Intern Wrap Up: Hannah Loomis

By Hannah Loomis

I first met Mackenzie and Grace at Belmont’s Curb College Internship Fair in the fall of 2021. From our first conversation, I just knew that I had to apply for an internship at Olivia Management. They were so much fun to chat with, even over Zoom, and I could tell that they really enjoyed the work they were doing. I vividly remember getting the email notification from Mackenzie that I was being offered the internship. I was at Belmont, walking to class with a friend. I thoroughly embarrassed myself by squealing loudly and jumping up and down.

From my first staff meeting and work day with Olivia Management, I knew that I was going to love my time interning here. At OM, we start each staff meeting by affirming another team member and then ourselves. It’s so refreshing, and made me feel valued and seen as a member of the team from day one. Not to mention, the energy in the office is amazing. We work hard, but also have a great time cracking jokes, getting to know each other, and listening to Harry’s House. To this day, I am so inspired each time I come into work. It is a blessing to be surrounded by powerful, hardworking women who are forces to be reckoned with in our industry. I could not have asked for a better team to look up to.

I have grown so much throughout the two semesters I’ve interned at Olivia Management. My knowledge of the music industry has increased tenfold, and my skillset has expanded tremendously. Getting to learn from Erin and the rest of the Olivia Management team has been an honor and a privilege. I’ve experienced so many wonderful things during my time here as well. I attended two release parties for our lovely artists, got to celebrate OM’s 10th anniversary, and spent some time in the studio observing. I’ve had several one on one meetings with Erin, who so graciously prioritizes making herself accessible to us interns. I have wanted to pursue artist management as a career since my sophomore year of college, and I’m now more confident than ever about that decision. It is the truly the most magical feeling.

I begin my senior year in about two weeks, and that is both terrifying and exciting. However, I’m entering this year feeling absolutely elated to learn more about what the music industry has to offer. I’m definitely sad to leave Olivia Management, but I will carry the things I’ve learned with me for the rest of my career. I’m so thankful for Erin, Mackenzie, Grace, and Maddy and all that they’ve helped me achieve here. I am thrilled to see what the future holds!

Female Representation In Music Industry Executive Positions Is Lacking

By Madison Moll

Within the past 2 weeks, the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative’s newest report entitled “New report shows diversity on the charts, but not in executive ranks of music companies” highlighted some not-so-shocking statistics about women in music industry roles, specifically in higher-up executive positions.

The study examined executive diversity in three ways: among CEOs and presidents across 70 major and independent companies, across senior management teams at nine major music companies, and in executive roles across 119 companies from the VP-level and above in different industry categories.

Graphic creation credit to Instagram account @AMPLIFYHERVOICE

As an artist management company run mostly by women, it is interesting to see such little representation in other large areas of the industry. Covering 4,060 executives from the vice president level to C-Suite roles across 119 companies and industry categories including record labels (reported 11.7% women in executive roles), publishing (reported 22.2% of women in executive roles), streaming (reported 7.1% women in executive roles), live music (reported 6.7% women in executive roles), and radio (reported 20% women in executive roles) (See image above).

Image credited to Annenberg USC Research

Next in other major positions, amongst 70 major and independent music companies, only 13.9% of the people in the roles of CEO, Chairmen, and Presidents were reported to be women. This is more of a median statistic compared to the previous findings in the five different industry categories.

Figure 2 image credited to Annenberg USC Research

And finally, data provided from 9 major music companies broke down and reported their percentages for women in leadership positions in areas such as Music Groups (31.6%), Radio & Streaming (23.4%), and Live Music & Concert Promotion (40.6%). The highest being Live Music & Concert Promotion is a step in the right direction for inclusion and equality, but there still are miles required to get to full inclusion of women in music industry leadership roles

As women and advocates for women’s equality in executive roles in the music industry, it is crucial for you to let your voice be heard and to speak out about inequality in these roles so that we all can see change!

To read more in-depth about their research and reportings, check out the full article from Annenberg USC Research and check out Amplify Her Voice to read more on their blog about female empowerment and equality in the music industry.

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.

Summer Intern Introduction: Chelsea

It’s been a blast and a half remotely getting to know James and Chelsea. I get the honor of now introducing you to Chelsea. She’s an intelligent, loyal, and hardworking addition to the team. Stoked she’s part of the team! Hoping you get as much out of this interview as we did!

