog, or if you would like to learn more about the digital distribution services we offer at Haulix, please do not hesitate to email james@haulix.com and share your thoughts. If you prefer social media, feel free to reach out to us on Facebook and Twitter.

People create music blogs for many different reasons. Some want to be journalists, some want to get attention for their friends, some want a space to share the thoughts they think no one else wants to hear, and still others – usually terrible, moronic humans – start blogs to pirate music. They each have their unique reasons, but no matter how misguided their intentions may be they all share a desire to express their love of certain artists with anyone willing to listen.

Mark Garza started Funeral Sounds for a number a of reasons. First and foremost, he loved music and wanted to share that love with the world. Second, he was interested in discovering new music, which is extremely easy to do when running your own site. Third, and perhaps the most interesting reason of all, he wanted a launching pad for his own industry endeavors.

You see, Funeral Sounds is not your typical music blog. It’s also a record label.

We should clarify that statement and explain that Funeral Sounds is currently a blog and cassette label, but one day records may be involved as well. Cassettes are more affordable to press and create low risk investment situations for young entrepreneurs. Mark is only 15 himself, but his insight on what people want to hear is on par with many of his industry peers.

When I learned of Mark’s efforts I knew he needed to be featured on our blog. He may not have the years of experience or college level education possessed by many of our guests, but he has the drive and focus needed to succeed in this industry. He’s the perfect example of what the next industry of music industry professionals will look like and I, for one, could not be more excited to see what he does in the future.

If you would like to learn more about Mark’s efforts in music, make sure you take the time to follow Funeral Sounds on Twitter after reading the interview below. Additional questions and comments can be left at the end of this post.

H: To begin, please tell everyone your full name, job title, and the site/company you’re here to discuss:

M: Mark Anthony Garza, Co-founder/Owner/CEO of Funeral Sounds, an online publication out of Houston, Texas.

H: Thank you for joining us, Mark. It’s a pleasure to feature you on our site. Tell me, what are the earliest memories you have of music?

M: I think one time in 4th or 5th grade I was going to be in the talent show with my friend Gary after my two other friends bailed and we were gonna sing Linkin Park. I had to make a CD with the instrumental of In The End and I had no idea how and I asked my sister’s friend and she gave me the wrong version so we couldn’t do it. I think Gary went on to sing Hotel California. Also, I couldn’t sing. 

H: Who are the first artists you can remember obsessing over, and how did you originally discover them? 

M: I always say Linkin Park got me into music and they really did. I think I heard In The End on the radio or MTV once or something. After that was either The Mars Volta or Circa Survive, they came kind of back to back. I found a burned TMV CD in my sister’s room and my neighbor would always be playing Circa Survive in his room and I always thought, “Wow, this is perfect, this is what I want in a band,” but I was too nervous to ask who it was. I ended up overhearing them say the band name and I googled “circus survive” and it worked.

H: Can you pinpoint any formative moments or experiences from your youth that steered you toward the pursuit of a career in the music industry?

M: After I got into post-hardcore/emo music, I met a lot of people with smaller, independent, DIY labels and being around that made me think that it didn’t take a ton of money to help musicians on that scale and that really inspired me to do something industry-wise. Also being around my brother and his band all the time always made me want to be involved in some way, though back in the formative years I always wanted to be a vocalist. I still can’t sing. 

H: What was your first concert experience like? Go on, paint us a mental picture. 

M: I don’t think there’s too much to say that I can remember. I say my first concert was Circa Survive although it was probably one of my brother’s shows way back before I can ever remember. There was a lot of people at this relatively small venue, we got there kind of late so we missed all the opening bands. This was I think in 2009 or 2010, they were touring with Dredg and Animals as Leaders, I was like 12. There was a lot of sweat and a lot of singing. Not much that I can really remember besides screaming all the lyrics as loud as I could and really feeling like everyone in that room was connected, as cheesy as that is. I bought a yellow shirt afterwards and I regret it. 

