Luxury Industry

Two years old in Georgetown with one of my dad's guitars! (by Helen Cordes)

I don’t remember the exact moment I decided that the music business was my calling. I think it was somewhere between a local childhood fueled by Avril Lavigne fantasies and my teenaged fascination with Minor Threat and all things DIY. Playing music never really clicked for me, but business plans did.

Almost seven years later, I’ve worked almost every aspect of the local music industry – writing for magazines, booking gigs, producing radio shows, PR and advertising, sponsorships, band management, merch, office manager, artist relations, festival hospitality, production, door girl. Now, welcome these “Internal Affairs,” an online reflection of my obsession with all things music business.

It’s not the most promising time to be getting involved in a so-called “luxury industry,” but it’s never been that to me. My dad raised me around music, both recorded and live. Sure, the industry's in turmoil, but that’s the beauty of it. There’s no one person with the right answers. Anyone can have the next big idea. This is the most exciting time to be involved in the music business, because if people aren’t buying music it’s up to us to figure out how to monetize it.

Although I consider myself pretty knowledgeable about the music business, this blog is a great way for me to learn about subjects I’ve always wanted to explore. I’m starting my own label this year, so expect many musings on the DIY process of record pressing. Some weeks this blog will report on the industry locally and nationally. Others may focus on people in the business. And some weeks will be personal thoughts on being a young woman in the music business today. I hope you’ll stay tuned.