Chelsea Hallman

What do you want to get out of this internship?

I want to gain all and any knowledge that will further help me in this industry. I want to acquire connections and build relationships that are meaningful.

What do you love to do? Hobbies? Activities? 

I love to go to local shows and discover new artists. This is something I’m missing most during the pandemic. I love fashion and makeup. I have a bad shopping addiction. I love to be with my friends but also value self-care. I’m working on taking more time for myself. 

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

I would eat chicken piccata from the Cheesecake Factory for the rest of my life. If anyone wants to take me there, at any point you know what it do. 

Favorite musicians, artists, genres, equipment, shows you’ve been to...tell us anything you love about music.

I love Lorde. I love her writing style and the way she revolutionized the industry through unique sounds that are still appealing to the general public. I think she is a trend setter. I love Harry Styles and Billie Eillish for similar reasons. As a classic I love The Beatles and to jam out to Micheal Jackson’s hits. I think a lot of my fellow peers are outstanding such as Clare Ernst, Chloe Hogan, Cole Ritter, Analise Malick, Luke Prost, bstrok, etc.

Why did you choose to intern here? 

I chose to intern with Olivia Management because I see opportunities across the industry that are very accessible because of how tight knit the group is. I like the sense of community the company has. It feels home-y. 

What is your favorite part about Nashville?

The local bands. I love music being everywhere. I love the culture of the people. The fact that everyone loves music so much and supports the art of music is what keeps me here.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I don't know. I want to be where God places me. As long as I am personally content with my line of work and making enough money to live comfortably, I think I’ll be happy. 

Summer Intern Introduction: James

Excited is an understatement when we get to announce the fact we’re on adding two new interns to the Olivia Management team for the summer of 2020! Now we get the privilege of introducing you to James Muller! We have asked him a few questions and he was willing enough to share some answers with us. Read on to learn more about James!

James Muller

What do you love to do? Hobbies? Activities?

Some of my favorite hobbies are making music with my friends, playing guitar, and spending time outdoors. I love to run, and go hiking. I have also just begun learning to cook, so I would say that is a hobby of mine.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life it would have to be Mexican food. Tacos specifically.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

When I grow up I want to be immersed in the music industry and make a difference. I want to be a part of something bigger that helps bring beautiful music to people that deserve to experience it. Whether that be playing music, working in management or publishing or some other facet of the music industry.

Favorite musicians, artists, genres, equipment, shows you’ve been to...tell us anything you love about music.

Some of my favorite musicians are: The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dawes, Jimi Hendrix, The Allman Brothers Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Dr. Dog, and Anderson Paak. I’ve always been a guitarist, and I love old guitars and amps. Being in Nashville is great with all the awesome old vintage guitar stores like Gruhns and Carters. My favorite thing about music is live shows. I try to go to as many shows as I can because I love the energy and atmosphere of live music. There is definitely something special and unique about the way live music brings people together and brings emotions out of us. My favorite live show that I have been to was Tedeschi Trucks live at The Ryman.

What is your favorite part about Nashville?

My favorite part of Nashville has to be the amount of people that have all come here with the same passion for music. There are so many people in town to collaborate with musically, and that is really rewarding.

Why did you choose to intern here? 

I chose to intern here for a couple of different reasons. The first reason is that I took Erin’s Entrepreneurship class and I loved it. I really learned a lot of useful, practical skills and I loved her personal and honest teaching style. The second reason I chose to Intern here is because I have been managing my own band for the past three years, and I have really enjoyed doing it. I have learned a lot throughout the process, and I wanted to expand my knowledge and learn more about management! The last reason I chose to intern at Olivia Management is because I love that the company is a small boutique firm. I feel like these types of firms offer exceptional service to their clients, and I wanted to experience how that is done.

What would you like to get out of this internship?

I would love to learn as much as I can about the ins and outs of artist management, more specifically about how to help artists achieve their dreams and goals through strategic plans. I also want to get an overall better understanding and feel for the music industry, and how it functions. Overall I want to grow my skills and understanding not only professionally but as a person.

Intern Wrap Up: Finishing the Semester Strong

By Emma Martin

I can’t believe this semester is over! I have had so much fun interning at Olivia Management these past few months and have learned so much. Working with everyone at the company has been such an honor and a great learning experience. This was my first internship and I couldn’t have asked for a better company to begin my journey at.