H: Let’s change our focus to your efforts in writing. When did you first consider exploring the world of music criticism, and how long was it from that point to the day you launched your site?

M: Maybe a month or so before. I mean, Funeral Sounds came from me and my friend/partner at the time Chase Jennewine. We’d always talk about startnig a music blog and it didn’t happen for a while until at some point one of us reminded each other on Facebook and we started a Blogspot under the name “Troo Scrums” which was a really dumb joke. We moved to tumblr the next day and changed the name to what it is now.

H: The name of your site, Funeral Sounds, is one that sticks in the mind. What is the story behind the name?

M: At the same time of starting FS, all Chase and I listened to was like 90s emo and really emotional/sad post-hardcore/screamo bands so we wanted something kind of dark and depressing. The name itself came out of spit balling, haha. I distinctly remember messaging someone “give me a name for my music blog. funeral music. funeral homes. dead homes. funeral sounds. wait, nvm”. It wasn’t really serious serious back then but I think the name really fits the music we tend to gravitate towards nowadays and I’ve grown quite fond of it, even if I have a lot of trouble pronouncing it for some reason.

H: Before we get to the other part of what you do, I want to discuss the site a bit more. Tell me, what type of music do you cover on Funeral Sounds?

M: That whole “emo revival” thing you keep reading about. I don’t think anyone at Funeral Sounds really agrees with the term though. We mostly cover post-hardcore/emo/punk as the name suggests but we try to cover everything we get. We have a couple writers that are really into indie (and two that are really into rap but one of them hadn’t even heard Madvillain until we told him about it so I have my doubts, haha.)

H: There are a number of great sites covering similar areas of music as yours right now. What do you think sets your site apart from the competition?

M: This is something the staff and I have discussed occasionally and I like to think there’s a degree of personality in our reviews that I haven’t really seen too much anywhere else. We try to be as professional as possible about our reviews without compromising our individual personalities and some of us let our humor and personalities into the review if the music calls for it. But, you know, maybe not. I just feel like we’re a lot friendlier and open to shitty phone demo recordings that the artist was too excited to try to mix or master at all. There’s an honesty to it that we appreciate and a lot of us aer musicians so that excitement when you finish a group of material, whether it be an EP or an album is something we relate to. That’s probably a better answer.

H: Your site is still relatively young, so I am not surprised to see the lack of advertising. Have you considered monetizing in the future? If so, how?

M: I have. I’ve considered advertising mostly to pay for label expenses since I’m not yet of age to get a job but by the time we ever get close enough to start advertising for independents/friends/artists we support I’ll have a job by then, hopefully, but it still won’t be out of the picture completely. It depends on the demand at that point really. 

H: Okay, now let’s get to the truly exciting stuff. Funeral Sounds is not just a blog – it’s a RECORD LABEL as well. Did you always plan to launch both projects, or did one come before the other?

M: The music blog came first and at some point I think a month after starting, Chase tagged me in a Facebook post and said “Let’s make FS a record label” and that was all it took. He had all the equipment and money so I just tried to help out as much as possible and I ended up taking the blog responsibilities and built our audience that way. I wish I could’ve helped more and I really, truly appreciate all that Chase has done for us and for me more than words can ever describe. My mom didn’t know about Funeral Sounds until we were a year and a half old which is always a funny story but if I told her earlier I probably would’ve been able to help Chase with the day to day expenses of starting a label, even if it is more-so a tape label. So yeah, thanks Chase. I love you man.

H: Were there any labels or groups that inspired you to start your own label? When did you first come up with this idea?

M: Tons. Like I said, we had a lot of label friends beforehand. I think most notably there was Dandy from Driftwood Records, Ashley from It’s a Trap! Records and Billy Brown from the now defunct Turn of the Century.

H: How many releases do you have out so far, and how many do you have confirmed for the future? You can feel free to include store links if you like. We want to help you promote. 

