7 Patreons We Support + 7 Tips for Patreon Success

by Maggie Adams

Launching Patreons is a new-found hobby of mine thanks to the pandemic. During a time when all of us in the music industry are experiencing financial loss, how do we make up some of that income? For us it’s been partially through tapping into an artist’s fanbase, and creating a new monthly revenue stream. I’ve enjoyed the new challenge of brainstorming, building, launching, and largely managing a few Patreon accounts over the past six months. I’ve also been able to talk to a Patreon artist liaison to get tips on best practices for Patreon setup and get critiques for how to improve our own artists’ accounts.

In this post, I’ll go through 7 Patreon accounts that Erin or I support, and point out something we like about each so that you can steal some of these smart ideas for a Patreon of your own.

1. Alex Wong

Tip #1: Give the people what they want.

If you haven’t heard of Alex Wong before, we urge you to check out his beautiful music. Alex is a consummate creator, and Patrons will get the benefit of all of the amazing videos, vlogs, and series he is running. One tip you can jot down from Alex’s Patreon is that he has a $100 tier for super fans where after 1 year of patronage, you get a private concert. It’s a great idea to have a higher level of patronage like this even if you want to limit this tier to a few people, so that it can remain manageable for you. There is likely someone out there who wants to give you the big bucks. Let them!

2. Ali Sperry

Tip #2: Offer more than music.

Ali is a seasoned songwriter AND yoga instructor, so she created a tier designed for her Patrons to learn something from her. Patrons can take advantage of her knowledge and request lessons on either topic. If you’re like Ali, and you have skills you know people would like to learn from then offer that up! While talking about music 100% of the time may make sense, Patreon is a place to give fans more of a window into your day-to-day life. Whether it’s yoga, cooking, or poetry, you can take what you’re already doing on a daily basis and turn it into a benefit for your Patrons.

3. Alright Alright

Tip #3: Branding, baby!

We love Alright Alright for their creativity and authenticity. When creating a Patreon, it’s important to remember to build the tiers the way that best represents you. One benefit the band is offering is a monthly happy hour Zoom where they share a cocktail, the recipe for it, and share some music. The perfect pairing. Not only are their benefits on-brand, but the aesthetics of their Patreon has a cohesive look with branded tier images and names to make Patrons feel like they’re part of the musical process.

4. Andrew Duhon

#4. Consider the effort tiers will require. Make it manageable.

There are many ways to set up a Patreon, and to be honest, if you’re an artist that’s doing most everything yourself, it can be overwhelming to manage a bunch of tiers and figure out how to value different benefits. We like that Andrew Duhon has opted for a simpler approach that’s just as effective. He has one tier only at just $5, but has acquired a whopping 192 patrons since his quarantine launch. He posts at least twice a week with consistent and fresh content, offering new covers, new songs, and free access to livestreams. On his about page he also describes his Patreon as a “testing lab,” inviting Patrons to give feedback about what they want out of their Patronage. We love this manageable one-tier method!

5. Derek Webb

Tip #5: Content windowing on socials is essential to grow.

Where do we start with Derek Webb? Having an entrepreneurial background and a mind for marketing, Derek hits all the right notes on his Patreon. He delivers multiple weekly series with branded images for each, a consistent format for each, posted on a consistent day and time. He teases everything on socials, which is an essential key to success with Patreon. How will your fans know what they’re missing unless you tell them? One cool thing in particular that Derek does each week is create a public post on his Patreon that he references in social posts as his “blog.” Fans go to this blog, end up on Patreon, realize how cool it is, and then stay and pay for a tier because of the free thing he got them to view by posting to his socials. Funneling at its finest.

6. Jill Andrews

Tip #6: Share the raw recordings and dusty demos.

If your voice often gets compared to that of an angel, it’s safe to say that even your most basic demos and work tapes will be considered magical to your fans. This is the case for Jill Andrews. She could literally sing the phone book, and I would listen to the whole thing. Of course I’m biased, but the the point is, don’t be afraid to share things that you may never release to the public. Patreon is a place for your true fans, and these fans likely don’t write songs for a living. Give them a glimpse into the process by sharing work tapes, demos, and the stories behind them. In doing so, you will also have the chance to give those old recordings a home where they’ll be appreciated. Let go of perfection, people! It’s tough, but it’ll pay off…literally.

7. Ruthie Collins

Tip #7: Give fans one-on-one, personal access.

Although not everyone may have the time for this, it behooves you to have weekly benefits for your Patrons. Patreon states clearly that your Patrons are more likely to stick around if you post at least twice per month. Ruthie goes above and beyond by posting weekly affirmation videos, which bring comfort and peace for the week ahead. Another thing we’d highly recommend doing if you’re comfortable and able is to set up a way to chat 1 on 1 with your Patrons. Ruthie offers weekly messaging back and forth with her highest tier of Patrons via the Marco Polo app. There are many different apps or services you could use for something like this, but the important aspect is the personal access you’re giving to fans. Your super fans will pay top dollar to feel like they have a close relationship with you. After a while, those fans may even end up feeling like family!

5 Social Media Tips to Build Your Artist Following

By Devin Renspie

If you clicked on this article, you’re probably an artist just starting to try to establish yourself on social media. If this is the case, you’re in good company, and hopefully the following tips will make this process feel a little less daunting!

Have a Cohesive Presence

The first step in building a social media following is to make sure that you have accounts on every relevant social media platform. Even if you’re not as invested in some platforms as much as you are in others, this assures that you already have your profile claimed in case you decide to use it more and that you reach the widest possible audience.

