Danielle Reiss - Music Publicist and Music Business College Student Gets Fired from her PR Job for Going to a Donald Trump Rall

Cover, Danielle Reiss, Ep.117.jpg

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Danielle Reiss is a music publicist and music business masters student at the prestigious Berklee College of Music.  In September of 2020, she started a new job as a publicist at the Po Off Agency and was fired a few weeks later for attending a rally for President Donald Trump. She might sound like a controversial guest, but in this conversation, you will learn that Danielle is someone that seems very sweet, kind, soft-spoken, someone with morals, and someone who gives back to her community and less fortunate people. She’s a hard worker and took a massive risk uprooting her life and moving to Nashville in 2016 with no job or college lined up to pursue her dream in country music. 

She worked several internships to gain experience to then encounter such a heartless totalitarian company that violates all of its own company values, which we will talk about in this episode. I’m not a Trump or Biden supporter, but this whole cancel culture and extreme censorship have gone too far. To fire someone for their political views is absolutely ridiculous, and totalitarian behavior. My fear is that it’s socially acceptable amongst our citizens to censor or cancel someone for being a Trump supporter and that eventually bleeding into our government and the country going down a path towards communism.

America is losing its classic liberals who always fight for the individual against the Government and against companies. Where have they gone? We need their genuine heart, kindness, empathy, and fearless fight for social liberty and justice. True equality and unity give conservative Christian women a seat at the table too. We need to fight for ALL voices, ALL the time. I pray after this election, we put an end to the division amongst our fellow citizens and stop allowing politicians and the mainstream media on both sides to get in between our social and economic liberty. United we will always be stronger! 

Lennon Cihak - Building a Massive Network Through Writing for Blogs and How Musicians can Get Featured on Music Blogs

Lennon Cihak Photo

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A common thing we always hear in the music industry, “it’s all about relationships.” I’ve always said that promoting shows is the ultimate gateway drug into the music business and building relationships because you get to work with venues, agents, managers, publicists, labels, and artists. However, promoting shows comes with huge risk. You could fall on your face, and lose a ton of money. Lennon Cihak is an example of being genuine, organized, and putting in really hard work can build a massive network. As of the release of this episode, he is a recent college grad from Full Sail University and is already build a powerful network through writing for blogs.

Lennon Cihak is a writer for EDM.com, Noiseporn, Magnetic Magazine, and Digital Music News. He’s also started his own blog EDMinaSoda, where he explores his writing covering other interests in the world of EDM. In this episode, you’ll learn about Lennon’s journey, how he organized his homework schedule so he could take on more projects, how to build genuine relationships, how to get write-ups on music blogs, and much more. Lennon is already doing some amazing things, and he hasn’t even scratched the surface of his potential. He’s approaching the music business with a positive attitude, hustle, and with kindness, and therefore, has built a great network.

Highlights from this Episode
[3:02] Time at Full Sail University
[4:28] Students, Classes, and Professors that inspired Lennon
[6:52] Getting involved and decision making process of what to get involved with
[11:13] The journey of Lennon Cihak
[17:28] How students can get started getting experience
[19:48] Journey in writing
[21:10] Opportunities from Blogging
[24:50] Building long lasting relationships
[29:08] Lennon’s writing schedule
[33:25] Research and energy management for writing
[36:16] Decision process on which artists to feature and write about
[38:33] Email format when reaching out to a writer for a feature
[51:44] Working with Phil Pallen and tactics for Twitter
[57:36] Getting to know Lennon Cihak

Quotes from Lennon Cihak
“I would start some of my projects even before class so I could ask questions.”
“It’s this maze you can follow, and pinpoint other opportunities you can follow.”
“In marketing, you’re going to meet a lot of people.”
“Step out of your comfort zone and try something new.”
“I’m silently taking note of who’s where.”
“Know your worth. You’re worth something and your time is worth something. Regardless to how much experience you have.”
“Work with people who show you respect back.”
“A relationship is working with somebody, and getting to know them beyond their work life.”  
“Trying to reach everybody is a big marketing NO NO.”
“The fewer messages we have to get back and forward on, the better.”
“There is a reason you wrote that song, tell us why you wrote that song.”
“If someone can relate to it, it’s going to be more powerful.”
“Be personable.”
“When I meet you, I want that persona [from email impression] to flow.”
“Give them a reason to follow you.”

An article by Lennon Cihak (mentioned in this conversation). 

An article by Lennon Cihak (mentioned in this conversation). 

Links to people, places, and things mentioned
Full Sail University
Pro Tools
Logic
SPARK
WWE
EDM.com
Noiseporn
EDM Tunes
Dancing Astronaut
Magnetic Magazine
Phil Pallen
Jamvana
EDM in a Soda
Steve Aoki  
Greg Rollett
Tim Ferriss
Davey Jay (Music Attorney)
Ari Herstand
Lewis Howes
Rachel Platten
Jonny Lang
Crazy Frog
Fanburst
Article on Fanburst by Lennon Cihak
Elon Musk
Michael Jackson
Prince
Adam Lambert
John Lennon
Lady Gaga
Deadmau5
[BOOKS]
Shut Up and Tweet by Phil Pallen

Lennon Cihak’s Definition of Making It:
“Working hard, staying persistent, never give up, find your niche, love what you do, and you’ll never work a day of your life.”