M: It’s all kind of gone. The past releases, I mean. We had about 9 and they all got lost in the mail when Chase was shipping me the rest of the product we had leftover as we were changing management and Chase left Funeral Sounds. It was really hard for us as a label in the beginning because of mailorder issues and time management and all that so we did a lot of stuff wrong and made a lot of mistakes so we went on hiatus for a while but I always hated the idea of a hiatus and eventually I got the money together to go at it by myself so we’re back again. Most of the past few months of starting up again has been making sure that we repair any relationships we may have damaged because of the problems we had during our first run. 

With all that out of the way, we have about 5 releases planned for the future and I’m more determined than anything to do everything right this time. They are mostly unannounced but we have two that are announced, Alomar (acoustic/folk punk), Heccra (a post-hardcore based experimental producer), and weak.(screamo from Halifax, Nova Scotia) that should be available for ordering sometime this week but all of them are available for streaming on our Bandcamp. Planning to announce the next two releases definitely before March ends. 

H: Running a blog and label seems pretty time consuming. How do you balance your responsibilities while still leading a normal life?

M: I don’t. I spend all my time with Funeral Sounds if I can do that without failing any classes, haha. Most of my time is spent recording tapes or answering emails and I think any of the free time I have goes to talking with all of our writers as they’ve become some of my closest friends. 

H: You have done a lot of cassette releases so far. Any plans for vinyl in the future?

M: We were actually looking up prices for vinyl yesterday. I have a plan in mind for a vinyl release but I don’t think it can be done anytime soon but it’s definitely a plan for the future, definitely a dream of mine. I like to think we can do it in summer but who knows. The more I research, the more realistic it seems. I can promise that we’ll have something on vinyl by the end of 2015, for what it counts.

H: What advice would you offer young people who may be reading this and considering pursuing their own career in entertainment?

M: From a business/industry standpoint, it’s all about who you know. Luckily, a lot of people are really nice and willing to help however they can, you just gotta take the chance and introduce yourself, whether by email or Facebook message (which I think is a little more personal). Be careful what bridges you burn and whose toes you step on. There’s a lot of ways to get in the industry, just find whatever suits you best and go for it. I think the independent side of music is a little more forgiving. 

H: What are your current career goals?

M: Release vinyl by the end of 2015. I hope to start writing for Under the Gun Review soon and hopefully that will give my PR company a little kick in the right direction. Hopefully buy a printer and stop using my apartment complex’s. Become self-sustaining, in a nutshell. I’ve also been working on our new website with a friend of mine who’s actually in weak. Does that count? 

H: If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

M: How exclusive it all seems. How much profit plays a factor in everything. I mean, I get it but I don’t think enough people are alright with losing money for art you truly believe in and that’s kind of what the whole DIY/punk/emo scene that we associate with is all about. It may not be the most practical way to go about things or a good way to run a business but it’s honest and it’s pure and it’s damn well worth it.

H: What can you tell us about Funeral Sounds’ plans for the rest of 2014?

M: New website, better organization, more tapes, more emotional letters from yours truly. More music, as always.  

H: That’s everything I have for now. Before I let you go, are there any final thoughts or observations you would like to share with our readers? The floor is yours:

M: I truly believe that you can do anything you want to if you try hard enough and never give up. I used to really think that was just a dumb saying that parents told their kids so they’d suck it up but from first-hand experience, if you want something strong enough and you really put in the effort, it’ll come to you. Also, Funeral Sounds also has a quarterly webzine that we put out every three months that accepts submissions from all types of creatives: poems, short stories, reviews, interviews, photography, art, articles, anything artistic, really. The next one should be out at the end of March. See our website for more information on that. You can read the first one here. Thank you for your time and thank you for reading. Oh, and go check out my friend Billy at Too Far Gone Records.

Categories
Job Board News

Music Industry Job Board (3/2/14)

Hello and welcome to the official blog of Haulix. One of the questions we are asked most often on this blog is whether or not we know of any job openings within the music industry. We try our best to inquire during interviews with our guests, but recently we decided to kick things up a notch and launch a column specifically dedicated to new opportunities around the music business. It’s called the Music Industry Job Board, and this is our fourth installment.