Moreover, it is essential that all of your accounts look and feel the same so that fans of yours can easily find you across all platforms. While a big part of this is ensuring that things like your username, profile picture, and bio are the same (or at least similar), it is also important that you have the same content on each platform. Software like Later allow you to easily schedule content that will automatically be published to your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest accounts, or any combination of the four (and there’s a free version!), so you don’t have to worry about remembering and scrambling to post on each platform simultaneously.

Do More Than Promote Yourself

While there is a time for self-promotion, that time is after you’ve given your audience content to connect with. If you’re like me, you like to have a game plan before you dive into something as expansive as building a social media following, and luckily, the 70-20-10 rule exists to help you do that! The 70-20-10 rule is a general guideline concerning how much of each type of content should appear on your social media. As such, 70% of your content should build your brand, 20% of your content should build your network, and 10% of your content should be self-promotion. For more information on the 70-20-10 rule, check out this sonicbids article. If you still aren’t sure what to post, the following two points will give you some more insight regarding how to create content that your audience will engage with.

Focus on an Area of Content

Going back to having a cohesive presence, in order for your social media content itself to feel cohesive, it’s important to focus your efforts on one area of content. These main areas are documentation, education, and entertainment. When choosing an area, be sure to think about how it will fit into your brand, since whatever area you choose will be the basis of your brand-building content (the “70” in the 70-20-10 rule).

If you choose documentation, your content will mainly focus on the journey of your music career and what it looks like behind-the-scenes. A great example of an artist with this type of content is Jon Bellion, who posts a lot of “making of” videos, such as The Making Of All Time Low. Alternatively, with education, your content will mainly focus on teaching your audience a skill such as music production. Andrew Huang does an amazing job at this. Lastly, the arguably hardest area of content to make is that of entertainment, since your personality has to be the driving force. That being said, it is possible to include aspects of entertainment into the other two areas of content, as well. For more information about how to utilize the three types of content, check out Burstimo’s article.

Connect with Your Audience

Connection is the basis of social media platforms, and it should be the basis of your social media accounts, too. When you’re deciding what to post on your socials, be sure to keep in mind that social media is there to help you form relationships with your followers (and other music industry professionals). Therefore, no matter what area of content you focus on, make sure that you’re speaking to your audience, not at them. That is, find ways to allow your audience to communicate with you. If you’re thinking of focusing on documenting your journey as an artist, consider asking fans what they think of your unreleased songs. If you want to focus more on educating your audience, consider asking your followers what they want to learn more about. If you’re basing your content on entertainment, consider making content reacting to your followers’ questions or submissions. There are infinite ways to connect with your audience, but the bottom line is that your followers need to feel involved in your work and in your life in order for you to have a lasting impact on them.

Be Consistent in Your Efforts

If you only take one thing away from this article, let it be this. Social media is an art form, and like any art, there is no one way to do it. That being said, consistency is key to getting better at anything, and it is also key to growing an engaged following. To maintain such consistency, try to post on your socials around once a day. If this sounds too overwhelming, consider posting consistently at whatever interval feels maintainable to you, but keep in mind that once a day is ideal. To get the most engagement, check out Sprout Social’s best times to post on social media.

By consistently creating content and making efforts to connect with your followers using the tips I listed above, you are sure to accumulate followers that are invested in you and what you do. Best of luck in your social media endeavors!

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.

Let's Talk About Mental Health: World Mental Health Day 2020

By Devin Renspie

Find a list of mental health resources by scrolling down the article or see them here.

When I work with artists, I sometimes feel like a large chunk of my job is to protect them from burnout and provide them encouragement when the industry gets them down. Personally, I have the same struggle that my artists do. Burnout is real, and some weeks I feel like a failure when I cannot get any doors to open for the talented people that I represent. Add in a pandemic, lost wages, cancelled shows, and double the work for half of the pay, and it's been a crazy combination of bad these days. One of the ways I am combatting the burnout and depression is carving out a consistent chunk of time for myself, and letting my staff and artists know that I am taking a mental break for my own sanity. I have decided to start taking 3 hours off on Tuesday mornings, and let me tell you… it has been life changing. Sometimes it's the little things we do for ourselves that can turn the tides.

-Erin Anderson

When talking to team members and artists this week about mental health, I was confronted with the reality that it’s very hard to share about our own journeys! The sentiment that kept coming up was, “I don’t feel equipped to share because I’m still on my mental health journey. I’m not perfect.” This resonated with me because that’s just it. None of us have our mental health completely in check and squared away because it’s an ongoing and ever-changing situation, but when we talk about this we realize that it’s OK not to have all of our shit together all the time. Lately, I’ve realized I’m at my best when I’m making a point to connect with others. It’s easy to get into a pattern of isolation during this wild year, but if you spontaneously call up a friend, chances are your day will get better. It’s OK to ask for help, and it’s OK to lean on your nearest and dearest.

-Maggie Adams

Everyone’s journey with mental health looks and feels a little different. One common denominator, however, is how real it is. Everyday, I’m learning something new about myself, my own mental health, and what that can look like for me. I’ve always struggled with allowing myself to feel any sort of emotion, ultimately suppressing what makes me human. I’m not always the happy and sunny person that I want those around me to believe I am, and that’s okay. For me, it’s working on being open, honest, vulnerable, and reaching out for help. It’s allowing myself the space to healthily process what I need to in my own time.

