Music Execs share Advice for the Next Generation

Top music execs share advice for the industry’s next generation with popular music business pundit and podcaster Warner Bailey of Assistants vs Agents.

Music Execs share Advice for the Next Generation

by Warner Bailey of Assistants vs Agents

This year I sat down with 50+ execs from all corners of the music & entertainment industry, and asked each to give one piece of advice for the next generation.  Here are a few that stood out:

Ashley Graver: Head of Dance, Pop & Indie at Spotify

“Stay curious, stay very proactive, and be resilient. You need to take every opportunity to learn, network and immerse yourself in the industry. Don’t be afraid to take risks and think outside the box. Stay true to your passion for music, and stay true to what you like.. don’t conform to everyone else around you.”

Fabrice Sergent: Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Bandsintown Group

“Entering a new type of business requires a high level of curiosity and an open mind. Don’t let yourself be locked into a box or role. Be curious, because curiosity leads to innovation, which leads to success.”

Michael Rodriguez: Head of Early Career Recruiting at Creative Artists Agency

“Think about your specific journey because it’s important to recognize that no two people have the exact same path. It’s up to you to define what your milestones are and what success looks like for you. Recognize that success isn’t just one thing you experience at one time; there are steps that you’re taking that are all successful steps along your journey. So, be really clear and honest with yourself in the next six months, next year, or next three years. What does success look like for you? Have those goalposts, but also appreciate and recognize that those goalposts can move, and that’s okay because it’s part of the journey and you’re still the one in control.”

Jen Malone: Four-Time Emmy Nominated Music Supervisor. Projects include Euphoria (HBO), Atlanta (FX), Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Amazon), The Offer (Paramount+), The Penguin (Peacock) & many more

“Always take the meeting, and just know that nothing is going to be handed to you, and you will have to hustle and do your homework. This is the entertainment industry, be willing to start at the bottom, be resourceful, always take the initiative and hustle to set yourself apart.”

Evan Bogart: GRAMMY nominated songwriter for Artists including Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Adam Lambert, Becky G, J.Lo

“Learn everything!! There’s no excuse to not learn each side of the business, from everyone’s point of view. That way you know if people around you are helping by doing what they’re supposed to do or trying to screw you. You will learn very quickly what aspects of the business you connect with and don’t be afraid to follow your heart about things you are most passionate about. Also be open-minded, build community, learn to say no to the things that are a waste of time, be persistent but respectful, learn resilience, grow thick skin and don’t be a jerk.”

Read all 50 interviews and join 20k+ readers who subscribe to my newsletter https://lnkd.in/gmdJZGiz

Big thank you to everyone who took the time to chat this year. Exciting slate of guests planned for 2025.