Every Sunday afternoon, we gather the new job and internship offerings we have come across in recent days.  We do our best to offer description of each job, as well as any supplemental information related to the application process. The latest round of openings can be found below.

You can help us build this list! If you have an opening you would like to see added to a future job board post, please email james@haulix.com with all the pertinent information. We can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.

Jobs:

College Marketing Rep (Warner Music Group)

Job summary: Pop/Rock College Reps are paid part time employees who implement grassroots and online marketing campaigns. They work with area businesses, tastemakers, DJs & promoters, peer networks, on campus student body organizations and media to create avenues of exposure for key WMG pop/rock artists and projects. They offer an important “word from the street” perspective in their designated college campus communities and provide valuable consumer feedback and insight to our organization. 

Urban Digital Marketing Specialist (company confidential)

Job summary: Come work with us. We are a music marketing, publishing and management company founded and based in the New York City area. We put our energy and expertise to work for musicians, celebrities, artists, large entertainment corporations, and television/film. We are always looking for talented professionals to succeed and grow with us. We value innovative people who are looking for a challenge and are able to adapt to rapid and continuous change. As a valued employee, you must be flexible and able to meet any challenge that comes your way.

Junior Controller / Financial Analyst (mtheory LLC)

Job summary: Manage the monthly/quarterly financial close processes for mtheory and clients, including financial statement preparation and analyses, general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, etc.

Commercial Business Development Manager (7Digital)

Jobs summary: We need a super-talented and enthusiastic business development manager to join the team, based in either San Francisco or New York City: someone who has a hunger to make a substantial difference to a fast-growing digital music business. Reporting into our central commercial business development team at our head office in London, this role is key to our growth. Together with the US staff on the ground, you would be working across a matrix structure to deliver our targets.

Panelist for Music Showcase (Badd Lemonade)

Job summary: Badd Lemonade produces showcases for new artists to perform for music supervisors, publicists, bookers, A&Rs, etc. We are currently looking to expand our network of panelists. Panelists do receive compensation for their participation in the show. The artists DO know before hand that there are no promises from the show. The idea behind the showcase is that the artists’ performances stay fresh in the panelists’ minds, instead of lost in a pile of submissions. This is not a contest, nor a battle of the bands. It is simply a networking event for the artists, as well as our growing company. The bands sell tickets to the show, which Badd Lemonade and the bands split 50/50. 

Operations Assistant (ONErpm)

Job summary: Currently, the New York office, based in the vibrant Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, is looking for an Operations Assistant for our team. Some of the duties would include assisting in the album approval process by reviewing submitted content to make sure it meets guidelines set by the stores and performing client services duties such as answering questions about our services and website, communicating issues between the clients and stores, and resolving all other client issues.

Senior Creative, Synchronization (Music Sales Corp)

Job summary: Full time job. Music Sales Corp. is currently seeking a Senior Creative, Synchronization for our Los Angeles office.

Program Coordinator (Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation)

Job summary: Under the direction of the Vice President, the Program Coordinator will be responsible for the successful administration, organization, and implementation of all Foundation efforts, including fundraising and overseeing the music education program.

Booking Assistant (Autonomous Music)

Job summary: Autonomous Music is a booking agency & management firm, seeking a Booking Assistant. The position will support two senior agents & one junior agent in various aspects of their day-to-day needs and tasks associated with booking clients’ national tours. Ideally, this will serve as training to develop the knowledge, skills & experience necessary to eventually move into a junior agent position.

Legal Assistant (Warner Music Group)

Job summary: Job responsibilities include (but are not limited to) managing all administrative aspects of work for one member of the Digital Legal Department and one member of the Digital Strategy and Business Development team, as well as more detailed project management and independent projects on various levels. Requires an intelligent, curious, flexible, proactive, organized and independent person who is willing to engage in typical administrative/clerical duties as well as more complex project work to the extent of the applicant’s capabilities. Independently responsible for routine, day-to-day legal activities as described below. An interest in digital music is preferred.