-Mackenzie Fey

My mental health is something that I've struggled with for a long time. While I have worked hard to get to where I am now, there are still days when I feel overwhelmed by feelings of depression and anxiety. With everything occurring in our country and in our world, I have found it especially important to make sure that I am carving out time for myself. For me, this looks like scheduling a few hours a week to get my thoughts out in the form of journaling or poetry/lyrics and to work on making or accomplishing something for myself, such as writing music. I also have found the need to remind myself to take the time to chat online with friends that I can't see in person and that it's okay to just exist for a bit without tending to any responsibilities. I think it's essential for us to stay focused on the things and people we love so that we can remember why we're here when times are tough.

-Devin Renspie

Mental Health Resources

Below are a few resources we’ve compiled that we’ve personally used and/or think could be useful to you. Find comfort in knowing that you’re never alone in what you’re going through and that these feelings are temporary. Never give up on yourself because you are worth more than the space you take up in this world.

Immediate Assistance/24-Hour Helplines

In case of an emergency, or if you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, please call 911 or your local emergency number.

• Crisis Text Line - Text TWLOHA to 741741

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 800-273-8255

  • For hearing and speech impaired with TTY equipment: 800-799-4889

  • Español: 888-628-9454

• National Child Abuse Hotline - 800-422-4453

• National Domestic Violence Hotline - 800-799-7233

• Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) - 800-656-4673

• The Trevor Project - 866-488-7386

• Trans Lifeline - 877-565-8860

  • Canada: 877-330-6366

• Veterans Crisis Line - 800-273-8255 (press 1)

• List of Country-Specific Suicide Crisis Lines - find your local crisis helpline if you are located outside of the US.

• Drug & Alcohol Abuse Hotlines - 844-597-0006

Nashville-Based Resources

• Entertainment Health Services (EHS) - receive counseling, life coaching, and workshops from counselors who understand the demands of the entertainment industry.

• Porter's Call - obtain short-term counseling, encouragement, and support geared toward touring artists at no charge.

• Onsite Workshops - travel to a rustic retreat environment that offers six-day group programs, residential treatment, intensive individual counseling, adventure therapy, and professional training.

• Empower Music Therapy - Adult support group (virtual) every 3rd Thursday of the month. Also offers music therapy and music lessons for mental health and transitional challenges of all ages

• Nashville Therapist Resource Doc - short list of reputable Nashville therapists

Music Industry-Specific Resources

• MusiCares - receive short-term financial assistance for personal or addiction needs.

• Music Health Alliance - get health-related guidance and assistance in paying medical bills.

• Backline Care - connect with a case manager who can direct you to mental health and wellness resources.

National Resources

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - access education, support groups, informational publications, and presentations geared towards both those with mental illness and their family and friends.

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - obtain government-sanctioned research surrounding mental health.

• Psychology Today: Find a Therapist - search for therapists across the US that fit the criteria you enter.

• Psycom - discover overviews of various substance abuse and mental health issues as well as articles on mental health and wellbeing.

• To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) - find free or reduced-cost counseling and other mental health services in your community.

• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) - browse treatment providers for disordered eating and access the helpline for support and resources.

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - locate treatment for a variety of substance abuse and mental health issues.

• Alcoholics Anonymous - receive support targeted toward those with drinking problems.

• Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)/ Dysfunctional Families - access support for adults whose lives were affected as a result of being raised in an alcoholic or other dysfunctional family.

• Narcotic Anonymous - receive support targeted toward those with drug problems.

• Al-Anon - receive support targeted toward those who have been affected by someone else’s drinking problems.

Resources for Specific/Minority Populations

• Black Lives Matter Resources (by NEDA) - access a list of mental health resources mainly focused on serving the Black Community with general BIPOC resources mixed in.

• Inclusive Therapists - find therapists who cater to specific needs such as those of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, the LGBTQIA2S+ community, people with disabilities, and the full neurodiversity spectrum.

• The Trevor Project - access a support network for LGBTQ youth providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

• National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (AANHPIMHA) - access a list of mental health service providers focused on serving Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

• https://bedrockrecoverycenter.com/lgbtq-addiction-treatment/ - a guide to addiction and recovery specifically for the LGBTQ community

International Resources

• OK Rehab - read about addiction treatment options for yourself or others

• World Health Organization (WHO) - learn more about this year’s World Mental Health Day campaign and its focus on investment in mental health.

• 7 Cups - get online self-help guides, support chat rooms, and online therapy.

Useful Apps

• Calm (iOS | Android) - access guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing programs, and relaxing music for $12.99 a month.

• Headspace (iOS | Android) - get guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing programs, and relaxing music for $12.99 a month (or $9.99 per year for students).

• Simple Habit (iOS | Android) - access guided meditations focused on various life challenges for free.

• Calm Harm (iOS | Android) - learn to manage self-harm urges with DBT-based principles and distractions for free.

• Sanvello (iOS | Android) - learn CBT techniques to track and better deal with mental health concerns for free.

• CBT Thought Diary (iOS | Android) - learn to reframe your thinking by tracking your thoughts and identifying cognitive distortions for free.

• MY3 (iOS | Android) - develop a suicide safety plan and trusted network for times of crisis for free.

• What’s Up (iOS | Android) - learn CBT and ACT methods to better cope with depression, anxiety, anger, stress, and more for free.

• eMoods (iOS | Android) - track and learn to manage your moods for free. Designed specifically for those with bipolar disorder, but useful for everyone.

• MoodTools (iOS | Android) - alleviate negative moods by utilizing a thought diary, activities, a suicide safety plan, and self-help guides for free.

