Hot Seat: Making It In The Music Industry…with Monique Rothstein, Positive Feedback

TMNhas revived Hot Seat to offer our young industry subscribers an insight into what it takes to make it in the music business.

Ahead of Melbourne's eighth annual Face The Music conference,TMNchats to Monique Rothstein, Director at boutique Sydney-basedPRand artist management agency Positive Feedback. Aside from her work co-managing indie trio Little May Rothstein is best known for her local and global PR campaigns for acts like Beck, Angus & Julia Stone and SAFIA. We ask Rothstein her advice for those entering the industry, the pressure points she focuses on in her role and what she’d tell her teenage self if given the chance.

What are your main pressure points that you focus on within your role?

My intention has always been to build stories and develop careers for the artists we work with, which is how the business morphed into incorporating artist management. We’ve always focused on the long-term and how music-making can be sustainable for the artists that we work with (financially, strategically and authentically). As a manager and publicist, the most creative and engaging part of what I do is looking at and understanding an artist and then creating a plan that amplifies that.

On the publicity front I tend to focus on creating tailored strategies, timelines, media targets and promo plans – this also involves servicing radio with new music, coordinating in-studio sessions, interviews, photo shoots for print outlets, mixes and other unique content opportunities for online. Management life involves everything from booking accommodation in regional Germany to negotiating record and publishing deals.

Do you have a rule of thumb that you’ve adhered to since entering the music industry?

Integrity is the cornerstone of my business. If you can’t operate with authenticity, with purpose and with passion, what’s the point?

Do you have any advice for those who want to enter the music industry?

Be persistent. You’re going to get knocked back a hell of a lot so continue to do what you need in order to remain inspired, creative and purposeful. I’d also really recommend being open to learning – up-skill yourself, research, listen, have conversations, ask questions and meet as many people as you can. There are some incredible resources out there – from grants to mentoring programs, conferences and workshops, so be engaged in the vibrant music community. I am constantly overwhelmed at how many inspiring and generous people and programs exist to help you learn and develop in this business.

You’re set to speak at Face The Music in November, which industry issues do you hope are touched on during the course of the conference?

I think we’re alllookingto find a way to make this industry a viable and sustainable career choice. All of the panels offer different opportunities to open the conversation up around that.

Aside from attending Face The Music, what plans do you have while you’re in Melbourne?

The Seed workshop will be running during this time so I’ll likely be popping my head in there. There are not enough words to describe how meaningful and supportive The Seedworkshop has been to me, so I remain excited and proudto be part of thatnurturing community. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, head to theseedfund.org/

If you could go back, what advice would you give your teenage self?

You’re exactly where you need to be.

Face The Music takes place at the Arts Centre, Melbourne on November 13 and 14.Passes are available atfacethemusic.com.auand member discounts are available from Music Victoria, AAM, APRA, AIR, Collarts, AIM and The Push.