The First Act Podcast

On today’s episode, Harry sits down with author and livestream expert, Karen Allen. They discuss the history and future of streaming and how it is used to build communities while also developing the authenticity of the creator. Learn how musicians and indie artists can find success on Twitch and other livestreaming platforms, only on this week’s episode of the First Act Podcast!

This week’s episode features legendary Canadian manager and founder of Hidden Pony Records “Parkside” Mike Renaud. Parkside and Harry talk about Mike’s career path, including working with bands like Sum 41 and JUNO Award-winning band The Dirty Nil. They talk about Parkside’s journey and tips for indie artists on honing your craft and using analytics to create your brand. This is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Hey everyone and welcome back to the First Act Podcast. On today’s episode, we have Adam Samuels. Adam just started a new role as a product manager at UTA, helping streamline and optimize business processes and operations. Prior to that, Adam worked in artist management with artists such as X Ambassadors and Yungblud. Today, he and Harry chat about the future of the product manager role within the music industry and how to make yourself more presentable to industry professionals.

Mia Zeidler is in her fourth year at UC Santa Cruz pursuing a B.A. in Film & Digital Media with a minor in Music Production. Currently working as a music assistant at Creative Control Entertainment, Mia is seeking a career in music editorial for Film, TV, and video games. Find out right now how Mia acquired a skill set as a teenage skater in the streets of California to getting in touch with those who are seemingly unreachable.

Originally from Boston. Taylor moved to Nashville to pursue a career in the Music Business. After three years in Nashville, Taylor made the jump to LA where she managed and developed pop artists. Taylor realized her true passion was in shaping the careers and lives of her peers and colleagues, not those of creatives. She leveraged her five years’ experience in Music Business to land a job in Human Resources at United Talent Agency where she currently works in Learning & Development. At UTA, Taylor coaches Agent Trainees on the skills they need to reach their own goals and to best prepare for a successful career as a talent agent. Today, we chat about best practices on networking and how to stand out in an interview. You’re hearing it right here, right now from HR at UTA!

Few in the licensing or creator industries have had so much success at such a young age. Coming off the huge independent, entrepreneurial success of founding Hungercraft, Kevin began his career in licensing at Jazwares where he had the opportunity to sign and manage massive brands. In 2018 he switched sides of the table and lead the licensing program at Roblox before eventually leaving to found Warren James.

Our guest, Eleonora Bianchi, is calling in all the way from Italy. She got her start in the music business at 13 years old and is now Head of Digital Sales for UMG Italy. Eleonora walks us through her unique path breaking in and how she created her own role at UMG. We also chat about how independent artists can thrive in today’s digital world.

On today’s episode, we’ve got Matt Urmy. Matt is the founder and CEO of Artist Growth, a cloud-based software which helps streamline workflow for music professionals. As an independent musician and poet, Matt shared his expertise and perspective on how indie artists can use social media to connect with, and grow, their audience and how to thrive while attracting attention from labels, management and agencies.

Today’s episode featured Samantha Weigand. Sam works at Epic Records and splits up her time as a tour marketing manager and handling label finances. Sam works with incredible artists such as AJ Mitchell, Black Eyed Peas, Madison Beer, and many more. She’s here today to share her path breaking in and how to excel on the label side of the music biz.

On today's episode we've got Elena Robustelli. Although she's only a college senior, she has amassed loads of music industry work experience working at festivals, Atlantic records and is also an active participant at Warner Music Group's career classroom series. Elena shares some incredible tricks on how to stand out and get experience in entertainment as a teenager and also how to market yourself properly in interviews.