• Recovery Record (iOS | Android) - manage your recovery from disordered eating by recording your food, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors for free.

• PTSD Coach (iOS | Android) - manage PTSD symptoms with information about professional care, a self-assessment for PTSD, opportunities to find support, and tools that can help users manage the stresses of daily life for free.

• Nomo (iOS | Android) - track your sobriety/recovery from negative habits with clocks that show your milestones and the benefits you are receiving from recovery for free.

• Lifesum (iOS | Android) - access resources to increase your overall health and fitness for free.

10 Tools for Posting like a Pro

By Maggie Adams

Whether you’re a social media manager or an artist, or just want to grow your own personal platforms, it’s essential to come up with a posting system that’s sustainable for you. Consistency is key for any social platform, and there are a plethora of tools out there that’ll help you become more efficient so that you can focus on creating authentic content.

Check out my interview with Marissa Begin of Riss Entertainment to learn about what tools I use on a daily basis to manage our artists’ socials. (Note: the original live video abruptly ended due to connection issues, so this video is a recap of our full conversation.)

View this post on Instagram

WOW! @srta_margarita did not hold back on episode 3 of #WeeklyBits with Riss! Maggie walks us through her process with content from the planning stages to the scheduling and posting stage. She also lists over 10 applications that help her stay organized, efficient, and create killer content. . . . . #contentmanagement #artistmanagement #oliviaManagement #digitalmarketingtips #rissentertainment

A post shared by Riss Entertainment (@riss.entertainment) on Apr 20, 2020 at 2:46pm PDT

A Fall Playlist for You

by Kate Cosentino

Spooky season is officially upon us and it’s time to get in the spirit. From witchy folk vibes to dark pop - this playlist is your gateway into the spirit of Autumn 2020.

Nightcrawlers - Niki

Niki’s new album MOONCHILD features several uniquely produced bops, however “Nightcrawlers” takes the cake for weirdest turn. The songs starts as an innocent, lullaby-esque pop tune with no signs of changing until the third chorus section in which the music drops out and Niki’s vocal is pitched down completely. The effect is jarring and sends the song into a dark place that’s even catchier than the bubble gum beginning. Bonus points to her for using the word CADAVER in the lyric.

Halloween - Phoebe Bridgers

Phoebe Bridgers album Punisher has been my favorite album of 2020. Period. Every song is a magical journey lyrically and sonically thanks to Phoebe’s raw poetry and Ethan Gruska’s production. Halloween is perfect for the season.

Tell That Devil - Jill Andrews

What better for Halloween than a little Devil ditty? This song just so happen to be the theme song for Wynonna Earp which is on hiatus until 2021 for the next season. Catch up on the show and jam out to this awesome Jill Andrews tune.

Death With Benefits - Derek Webb

What. A. Lyric. Derek Webb speaks to a deep emotion and fear I can relate to in his song “Death With Benefits”. I’ll let them speak for themselves - but it absolutely deserves a listen: Nostalgia gets you just as drunk as whiskey does

“It leaves me talking to imaginary friends
Man, it’s hard not to second guess a second guess
It leaves me doubting my doubts and questioning if
The truth is I just miss the myth of death with benefits”

Maybe I’ll Go Nowhere - Ethan Gruska

Ethan Gruska’s production for himself and other artists like Phoebe Bridgers speaks to my soul. This song hits home on the idea of doing what you love even if you might go nowhere and the fears that go along with it.

Cruciflex - Blimpee

It’s time for the newest in hyper pop - Blimpee. Blimpee’s song “Cruciflex” combines satire with some of the most innovative production I’ve heard this year. Beyond the clever lyrics such as “Like my bible belt? It’s dior.” the song is catchy like a Doja Cat hit. Jam out with your friends to this witty, funny and absolutely danceable new artist.

Love Me Right - Sister

“Love Me Right” hits all the right notes. Sister’s voice is hauntingly gorgeous. The song sounds like a throwback to the 60’s with a modern twist. Catchy, stunning and perfect for your drive to a pumpkin patch or haunted house.

When Am I Gonna Lose You - Local Natives

Local Natives always boast their unique tone of harmonies in every song. “When Am I Gonna Lose You” is no exception. The song beautifully describes the feeling of fear of losing someone you love- having experienced heart break before, this song perfectly speaks to that human fear of wondering: When will this person leave? Bonus points if you listen to the Sylvan Esso or Overcoats versions-both are beautiful in their own way.

Autumn Leaves - Eva Cassidy

A classic jazz standard, “Autumn Leaves” always gets me in the spirit of fall. Eva Cassidy’s incredible breath support strings you along each phrase of the song as the acoustic guitar follows her every word. She holds you in each phrase for as long as she can - personally I wish she could hold me in this song the whole season.

What Our Artists Have Been Up To

by Cynthia Birkett

Our artist’s work so hard each and every week. Let’s take a peak at what they’re up to these days.

Jill Andrews

Jill is continuing her Outdoor Spaces and Covered Faces Tour and will be in Erwin, TN on Friday, September 18, Asheville, NC the very next night on Saturday and finishing up the weekend in Greenville, SC this Sunday the 20th. There are still some shows left in her tour, so be sure to grab your tickets. They’re going fast! 

Derek Webb

For Derek Webb, the people have spoken. Derek will be recording his third completely fan-picked covers album, named Democracy Vol. 3. Want to see if your fan-picked song made it on the album, go check out his Instagram! We’re so excited to hear how this one turns out, it’s bound to be great.

Have you ever wanted to host a Derek Webb Show? Here’s your chance! Click here to find out more information! 

