A Day In The Life Of An Intern

by Kylie Rose

Ever wondered what the day-to-day of one of the best artist management & consultation companies looks like? Well, seek no further ladies and gents, welcome to a day in the life of an intern here at Olivia Management!

Coming upon my sixth month here at OM, my tried-and-true first morning step is logging in to check my Asana task board. Asana is a team project management platform, designed to easily format task distribution. I’ll login, check what tasks/projects I am working on today, ask my questions, and get started!

Up first this morning, I worked on shipping out merchandise with some of our rockstar interns, Jessie Mellot and Madison Moll. Using systems like Shipstation and Squarespace, we packaged up some t-shirts for our artist Jill Andrews (which are so cute and available here, wink wink).

Coming up next on our intern lineup for the day, I start checking our artist’s ticket links and sales. Now that live music is starting back in full swing here in music city, we’ve got a lot of brand new tour dates on our hands. My job is to check that the links venues provide are functioning well, all of the information is correct, and our artists’ branding is up to date. 

Here comes one of my personal favorite moments, lunch break with an (almost) full intern crew! The biggest draw for my interest in interning here was the honest connection and trust between every member of our team. Since one of our newest interns, Cali, was in town, we stopped in for a special lunch munch at The Nashville Farmers Market!

My last project of the day was to write up this wonderful blog on all of the day's details! What I love about it here is that everyday brings new challenges and lessons learned. Whether it's attending our artists’ shows, creating tour spreadsheets, producing content for youtube, creating graphics, etc. There is never a moment that I am not learning something new to apply to my career in the music business. 

If you’re interested in interning here at Olivia Management, which honestly who wouldn’t be, we are currently interviewing applicants for Fall or Spring 2021! 

My Favorite Music in TV & Movies

by Kaila Divak

1.     “Tiny Dancer” – Elton John – Almost Famous

I honestly think this song has to be at the top of my list, because it is tattooed on my wrist for the rest of my life. When “Tiny Dancer” plays in Almost Famous, the whole band is singing together on the bus. Sir Elton John himself said that this song became as famous as it is today because of this movie. It came at such a pivotal part of the film, right after a huge fight, where nobody was speaking. One of the men in the band begins to sing along with the song, playing on the radio, and everyone else just follows suit.

2.     “Epilogue” – Justin Hurwitz – La La Land

This one really pulls at the heart strings for me. I think I’ve always loved this song, but the idea that it was in the most frustrating part of the movie for me really made me overlook it for a long time. Once I watched La La Land a few times and understood that not every movie needs to end on a happy note, I realized how amazing this song was. It brings you along on a seven-and-a-half-minute story, and you don’t even need the video to picture what is going on, in my opinion. I also love how the end of the song is so simple, yet so heartbreaking. If you really listen to the end of the song, Sebastian doesn’t play the last note on the piano. I always thought that that was symbolism for him not wanting him and Mia’s relationship to end.

 3.     “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim” – Jim Croce – Stranger Things

This one was awesome to me. I remember watching this part of the episode in season three of Stranger Things and immediately wanting to be a music supervisor. It obviously fit perfectly because the title is “Don’t Mess Around with Jim” and the scene was focused on Jim Hopper. He just successfully managed to get his step-daughter and her boyfriend to break up, and he is over the moon about it. It cuts from his initial satisfaction about the breakup to him screaming along to the song in his Bronco truck. The transition to this was unbelievable and could not have been placed better.

 4.     “Joshua Tree” – Ruthie Collins – The Ranch

I love the way this Ruthie Collins song was placed in the Netflix series, The Ranch. The song has a pretty melancholy sound to it, and in this case, it is playing in the background at the bar where Mary meets Heather and Luke to pick up the things that they saved for her when she was evicted from her house while in jail. It is a very powerful scene, as she refuses all help from them. “Joshua Tree” is super powerful in this part of the show, and I think that the music supervisors did a great job at placing Ruthie’s song here.