What I Have Learned

One thing I have learned is that there are a ton of moving parts when it comes to managing artists, but the hard work is worth it. My favorite thing about this internship was working with everyone on releasing Jill Andrew’s album, “Thirties”. I loved seeing the beginning stages of marketing, press, planning her tour and then watching the album go out into the world. I think there’s something truly rewarding about starting a project from the beginning and then seeing the finished product be successful. I have learned so much about myself and how passionate I am about the projects I work on, especially when it’s for this lovely company.

Future Goals

I am so grateful that I am going to be interning here this summer! Hoping this summer brings new lessons that I will continue to learn more about scheduling tours, album press, marketing, and helping artists stay connected with their fans during this time of uncertainty.

Shoutout to the Olivia Management team

 This company and everyone here have allowed me to grow in ways I never thought I could and I can’t thank them enough for their support. I will take everything you all have taught me and remember it for future internships, jobs and just life in general. Erin, Maggie, and Mackenzie THANK YOU for everything you have done for me. Looking forward to continuing my experience here this summer! 

Work from Home like a Pro

by Mackenzie Fey

Some Tips for working in your new home office

If your kitchen table has seemingly become the hub for all things eating and working, tune in! This post is for you. These days, working from home is becoming the new norm. Your living and relaxing spaces are now coinciding as the same space as your concentration and effort. Check out a few tips on how to make all this crazy a little bit more manageable!

Photo from The Lighting Judge

Tip 1: Start your days off intentionally!

A long time ago (well, not really all that long ago), commutes to work were actually a thing. This could’ve consisted of getting up, starting the coffee, a quick workout and shower, the list could go on and on. Now that our “commute” is from our bedroom to the livingroom, we’ve seemingly gained a few more minutes to spare. It’s easy to fall into a pattern of waking up 5 minutes before you’re supposed to hop online. In experience, this can lead to lack of effort and motivation. Efficiency isn’t as high as it could be, well, because you woke up 5 minutes ago. You’re brain’s not fully awake! It’s possible that setting up your mornings a little bit earlier and setting up a slight routine will help, even if it isn’t much. For me, it’s getting up and still pretending that I’m heading into work. This includes getting dressed (yes, even jeans sometimes) and heading downstairs for a light breakfast and coffee. It starts my days off a little bit more motivated and gets things going!

Tip 2: Spacing things out

Spacing is everything for me. I tend to correlate my physical spaces to my mental spaces. If I’m relaxing, reading, and sleeping in my bedroom, that is no place for me to try and dive into work or homework. I have designated spaces for work, for hanging out, eating, and so forth. If I overlap my work spaces with any other, I find I can never really turn that work “switch” off. My brain really has a hard time differentiating what mode I’m supposed to be in at a given time. When your normal hours of work are over, turn off your computer and hide it away. Outta sight outta mind, I guess!

Tip 3: Take Breaks!

You do this at work, why would you not do this at home?! Avoid cabin fever and restlessness by taking your lunch and eating it outside, away from the screen. Walk to the corner and back with your dog for a quick 10 minute break of movement and fresh air. Do this a few times throughout your day. Maybe even call some family or friends for some outside of work social time and see how they’re doing. It helps, I swear!

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Okay, let’s be real. None of this is purely factual or scientifically researched on our end of things, but more of what seems to help us at Olivia Management that might just help you! Take what you’d like, leave what you’d like. At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to get through this as quickly and safely as possible! Stay well, and wash your hands, y’all.

Spring Intern Introduction

Just last week, we had the honor and privilege of welcoming three new interns to the team here at Olivia Management! We can’t wait to watch them grow in all things artist management and music business. World, please meet Jackie Minton, Emma Martin, and Connor Kozelcar. We know you’ll love them just as much as we do!

Jackie Minton

Why did you choose to intern at Olivia Management? 

I met Olivia Management at an artist panel I went to over a year ago and was so stuck by their community focused approach to artist management, I applied to intern here as soon as I could! I am so thankful for this opportunity to learn how they do their work from the inside out.

What do you want to get out of this internship?

I hope to learn how to work on a variety of tasks, while also learning how to dream about the future. I want to improve my skills in seeing things to their end, while also working with a team.

What is your favorite part about Nashville?

Oh, definitely the community. I also love all the variety of restaurants and coffee shops, but they are all a fruit of this city’s focus on encountering each other. When I moved here, I was amazed by the willingness of others to listen and share authentically about their experiences.