Ruthie Collins

If we’re being honest, we’ve been watching Ruthie Collins new “Joshua Tree” music video on the daily since she released it back in January. Recently, the video has been getting lots of deserving love from DittyTV. If you have yet to see it, go check it out here! It’s absolute magic through and through.

Smooth Hound Smith

Smooth Hound Smith’s new single, "Little Rock N Roll Clubs" has the National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) and the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) in mind as artists and venues all over the world have been impacted these past several months. Be sure to watch the official music video, shot at local Nashville venue Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge. If you’re looking to support our independent musicians and venues even further, check out the Save Our Stages Act here. 

Exciting News!

Have you heard?! We are happy to announce that we are now managing Peter Groenwald! Peter Groenwald moved to Nashville after high school to follow his dreams! He works in the genres of Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Folk, and Americana. He has sung background vocals, played keys, and toured behind acts like John Mayer and O.A.R.. Peter Groenwald has appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brian and has performed at venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheater, Radio City Music Hall and the famous Ryman Auditorium. Peter Groenwald found that the heart of his music was in his writing and producing so he joined forces with Jill Andrews in 2016 and formed the band Hush Kids. We are so happy to welcome Peter Groenwald to our team!

Airtable: The Spreadsheet-Database Hybrid You Should Be Using

By Devin Renspie

In times where technology is allowing more employees and companies to work from home (and a pandemic is forcing this remote form of working), it’s especially important that employers implement organized online databases so that every employee is on the same page, no matter where they are working from. This semester, I am interning with Olivia Management remotely, and I feel I owe a lot of my ability to work efficiently while away from the office to the time that my supervisors have spent creating ‘bases’ that contain all the information relevant to our artists and our processes in Airtable. Combined with Asana, another software we use, I am able to jump right into whatever task is thrown my way.

What is Airtable?

As the title suggests, Airtable is a software that combines features of spreadsheets and databases. I like to think of it as a more-intuitive version of Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. In addition to creating records with just words and numbers, Airtable allows users to implement fields with features such as file attachments, checkboxes, drop-downs, and more. Moreover, users can make it so records can be grouped by different criteria and even linked within other records. The best part is, Airtable has apps for every device and supports real-time collaboration and commenting, meaning you can keep the rest of your team or your devices organized anytime, anywhere.

A quick look at the variety of field options that Airtable supports.

How Olivia Management Uses Airtable

At Olivia Management, we have multiple bases to organize information that we need to manage our artists’ various accounts and aspects of their careers. For example, we have a base dedicated to all their (and our!) social media logins, which is by far the most helpful base we have, in my opinion. Other useful bases we have include a catalog of our artists’ releases, a database of all our artists’ upcoming tour dates, and industry contacts that we have obtained over the years.

Get Started With It!

Now that I’ve shared a bit about how Airtable has helped us stay organized, I implore you to think about what kind of bases would help you or your company stay on top of what you do. If you’re not yet totally convinced that you’d benefit from such a tool, Airtable has a free version that contains all of the essential features I covered in this article! Although subscription plans include features like greater storage space, more aesthetic options, and tiered access to bases and records, the free version is a good option if you or your company are just looking for a way to create user-friendly spreadsheets and databases that are synced in real-time.

You can sign up for an Airtable account here!

My Favorite Songs by Smooth Hound Smith

by Kaila Divak

When I was first researching Olivia Management, before I applied to intern here, I looked through all of their artists’ catalogs. I was really into everything that they put out, but I was particularly drawn towards one duo, and that was Smooth Hound Smith. I was obsessed with their harmonies, a mix of country and blues. Honestly, it was hard for me to even make that comparison because I think that they have so many different genres of music stitched into their three albums that it’s almost impossible to pin them within one.

But my all-time favorite song by them came out after I had discovered them. I would have to say that their newest single, “Little Rock N Roll Clubs”, is by far my favorite song that they’ve ever released. I had the privilege of listening to it to create social media content prior to the release, and I found myself walking around my house, doing something mundane like cooking or cleaning, and singing the song. I wanted to play it on Spotify so badly that I even looked it up a few times, remembering mid-search that the single wasn’t out until August 28th. “Little Rock N Roll Clubs” is a tribute to independent music venues across the world that have been getting hit hard due to concerts and other events being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This song was written with Save Our Stages, the National Independent Venue Association, and the National Independent Talent Organization in mind. So not only is it an amazing song, it also has some purpose behind it, which makes you feel good.

My second favorite song by Smooth Hound Smith is for sure “Steal Your Crown” off of their 2013 record, Smooth Hound Smith. This song has such a real rockabilly feel, like they were playing homage to The Black Keys and Thickfreakness. Every last detail down to the harmonica, tambourine, fuzzy guitar, and the steady drumbeat compliment Zack’s growly vocals and Caitlin’s harmonies perfectly. This song makes you want to get up and sing a karaoke song at a dive bar. I love to play this one while driving on the highway, with all of my windows down. And I’m sure you’d feel the same way.

My third and final favorite song would definitely be “Stopgap Woman Blues” off of their sophomore album, Sweet Tennessee Honey. For some reason, whenever I listen to this song, I think of “Black Country Woman” by Led Zeppelin. I don’t know if it’s the way the drums enter later on in the song, or the gritty guitar melody, but it gets me every time. The music video for this song also makes me laugh, but it’s true.

And I’ve missed so many amazing songs that Smooth Hound Smith has recorded, because if I listed all of the songs that I loved by them, this post be way too long long. They really do blend so many genres together to make an extremely unique genre of their own.