 (This one’s on Netflix… Part 7, Episode 5 of The Ranch)

5.     “Between the Bars” – Elliott Smith – Stuck in Love

I love the music in this movie. This song is played as Louis and Samantha sit in his car and share their favorite songs. Louis asks Samantha to close her eyes and listen, and she starts to cry because she’s scared of committing to having feelings for someone. I think that this song was a very indie choice, and it fits so well. It became sort of mainstream because of this moment in the movie. And I will always think of this moment in this movie when I hear this song.

Meet Our New (and Old) Interns!

It’s a new semester, and do you know what that means?! New (and old) interns! We know you’re just as stoked about this as we are. While things are still weird and uncertain at this point in time, we’re grateful to virtually surround ourselves with such great people. Allow us to introduce to you the newest additions to the Olivia Management team for the fall of 2020. Read on to see just a snippet of what makes these folks so wonderful! We’re certain it’s going to be a great semester.

Kaila Divak

What do you love to do? Hobbies? Activities?

I spend most of my free time watching stand up comedy, skiing (when possible), going to concerts, and visiting the dogs at the Humane Society.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

It is definitely a tie between cheesesteaks and Krispy Kreme donuts.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I would want to work with stand up comedians or classic rock bands. I would definitely love to be involved in the touring process in some way!

Favorite musicians, artists, genres, equipment, shows you’ve been to...tell us anything you love about music.

I'm definitely an old soul, and I grew up idolizing bands like Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, and Foo Fighters. I love all things Frank Sinatra, yet I'm also the first one on line for anything related to Harry Styles. I'll honestly listen to anything!

What is your favorite part about Nashville?

Hot chicken, my Belmont friends, and the closeness of everything.

Why did you choose to intern here? 

I was researching companies on Handshake and I saw the Olivia Management position, stalked the Instagram and read the website, and felt like I would fit in well! I love how OM is a female-fronted company, and I am super grateful for the opportunity to learn from everyone here.

What would you like to get out of this internship?

Any experience possible! I'm open to learning literally anything within the entertainment industry, I'll take on any project put in front of me to see if I make a good fit in that realm.

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Devin Renspie

What do you love to do? Hobbies? Activities?

Right now my main hobbies are writing/producing music and playing video games, but I also like to draw, sew, make costumes, etc. Basically I dabble in all things artsy.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

Steak and mashed potatoes maybe? That's a tough one.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

My dream is to eventually support myself as an artist/songwriter/producer, but until then I want to work somewhere in the music business where I can still be creative in my day-to-day.

Favorite musicians, artists, genres, equipment, shows you’ve been to...tell us anything you love about music.

I'll listen to basically everything, though my favorite genre is probably alternative pop/rock. Right now I'm listening to a lot of Hayley Williams, Twenty One Pilots, Ashnikko, Grimes, Jon Bellion, and Kailee Morgue. I like music that incorporates unique/electronic sounds.

What is your favorite part about Nashville?

I’ve only been able to spend a semester in Nashville so far, but I love that there are so many people who are able to pursue music as a career.

Why did you choose to intern here? 

Artist management is what I'm most interested in pursuing a career in!

What would you like to get out of this internship?

I want to learn as much as I can about all the facets of artist management as a profession as well as the aspects I can apply to my own side-gig as an artist.

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Kate Cosentino

What do you love to do? Hobbies? Activities?

I make guitar straps, I love to roller skate/skate dance, video games (Guitar Hero III obviously), reading (especially self help books-ironically an addiction I probably need help with) and eating ( also cooking but I love finding the best places to eat).

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

If there were no health repercussions—pure cookie dough. Otherwise, Orange Chicken from panda express which I guess is no better.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

An artist that writes songs that move people. You'll hear me in movies in video games and hopefully by then, I'll be a decent roller skate dancer.

Favorite musicians, artists, genres, equipment, shows you’ve been to...tell us anything you love about music.