Favorite musicians, artists, genres, equipment, shows you’ve been to...tell us anything you love about music.

As a songwriter, I enjoy most anything with a poetic lyric and melodic sensibility.  Some of my favorite artists include James Taylor, Ingrid Michaelson, Taylor Swift, Leif Vollebekk and Josh Garrels. If there is a guitar picking part or a cello, I’m sold.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life it would probably be almonds. I’m pretty sure I’m already halfway there.

What do you love to do? Hobbies? Activities? 

I enjoy eating dark chocolate, drinking hot tea, and reading philosophy. I would minor in all three, but sadly I only study the latter. I also do calligraphy on the side for fun!

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Emma Martin

Why did you choose to intern at Olivia Management?

I chose to intern at Olivia Management because I saw how passionate the company was in helping artists grow as much as possible both artistically and as people.

What do you want to get out of this internship?

During this internship I hope to gain more knowledge about touring and what kind of planning goes into sending artists on tour. I also am really interested in learning about the prep work right before album releases. In the future, I hope to work in the creative part of publishing or management.

What is your favorite part about Nashville?

My favorite part about Nashville is how you can walk into almost any restaurant or coffee shop and hear live music. I also love the sense of community that Nashville has even though it’s such a big city.

Favorite musicians, artists, genres, equipment, shows you’ve been to...tell us anything you love about music!

Some artists and songwriters that I have been into lately are Emily Weisband, Madison Kozak, The Band CAMINO, Lizzo, Kelsea Ballerini and Dan + Shay. I love all different genres of music but my top genres are singer/songwriter and country.  

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life it would probably be pasta!

What do you love to do? Hobbies? Activities? 

I love to go hiking and camping! I also love listening to music and playing card/board games with my family and friends.

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Connor Kozelcar

Why did you choose to intern here?

Any internship opportunity is an opportunity worth taking in my opinion. When you are unable to find anything negative about past internship experiences and the reputation of a company you’re interested in, is in my opinion when you’ve hit the gold mine.

I chose to intern at Olivia Management because of the strong community that they promote and the clear message that when you’re devoting your time to their efforts, they’re devoting the same time right back to your experience. Since starting school at Belmont, I’ve had big hopes to find an internship that cares for their interns and cultivates the right atmosphere for growth. To me it just felt like Olivia management is doing exactly that.

What do you want to get out of this internship?

In a general statement, as humans we are all students, all the time. The whole goal of an internship is to learn right? With this being my first internship, I am excited to have the opportunity to work in an atmosphere with such hard-working individuals and a team aspect that promotes a strong sense of community. I am eager to learn, become proficient in this facet of our industry, and create the relationships that will help me succeed and confidently move forward with my career.

What is your favorite part about Nashville?

Aside from the music, The food options….. Wow. So much good food, so many cool little nooks and crannies in the city, and so many great genuine people that come out of the area. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to live and attend school here.

Favorite musicians, artists, genres, equipment, shows you’ve been to...tell us anything you love about music.

I’m a listener of almost all genres. A few of my favorite current artists include Allen Stone, Tom Misch, Theo Katzman, Joey Landreth, Chris Stapleton, Lawrence, Jordan Rakei, Marcus King Band, Stephen Day, The Dip, etc (I could go on forever). My all time favorite artists/musicians/bands include The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, John Mayer, Dave Matthews, The Beatles, Jack Johnson, and The Allman Brothers

I love everything about music, but what sticks out to me the most is the raw expression that the medium represents. Any single piece of music can tell you more stories about the person who wrote it than you can think up. I think that in the vast creative world that the music industry embodies, its infinity is the most fun part. Whether you’re listening or creating, the passion behind every piece of music tells a story that no other medium could. 

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

Logical answer: Chicken - there are a million ways to prepare chicken and it never gets old. That's smart, right? The ~Just what i'm craving in this moment~ answer: Five Guys Fries

What do you love to do? Hobbies? Activities?

I love to sing! I am currently the Vice-President of a collegiate A Cappella group at Belmont University called The Beltones. When I’m not knee-deep in school work, singing my heart out with my friends, or working my other jobs, you can find me:

1. Stopping traffic to pull over and pet a dog

2. Playing far-too-competitive games of racquetball on Tuesdays

3. Browsing the internet for things that I would buy if I had the money to blow