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.

Maintaining your Work/Life Balance

By Emma Martin

Being at home for the past six months has been interesting and quite an adjustment. Balancing work, personal life, and schoolwork has become harder than ever, thanks to the pandemic, because we have had to move our offices into our houses, meaning we can’t leave our work at the office since the office is now the living room. For me, it has taken some time to figure out how to balance my classes, an internship, and my personal life while stuck at home, away from campus and the office, but I have found ways to enjoy my time at home.

Take breaks:

I am sure you have heard it a million times before, but taking a break from work during the day can help you balance your work life and personal life. Consider setting aside time during the day to go on a walk, go for a drive, or call a family member or friend. After the break, you’ll feel much more refreshed and productive since you will have had a change of scenery and a chance to step a way for a minute.

Time Management/Routine:

Something that I have gotten really good at during quarantine is time management. Between summer classes and an internship, I have had to manage time differently than before. Unlike previous semesters, I did not have a set schedule for when classes met, but I was fortunate to have a set schedule for when I was interning, which helped me set aside other times when I needed to be working on my summer classes. I set my weekdays so that I worked on schoolwork and interned on Monday-Thursday which meant that I could have Friday and the weekends to relax. Having a routine has been helpful when trying to make time for myself.

Talk to friends and family:

I have always found it nice to talk to friends and family about what they are up to. In times like these, it can be hard to connect with others since we can’t physically be together, but a phone call or FaceTime call can take your mind off of work for a while. If you can’t talk on the phone, shoot them a text to let them know that you’re thinking of them!

Turn off your phone:

This is something that I need to get better at doing since I use my phone all the time. Before I go to bed, I turn it on Airplane mode so that I don’t get any notifications until my alarm goes off and I am ready to start my workday. Something I have learned while interning is to turn off notifications after you are done with the workday. Constant emails and notifications can be overwhelming when you are trying to have time for yourself. It’s easy for me to get wrapped up in what is happening after hours when I have notifications on.

#TBT

by Madeleine Kelson

Somehow, it has been around two years since Hush Kids released their debut album. If you have already listened to it at least 100 times like I have, consider this blog post a really good excuse to listen to it for the 101st time. If you haven’t heard it yet… well, what are you waiting for? It’s full of chill songs, beautiful harmonies, an occasional banjo, and lots of good vibes. I know what you’re thinking - why should you, a person with really great taste in music, trust my opinion? The good news is, you don’t have to! Billboard debuted their single, “What’s Your Hurry,” so you can take their word for it instead.

Hush Kids, an album by Hush Kids on Spotify

Don’t forget to also check out their latest single “Wake Up (Acoustic)” just released this past September!

What’s Happening with Our Artists this Week

by James Muller

From an outside perspective, most people would think that there is not a whole lot is going on with musicians right now. With live music on pause for the most part, many artists have jumped into a quarantine of creativity or simply just spend time with family. At Olivia Management, each of our artists have had a busy summer finding new ways to bring music to the world and connect with their fans. From playing live streams, launching Patreons, safe and socially distanced shows, releasing new singles, and everything in between. Every week is different, and there is always something new happening with our artists. Here’s a little rundown of what our artists have going on this week! 

If there’s one thing we know about Jill Andrews, it’s that she loves to tour. While understanding the need and importance for social distancing and safety during this time, Jill had a vision to tour the country in a safe and pandemic-friendly way. This week she continues her ‘Outdoor Spaces and Covered Faces Tour’ with a show on Thursday, August 6th in Madison, WI. So far the tour has been a socially distanced success, and Jill has been thrilled to play live for her fans in a safe manner. 

Hush Kids are beaming with their latest single release, “Wake Up (Acoustic)”, and are excited to have this song out in the world! Take a listen.

Derek Webb continues his ‘End of The World’ livestream series this Thursday with a full performance of his album, “Mockingbird”. Click here for Tickets!

Ruthie Collins has been making the most of her airstream with her livestream series, “Live from the Airstream”. Check out her next show, Monday, August 6th. She will be playing future cuts!

We are so proud of all that are artists are doing to stay creative and connected with their fans!

Chill Songs from Olivia Management

by Madeleine Kelson

Hey there friends and fans of Olivia Management! The world can be a pretty stressful place these days. With so many things to worry about, we all deserve a moment to just slow down and relax. With that in mind, I decided it was time to update my OM Chill Songs playlist from last summer. The new and improved playlist is longer and chiller than ever before. It is the perfect soundtrack to your walk around the neighborhood, the aimless drive you take to kill time, or even as a musical interlude for the time between dinner and your nightly Netflix binge. Whatever the occasion, turn on some of your favorite OM songs, and chill.

Madeleine Kelson · Playlist · 16 songs · 0 likes

Best Hush Kids Covers

by Connor Kozlecar

In the ridiculously vast platform that YouTube is, creators of all types get the opportunity to share their passions, personalities, and talents with the world. Some of the most wholesome and rewarding content is that of musicians sharing their covers, contributions, and renditions of their favorite songs or pieces from their favorite creators. Below are some of my favorite covers of songs from one of my favorites, Hush Kids.

Drum Cover - Hush Kids

Jacob McCoy feat. Langley Burton - Goodbye Rain (Hush Kids Cover)

PS22 Chorus “Wake Up” Hush Kids

Music in Visual Media: Why It Matters

By Connor Kozlecar

Think to yourself…

Have you ever watched a movie or binged a TV show without any music in it?

Odds are, you haven’t. And there’s a reason for that. 