Assistant (Universal)

Job summary: This position will provide administrative support for the Executive Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs, as well as for the Director, Business & Legal Affairs in our Global Digital Business group.

Music Coordinator (company confidential)

Job summary: A new music supervision company that’s launching soon is looking for a Music Coordinator. Individual would work with a high profile music supervisor / DJ and help coordinate and produce projects.

Producer/Engineer/Sound Designer (Rockabye Baby Music)

Job summary: Independent record label in Los Angeles is currently accepting demos from individuals capable of creating instrumental lullaby recordings, specifically lullaby renditions of classic and modern rock songs. If you are interested, please submit demos with “LULLABY” in the subject line. DO NOT SUBMIT ORCHESTRAL or SYNTH-HEAVY tracks (AVOID string and synth beds). We are looking for inventive productions featuring child-like instruments of both wood varieties (xylophone, woodblock, marimba) and bell-like varieties (celesta, glockenspiel, vibraphone) as well as thoughtful, cute sound effects.

Assistant Manager, Licensing (Warner Music Group)

Job summary: We are currently looking for an organized, detail oriented, diligent, and results-driven individual for the full-time position of Assistant Manager in our Sync Licensing Administration department based in Los Angeles. This individual will be responsible for the drafting and issuing of sync licenses for the use of Warner/Chappell Music songs as well as WMG and Rhino master recordings in all media, collection of license fees, as well as heavy client interaction. This is a fun and challenging position in a fast-pace environment. 

A&R / Talent Agent (Zobe Records)

Job summary: Interested in the music industry and have some experience? Want to learn more about Zobe Records? Becoming an A&R/Talent Agent is a great way to gain real hands on experience and professional exposure. This position is designed to provide motivated and interested people with an enhanced knowledge of the music entertainment industry. Our A&Rs/Talent Agents will help find, shape/mold, and create superstars! Our goal is to provide these individuals with a meaningful, educational, beneficial, and fun experience!

Junior Account Manager/Coordinator *Temporary* (Shazam)

Job summary: The Shazam team are now looking for a Junior Account Manager/Coordinator on a temporary basis to join a growing & busy team.This is a critical role in the sales planning process at Shazam & encompasses pre and post sales support, administration and reporting.This newly created role will provide support to the New York Account Management team and will cover both Shazam for TV (SFTV) and Music.  The ideal candiate will be responsible for making sure that all stages of the sales process are managed appropriately. This will include working closely with Account Managers, Ad Operations, and Trafficking teams.

Executive Editor, News & Entertainment (Refinery29)

Job summary: Refinery29 is actively on the hunt for a next-generation Executive Editor, News & Entertainment to join our team and lead our 24/7 News operation to the next frontier. If you’re a big-ideas editor who is obsessed with breaking headlines, and smart, opinionated, high-performing content, we want to meet you. Only those who work at highly trafficked websites—and who demonstrate true strategic leadership with a passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible—need apply. Refinery29 is a leading authority in fashion and lifestyle—in all its facets—and our audience demands a distinct point of view on entertainment, wellness, food, technology, women’s issues, music, politics, and essentially everything that touches their lives everyday. The Executive Editor of our dreams will expand and enrich our already addictive signature R29 coverage and infiltrate the Internet with a new kind of breaking news that modern women crave. 

Partnerships Manager (Monster)

Job summary: The Partnership Manager will be responsible for the development, and day-to-day management, of programs that increase Monster’s reach and exposure through integrated co-marketing programs, licensing partnerships, and brand collaborations with consumer brands and partners (example: UFC, WPT, Caesars Entertainment, ClearChannel/iHeart Radio, etc). This person will work with the Marketing Leadership Team, Senior Sales Team and Monster management to build sustainable relationships and maximize opportunities with partners by managing and driving initiatives with partners and across internal Monster teams and the brand & partnership teams, working with external partners and internal Monster teams to develop partnership initiatives, driving the execution of initiatives, communication across Monster teams, reporting to Monster management on results.

