Interview With Music Executive

I have interviewed a former music executive who has been in the music industry for over 30 years.  He is originally from Detroit, Michigan and worked during the Motown era.  I have had the opportunity to work close with him in the studio and also just talk on how the music industry has changed.  Conversations with him have helped me form my decision to look into other segments of the entertainment industry.  His name is Jason Stanza, and he has had great success in this industry and he allowed me to ask him a few questions to help me learn the music industry more. 

Jason has told me that you have to have very thick skin in order to make it in the music business.  He told me that you have to learn how to separate your personal feelings, and realize business is business.  This means to separate the people from problem, and just get down to the issues.  Many people have a tough time doing this, but Jason told me if you want to be successful in this industry this would be one of the first things you will learn and have to adapt to.  Jason has been in many situations where he has had to come up with mutual benefits for both parties.  He has worked with plenty of artist, and he has had to make sure the artist, and the label were all happy with the agreements.   Jason has also shared with me how much the music industry has changed where everyone is not getting the deals they want, and they are just settling because they want to make money.  

My interview with Jason has made me look even closer at becoming a music executive.  Jason says the love and passion only gets a person so far without money.  But I have learned from Jason the art of negotiation that it will take for me to get Beverage Company off the ground because I will still be in the entertainment industry just a different market.  Negotiations will take place in every industry but you need to make sure every party is happy at the end.