Whether you like to think of it this way or not, music is an integral part of your everyday life. In almost every facet of life, music plays a weighty role contributing to many cognitive functions of how we process our daily activities. And now that i’ve pointed it out, you’ll surely begin to notice how prevalent music is in your life. Even down to the simplest form, commercials. 

I can almost guarantee that if you hear someone sing the first part of the jingle “like a good neighbor,” it’s likely that you will be able to finish it without skipping a beat. The beautiful thing (and easily my favorite part) about how our mind processes music and melodies, is the emotion that score composers and artists are able to evoke in a viewer as they watch a movie or a TV show. 

Because that’s the whole point, right?

Where’s the joy in watching a movie or a show if you don’t feel anything towards what your eyes are processing. Visual media and music have a shared responsibility in the experience of the viewer. 

If you think back on a favorite scene, movie, or show of yours and can remember how you felt watching, chances are if you go back and listen to the song or score associated you will be thrown into a wave of nostalgia that makes you wish you were watching it for the first time again. 

The importance of music and sound design in visual media is paramount and having an understanding of the intention behind every scene makes watching all the more worth it. As you go about your day, I challenge you to listen to everything around you and pick out where music falls into your life. Additionally, next time you watch your favorite show or a new movie, notice how the music makes you feel behind what it is that you’re seeing. I bet you’ll find that its presence is far more impactful than you were previously aware of.

To send off, here are a few examples of how music has impacted my viewing experience and some of my all-time favorites:

1. The Office Theme Song

2. Jill Andrews Cover of “We Built This City” - Greys Anatomy

3. Guardians of the Galaxy Soundtrack

4. “BellBottoms” - John Spencer Blues Explosion - Opening Scene of Baby Driver

A Day in the Life of an Intern

By James Muller

The start of this internship was a little bit different than I had expected because of COVID-19 and everything that came with it. You would think that working remotely for the first few weeks of an internship would make for a confusing and difficult landscape to navigate, but it was honestly quite the opposite. Getting started with this internship was about as smooth as a new intern could hope for, and it almost felt like we were all working in the same office despite being physically apart. Part of what made this such a smooth experience, besides how awesome, patient, and communicative our team is, are the systems that we use. I’m not sure if it would have been possible to get things done in an efficient manner if it weren’t for the instant communication that Slack offered us. Slack is basically a virtual office space where we can all come together online and talk to each other in real time as if we were communicating in person. During the first few weeks as an intern, I would start the day by signing on to Slack to let everyone know that I was online, to which I was greeted by everyone online, and it genuinely felt like I was physically there, ready to work. 

Fast forward to the present day, we have transitioned to working at our new office in East Nashville. It is a shared office space from a company called Three One Three, and it has been nothing but a great experience to come in every day to a bright, cheerful space where we can safely make things happen and work together in person. 

Now that I’ve thought a little bit about how this internship has been productive and a great learning experience despite the strange times, let's get down to the nitty gritty of what a day in the life of an Intern at an artist management firm like Olivia Management looks like! 

When I arrive at the office, I am greeted by the smiling faces of our awesome team, and then I get on my computer, log into all of our systems, and get to work! The first order of business is logging into Asana, which is an organized system for tasks that need to get done. I check to see if there is anything pressing that has been assigned to me. This would be tagged as high priority, and typically needs to get done ASAP. These tasks typically involve anything from adding artists’ shows into Artist Growth, a system that allows us to add in information about specific shows, so our artists can have an organized place where they can see all of the details for the show. Although most of the live, in-person shows have been canceled for the foreseeable future, our artists’ have been staying busy doing online shows, and finding other creative ways to interact with their fans. This has been keeping us busy, too! In order to maximize the outreach and exposure of these shows, I often find myself adding Eventbrite pages for artists’, which gives fans details about the livestreams, and a link to buy the tickets. Ruthie Collins recently added four Live Stream From the Airstream dates, so adding these shows to Eventbrite, and editing the show posters in Canva are something that I find myself doing often in my day, not just for Ruthie, but for all of our busy artists!

One of the things that I love the most about this internship is that I never know what I’m going to be doing next. It seems like everyday I am going to be introduced to a new system or process that helps our artists grow, and make money. 

If you had told me a year ago that I would be helping put together a socially distanced tour for Jill Andrews, that effectively brings live music to fans in a safe way during a pandemic, I would have been scratching my head, but it has been one of the most rewarding experiences about this internship. Never knowing what I’m going to be doing next, and then jumping into a new situation where I have to learn as I go has been a great growing experience for me, and I look forward to it every day. 

While I love having tasks thrown my way, and learning new things, one of my favorite parts of my day as an Intern is taking time to work on my semester-long projects. At the beginning of the semester, I chose to take on two semester long projects: writing the monthly Olivia Management newsletter and acting Wikipedia Master. Learning how to draft a newsletter in Mailchimp has been a very insightful experience and one that has really helped me learn about email marketing and writing in general. The Wikipedia Master task has been challenging, but I think a good challenge is important. I had no idea before this internship that creating a Wikipedia page was such an intricate process, but I have learned a lot in the process. 

It’s difficult to explain what a day in the life of an Intern is like at Olivia Management because a typical day is not typical compared to another job or internship. There is always something new and exciting happening, but one thing that stays constant is the positive and encouraging attitude of the team. Everybody works hard day in and day out and is committed to doing their very best work to promote the beautiful music that our artists make! 

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Hey, you!