Phoebe Bridgers has been my SOUL this summer. I am a sucker for poetic, unique lyrics. I adore anything with a jazz influence. Lianne La Havas is one of my favorites as well as Regina Spektor. I listen to everything though from Sufjan Stevens to Tenacious D to J-pop bands. I always love finding new things to listen to! Equipment wise-I just bought an LA220 and I'm obsessed with it- also love my Gretsch hollowbody guitar. The best show I've been to that totally surprised me was The Presidents of the United States of America. Also, loved seeing Tuneyards live in Nashville.

What is your favorite part about Nashville?

The mentality of "let's grow together" that I find in much of the music industry. Also, food.

Why did you choose to intern here? 

After taking Erin's Entrepreneurship class at Belmont, I left every day feeling more inspired to work in music and be an entrepreneur. I am also an artist in the folk/jazzy lane hoping to learn more about management and building a better business as a musician especially in a boutique management company rather than a major.

What would you like to get out of this internship?

I'd love to learn how Olivia Management seeks out business opportunities for their artists and the ways these artists make a living. What makes a successful campaign? How does an outside company help the artist? What business opportunities do these artists in various genres have?

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Cynthia Birkett

What do you love to do? Hobbies? Activities?

Concerts, hiking, going to the lake, shopping, hanging with friends & family, and cooking.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

Sushi!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Successful in the music industry!

Favorite musicians, artists, genres, equipment, shows you’ve been to...tell us anything you love about music.

My favorite genres are Country, Pop, Singer/Songwriter. Favorite artists are Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Tyler Childers, Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley Mcbryde, Carly Pearce, Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, Lindsey Ell, Cassadee Pope, Kip Moore, Maren Morris, Lainey Wilson, Chris Brandi, Sean Stemaly, Dan & Shay, Josh Kerr, LANY, The Band Camino, The Brook & The Bluff, Conan Gray, Elle King, Harry Styles, Joji (just to name a few). I’ve been to so many shows, I try to go to more and more every year! I think my favorite concert that I've been to is a Jason Aldean and Luke Combs show. My favorite festival that I've been to is Stagecoach! I absolutely love everything about music and concerts. Concerts are probably my favorite thing because I love to see everyone else having a great time and singing the lyrics back to the artist.

What is your favorite part about Nashville?

My favorite part about Nashville is the music that is everywhere and the sunsets out here are amazing!

Why did you choose to intern here? 

I chose to intern at Olivia Management because I loved everything that they’re about and have so much to offer as a company to your artists and so much knowledge to learn from as an intern.

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The Return: Connor Kozlecar

Connor will be joining us for a third semester this fall. To say we’re excited about it would simply be an understatement. He is loyal, passionate, reliable, ambitious, hardworking, and more of all the great things you crave to have in one human. He has easily become everyone’s right hand man for anything and everything. We’re so glad you’re here, C! Never leave, yeah?

Check out his old intro blog here to read some of his own answers to the questions above from way back when he was just starting out with us! Ugh. What a throwback.

What does an artist manager’s intern do?

by Chelsea Hallman

I feel like even my friends that are in the music industry are still curious about what an artist manager does, and what I am doing for them. Here’s a look into my week, what I do in my position, what I believe is important, and what I’ve been learning.

For background, I will explain the purpose of an artist manager. An artist manager is the person behind the artist that helps manage their fast-moving career. They professionally represent and advise an artist to make the smartest business decisions. Artist managers work to get their artists to stand out enough to attract labels, music supervisors, playlisters, and others in all sectors of the music industry. They negotiate contracts, set up tours, make marketing plans, promote them, give budgets, and overall help develop the artist. Find more information here.

So if you think that’s cool, or maybe something you’d want to do, many artist management companies, like Olivia Management, have internships available to teach you just that. But what does that mean you’d be doing? 

First, before you even land an internship, make sure you are bringing your class knowledge with you. Pay attention in your major classes because it matters more than you think. I use this knowledge almost every day in this internship. I have Belmont’s Music Business program to thank for helping me get prepared for this one!