Music Therapist (Bach To Rock Music Lessons)

Job summary: Part time contract position at a growing music studio in Sugar Land, TX.   The studio will handle all administrative work – advertising, acquisition of clients, collections, administrative reports to insurance companies.  The therapist only needs to administer therapy.  Compensation will be based on a percentage split, to be negotiated.  This is an ideal position for a therapist who is not yet established with clients.  It is also a great opportunity for therapists who like to do things “their way.”

Executive Assistant to EVP of Creative & Office Manager (Superfly)

Job summary: We’re looking for a responsible, self-starter to perform the role of Executive Assistant to the company’s EVP of Creative who oversees creative operations. This person will also serve as the Office Manager of the Chicago office and the liaison between Chicago staff and Superfly’s Director of Human Resources.

Assistant Engineer (Windmark Recording)

Job summary: MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER AND BE PROFICIENT IN: HD pro tools 10, SSL AWS 900 console, SSL patchbay , Cue systems, Handling of vintage Tube microphones, Antelope and Atomic clocks, General studio maintenance, MAC OSX and mountain lion, Personable, Professional.

Studio Production Coordinator (Jingle Punks Music)

Job summary: Since our founding in 2008, Jingle Punks has quickly become the premier creative music agency in the US. We are the go-to resource for custom composing and music licensing for the film, TV, Advertising, and Digital Media space. The job will be to assist in logistics and studio productions operations and to help manage and organize a growing team of 15+ Composers in NYC and LA-based recording studios. 

Internships:

Warped Tour Volunteer (Steal Kill & Destroy)

Job summary: We are on the hunt for a special volunteer this summer for our outreach on Warped Tour. We are looking for male or female, 21+, that is passionately pursuing Christ and loves others. Preferably someone with touring and ministry experience and doesn’t mind being dirty and some hard work. If this seems like something you would be interested in, please contact stellaskad@gmail.com for the online application link. 

Entertainment Publicist (Frank PR)

Job summary: FRANK PR, a NY based entertainment public relations firm, is looking for a Publicist to work closely with clients, executives and staff. A vibrant, young company, FRANK PR provides services to some of the most prestigious names in film, television and entertainment. The agency’s staff includes highly motivated and qualified public relations professionals, each with first-hand experience publicizing entertainment and special events throughout the country. 

Synchronization Intern (Kobalt Music)

Job summary: Interns will be involved in various day-to-day operations throughout the synchronization department providing a general understanding of how a music publishing company operates. 

Social Media Intern (A Noise Within)

Job summary: Sought for Southern California’s leading classical repertory theater in Pasadena.
Interested in the arts, with an eye on marketing? Adept at social media? If your career goal is in arts administration or general marketing, A Noise Within offers a terrific internship opportunity for you. 

FXCK Cancer Foundation Looking for Volunteers (F*CK Cancer)

Job summary: Fxck Cancer Foundation is looking for volunteers on the World’s Loudest Month Tour. Dates below:

Welcome to Rockville
April 26th-27th 
metropolitan park Jacksonville Florida

Carolina Rebelion
May 3rd-4th 
Charlotte motor speedway North Carolina

Rock on the Range
May 16th,17th & 18th
crew stadium Columbos Ohio

Rocklahoma
May 23,24&25 
Pryor Oklahoma

Phil from fxck cancer is looking for volunteers to help with setup and breakdown of the booth. Also helping with receiving donations and handing out product. Phil needs people that aren’t shy and that have good communication skills. Volunteers will help educate concertgoers about early cancer detection and help fxck cancer to raise awareness by passing out their tri fold pamphlets.

To apply, email Phil at phil@fxckcancer.org!