Yes, you! Liking what you’ve read? We’re currently on the lookout for new interns to join the team for the Fall Semester of 2020 for school credit. Contact us at mackenzie@oliviamanagement.com with your resume and cover letter attached to begin the conversation!

A Software I Use: Asana

By Emma Martin

I often find myself overwhelmed with life since there can be days where it seems like there are a million and one things to do. I used to write down everything that I needed to get done that day, in the order that I needed to get it done, but I needed to keep track of things that were long-term projects. When I started interning at Olivia Management, there were new softwares that I had to learn to use. One of which was Asana. At first, I was intimidated by the software because there was so much to learn, but I soon realized that it was going to be the most helpful software I have ever used to date.

What is Asana? Asana is a software that allows you to create tasks for yourself and others on your team. It helps you manage your tasks and your projects all in one space that everyone can edit and see. Asana provides an easy way for team members to schedule tasks that can be planned far in advance or the day of and it’s a great way to stay organized and stay on track with your schedule and projects. 

How I use Asana. I start my day by going to the “My Tasks” bar and then looking at what I need to get done for the day and then look at what I have that is upcoming. On every task, you can see the due date. When a task is due that day, it will turn green and when it’s past due it turns red. I always make sure that I do the tasks that are due that day first, and then I start on the ones that are due later or ones that are long term. It’s so important to track our progress and make sure everything that needs to be done in a timely manner is done!

Taken from www.asana.com

Fun Features. Something that I really enjoy about asana is that you can easily edit the task and write as much information about the task in the task description. We can link other sites and sources, attach downloadable content, etc. Sometimes when a task is assigned to me and I am not entirely sure how to do yet, it there will already be detailed instructions in the task description that explains what the task is. Along with that, at the bottom of the task, you can create subtasks to check off and add comments having to do with the original task at hand. Another fun feature is that you can set up a task as repeating so it comes up on your task list every week or month. I enjoy this because you can still check it off as completed and it won’t show up until the next week. You can also add tags to tasks and create groups so you and your collaborators can find them easily and know which ones to prioritize. Some tags that Olivia Management uses include high priority, weekly task, intern task/project, touring, press, etc. These tags help us stay organized through the craziness of touring, releases, and day to day artist management.

This is a great software if you enjoy checking things off your list and need an easy way to organize your thoughts and tasks whether it is with a business or for yourself. Try it out! It’s free for personal use, too. An absolute game changer.

Click here to learn more about Asana, and happy organizing!

My Favorite Songs by Smooth Hound Smith

By James Muller

When I first began interning at Olivia Management one of the things I was most excited about; and continue to be excited by, is digging into all of our artist’s catalogs and enjoying the beautiful art that they create. I was familiar with our artists before starting, but I hadn’t yet fully committed my ears to their songs. From Jill Andrews to Derek Webb, Ruthie Collins, Hush Kids , and Smooth Hound Smith there’s a lot of great stuff to take in. Boy, am I glad I took the deep dive. It’s always difficult to pick favorites, but I am going to highlight some of the songs from Smooth Hound Smith that really spoke to me in the past month of diving into these tunes. 

I love all kinds of music, but the music that really grabs my attention and sticks with me is the kind of music that you can put on, and it immediately has an effect on your mood. Music that puts you in the space where the artist is coming from. For me, that’s what music is all about: connecting with something and letting it take you to another place. 

It wasn’t terribly difficult to find some favorites as I started listening to Smooth Hound Smith. They bring a vibe and a feeling to their music that makes you want to dance, and intently listen to the lyrics at the same time. Which is pretty awesome. Their song “Get Low”, is one of those tunes that gets your feet stomping with it’s pulsating rhythm, laid back guitar grooves, and ethereal vocal harmonies. It’s a song that could just as easily be played at a party as it could on a long drive. As a lover of blues music, “Get Low” is one of those songs that instantly scratches my itch for current blues music that is fresh and fun, while still holding on that rootsy, vintage inspiration. If I was on Spotify going through the blues and roots playlist, this would be the song I would hope to hear. 

While listening to records is something  I can’t get enough of, there is a level of energy that live music brings that takes a song to another level. 

Check out Smooth Hound Smith playing “Get Low” live on #JamInTheVan here.

My next favorite song by Smooth Hound Smith is “Three Shades of Lonely”. This is one of those songs that comes on, and you immediately perk your ears up a little bit. The song perfectly showcases what I love about the band— they undeniably catchy hooks that are melded together through beautiful harmonies by this duo. The chorus from this song gets stuck in my head in the best kind of way, the kind that you are happy to have stuck in your head. One of the other reasons that “Three Shades of Lonely” is a favorite of mine is because of the gritty and soulful guitar that sits back with the drums and then comes out to speak later in the song. As a guitar player myself, this tasteful and expressive guitar work is what I love to hear. Luther Dickinson from the North Mississippi Allstars and  The Black Crowes plays slide guitar on this song, and If you're familiar with him then you know that he brings the soul to whatever group he plays with. Next time I’m in need of some music that brings the feels, this will undoubtedly be in the rotation.   

Like I said before; It’s tough for me to pick favorites, especially when you're choosing from a lot of great music. I’m glad that I sat down and spun all three of Smooth Hound Smith’s records because I found some seriously groovy, soulful, and fun songs in there that I will be keeping in the mainstay of my listening routine. “Get Low” and “Three Shades of Lonely” take me to those places that I am looking to go when I listen to music, and I hope they can do the same for you! 

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Check out the duo live next Tuesday, June 30th on their Facebook page for a free livestream of all cover songs. Be sure to mark your calendars for the show! You won’t want to miss it.

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!