Now you are prepared professionally and start to look for an artist management internship. What does that mean day-to-day? Like I said previously, this is a fast-paced career. Every day there are different deals to be made and different things to discover in the ever-changing music industry. New ideas come up, new people reach out, new songs are written, all just depending on how people are feeling. This is a pretty unpredictable day-to-day job. But that’s also what makes it so much fun.

Because of the unpredictability, there are sometimes gaps. You never really know what you’ll be working on that day until you step into the office. Sometimes it's a crazy busy day where you can barely get time to eat. Olivia Management specifically gives interns “semester-long projects” of their choosing to discover more about the music business. My semester-long projects are diving into artists’ Youtube and working on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for the company, both things I’m interested in. Others are working on merchandising, social media, press releases, sponsorships, etc. It really depends on what interests you!

Most days, I am not working on my semester projects. Instead, on various projects and tasks that come up and the team needs help with. I could help route a tour, make a calendar, edit a music video, edit show posters, make social media posts, do some research for someone on the team, organize something physically, or in a database. There are lots of opportunities. Recently, those are a few of the things that I’ve been up to. 

Arguably, more importantly, is the stuff that will advance my interpersonal skills from this internship. I know what an office environment in my field looks like. I’m watching my co-workers find their work/life balance. I observe what meetings with professionals are like and how to act. These are all invaluable skills that can be learned from any internship. They are the reason that internships are so important before graduation. 

For all of these reasons, I am so grateful for Olivia Management. I’ve learned so much already and will continue to. If you’re a student aspiring to be in the music industry, this is the place for you!

Summer Intern Introduction: James

Excited is an understatement when we get to announce the fact we’re on adding two new interns to the Olivia Management team for the summer of 2020! Now we get the privilege of introducing you to James Muller! We have asked him a few questions and he was willing enough to share some answers with us. Read on to learn more about James!

James Muller

What do you love to do? Hobbies? Activities?

Some of my favorite hobbies are making music with my friends, playing guitar, and spending time outdoors. I love to run, and go hiking. I have also just begun learning to cook, so I would say that is a hobby of mine.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life it would have to be Mexican food. Tacos specifically.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

When I grow up I want to be immersed in the music industry and make a difference. I want to be a part of something bigger that helps bring beautiful music to people that deserve to experience it. Whether that be playing music, working in management or publishing or some other facet of the music industry.

Favorite musicians, artists, genres, equipment, shows you’ve been to...tell us anything you love about music.

Some of my favorite musicians are: The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dawes, Jimi Hendrix, The Allman Brothers Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Dr. Dog, and Anderson Paak. I’ve always been a guitarist, and I love old guitars and amps. Being in Nashville is great with all the awesome old vintage guitar stores like Gruhns and Carters. My favorite thing about music is live shows. I try to go to as many shows as I can because I love the energy and atmosphere of live music. There is definitely something special and unique about the way live music brings people together and brings emotions out of us. My favorite live show that I have been to was Tedeschi Trucks live at The Ryman.

What is your favorite part about Nashville?

My favorite part of Nashville has to be the amount of people that have all come here with the same passion for music. There are so many people in town to collaborate with musically, and that is really rewarding.

Why did you choose to intern here? 

I chose to intern here for a couple of different reasons. The first reason is that I took Erin’s Entrepreneurship class and I loved it. I really learned a lot of useful, practical skills and I loved her personal and honest teaching style. The second reason I chose to Intern here is because I have been managing my own band for the past three years, and I have really enjoyed doing it. I have learned a lot throughout the process, and I wanted to expand my knowledge and learn more about management! The last reason I chose to intern at Olivia Management is because I love that the company is a small boutique firm. I feel like these types of firms offer exceptional service to their clients, and I wanted to experience how that is done.

What would you like to get out of this internship?

I would love to learn as much as I can about the ins and outs of artist management, more specifically about how to help artists achieve their dreams and goals through strategic plans. I also want to get an overall better understanding and feel for the music industry, and how it functions. Overall I want to grow my skills and understanding not only professionally but as a person.