Categories
News

Journalism Tips #4 – ‘How To Avoid Becoming Jaded’

Hello again. We know it’s Saturday, so before diving in we just wanted to thank you for taking a little time out from your weekend to read up on the latest industry advice and insight. We are thrilled to be sharing the fourth chapter of our ongoing ‘Journalism Tips’ series this afternoon, and at the same time a bit sad as it is the final contribution (for now) from writer Adrian Garza. We have enjoyed have his work on the site in recent weeks and encourage all of you to follow his industry efforts moving forward. 

We are always looking for new ways to expand and further refine our efforts here at Haulix. If you have an idea for this blog, or if you would like to learn more about the digital distribution services we offer, please do not hesitate to email james@haulix.com and share your thoughts. If you prefer social media, feel free to reach out to us on Facebook and Twitter.

I hate admitting this, but the truth is, as one who dedicates so much time towards an involvement with music, I mistakenly became pretty arrogant and jaded about my taste. But thankfully, I eventually caught and corrected myself before I stepped on one too many toes. 

It’s scary how fast these sorts of things could happen to you if you don’t keep yourself in check. Even worse, it’s really easy to grow to get tired of some specific aspects of music, which can become a shame, because we all know that’s one of the reasons why we came into working with music: We love it. 

This isn’t what I would claim as the answer to the problem. This is just my answer to the problem. Go and make your own choices.

Realize Your Opinion Isn’t the Only One That Matters 

Fresh faces to music journalism are the ones who are most likely to come to fault here. Just because you’re in a position where complete strangers look to you for your opinions and insight on something doesn’t mean that you’re correct with what you say all of the time. More than anything, you’re just somebody who’s developed an ear for what sounds good, a talent for writing appealing articles, and a passion that drives you to put the two together. So consider yourself just another voice that can easily be ignored.

Create Something

As one who puts my own personal musical endeavors on the backburner, I occasionally pick up my guitar from time to time. Every time that I do so, I usually walk away from it feeling more inspired than ever before. It’s tricky to attempt to label down specific reasons for why this just works for me in the way that it does, but I will say that by playing along to my favorite records, it’s easy to gain a whole new level of understanding why some musicians just love to smother records with catchy and simple parts: They’re usually really, really fun to play.

Even if you have no artistic skill whatsoever, you could still get a lot out of simply sitting in on a friend’s band’s writing session or practice. Call it weird, but I find it fulfilling to see the look in a musician’s eyes when they discover a way to hike up the quality of a song just by changing up a couple parts.

Surround Yourself with People Who Are New to Music

In a very similar vein, take a look at people who are new to going to shows. It might be a little hard to believe, but that was you not too long ago. They’re having a freaking blast just by standing in the third row, and it makes their freaking day when they get the chance to meet the artist that they’ve waited “x” amount of hours to see perform for 30 minutes.

I’m not suggesting that people should return back to that state of mind, because I don’t ever see myself going back to waiting in lines just to get in early to shows, or riding city busses for 2+ hours just to pick up a physical copy of an album on its release date. That’s just way too inconvenient for me nowadays. Instead, realize that you can still re-live that and enjoy the gratification by sharing your favorite groups with friends. If they fan-boy/girl a bit, it’s only natural.  

Move on

Have you ever tried to step out past your conventional listening boundaries? There’s no way you’re literally that full of yourself that you couldn’t possibly check out a foreign genre, or even newer artists. There’s likely some redeeming quality that attracts fans to this. Branch out and try something new, because it will give you that much more of an understanding for why people enjoy their music. Don’t even think about doing this for the sake of looking “versatile” to others, do it so you’re not so close-minded and judgmental. You never know when you’ll come across your new favorite artist that inspires you to do great things, and for all you know, that could very well be a jazz fusion band. 

When he’s not getting the feels from listening to some ‘Through Being Cool,’ Adrian Garza writes at Under the Gun Review and works as the Editor-In-Chief at The Southeastern Times, Southeastern University’s student newspaper. Follow him on Twitter.

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