Get in touch with Lennon Cihak
Lennon@lennoncihak.com
Lennoncihak.com
Twitter: @lennoncihak
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennoncihak/

Related Articles & Episodes:
1. Davey Jay - A Copyright & Publishing Foundation Masterclass - Episode #056
2. Angela Mastrogiacomo - Building Your Story Through Written Form - Episode #062

Keep in touch:
chris.goyzueta@gmail.com
www.makingitwithchrisg.com
https://www.instagram.com/chrisgoyzueta/
https://www.facebook.com/makingitwithchrisg

Credits:
Host: Chris Goyzueta (Chris G.)
Producer: Jason Trosclair
Executive Producer: ONElive Creative Agency  
Music: Emily Kopp

Angela Mastrogiacomo - Building Your Story Through Written Form, From Artists Bios To Social Media Management, Publicity And Much More

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Angela Mastrogiacomo is an entrepreneur, publicist, blogger, and founder of Muddy Paw PR and Infectious Magazine. What inspires me about Angela, is all the amazing content she puts out there for artists to learn more about email etiquette, social media management and marketing, mental health issues in the music business, motivation, and so much more. The amount of information she contributes to the industry is too much for one podcast episode, and we’ll definitely need to get her back for a round two. This episode is packed with information on social media management and marketing, writing your own bio, how to get a publicist and what she looks for in artists, and much more.

Article by Angela Mastrogiacomo on ReverbNation

Article by Angela Mastrogiacomo on ReverbNation

Highlights from this Episode
[4:25] Differences between Music Industry in Canada and United States
[7:35] Muddy Paw PR
[8:53] Angela’s Journey in the Music Business
[12:52] Things she looks for in potential clients
[15:18] Tips on telling the Artist Story
[18:15] How to find a bio writer
[19:10] Things to not put into a bio, and format musicians should follow
[21:43] Band having its own persona
[23:30] How can artists use their persona on social media and the 70/20/10 Rule
[29:01] How would an artist reach out to fans of similar artist
[33:48] What should artists include on their website
[38:02] What makes a good newsletter and what’s the best way to collect emails
[42:08] Utilizing a Blog to build your brand and following
[44:47] How to make the most out of interviews and things to avoid
[47:57] When to reach out to publicists, and things to look for
[50:26] How long an artist should work with a publicist and having realistic expectations
[55:42] Topics Angela wants artists to know more about
[1:00:12] Angela Mastrogiacomo

Quotes from Angela Mastrogiacomo
“Looking back now, I really wish I started with an internship first.”
“A lot of artists suffer by trying to cut costs and write their bio themselves.”
“Someone that reaches out with well enough lead time shows that they are a serious artist.”
“Authenticity will always translate better.”
“There is nothing worse [in a bio] than a band's entire history.”
“Use your bio as a place to let people in on your personality.”
“It’s such an essential component that you’re promoting other bands to build that community and build that network.”
“Social Media should be treated as you would any friendship.”
“What matters is the connection your audience feels with you, and they can’t feel connected to you, if all you’re doing is selling to them.”
“Your website is your hub.”
“One you’re super clear on your brand, everything else will fall into place.”
“There is nothing really that replaces in person [meeting fans].”
“The actual value comes from getting to those vulnerable spots...those are the things that connect us as humans.”
“Even if it’s a small blog, you have to treat it like it’s the biggest blog in the world.”
“You should be grateful if your publicist tells you up front something is not going to happen.”
“A big part of PR is getting in front of the industry.”  
“PR is all about building buzz and getting your name out there.”
“It’s important to hire people to help you. You can’t do everything.”
“There is nothing more important than your own mental health and sanity.”

Links to people, places, and things mentioned
Factor Music Grant [Canada]
Muddy Paw PR
Anberlin
Infectious Magazine
Pitchfork
Michael Franti
Shadow of Whales
1,000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly [Blog Article]
Electric Kiwi
Alternative Press
Stereogum
Green Day

[BOOKS]
The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
The Firestarter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Angela’s Definition of Making It
“That feeling of fulfillment when you’re working towards something that matters.”

Getting in touch with Angela
https://muddypawpr.com/
https://twitter.com/Angela_Mastro
https://www.instagram.com/Angela_Mastro/

Keep in touch:
chris.goyzueta@gmail.com
www.makingitwithchrisg.com
https://www.instagram.com/chrisgoyzueta/
https://www.facebook.com/makingitwithchrisg

Credits:
Host: Chris Goyzueta (Chris G.)
Producer: Jason Trosclair
Executive Producer: ONElive Creative Agency  
Music: Emily Kopp

Holly Garman - A Creative Approach to Starting a Business in Public Relations Ranging from Music, Fashion, Food, and Theater

EP058 Cover Holly Garman.jpg

You can also listen to this episode on iTunes | Stitcher |

With a diverse background in fashion, food , music and theater, Holly brings a unique blend of creativity, passion and strategic planning to her life as a publicist--generating major results and leaving a lasting impact for each client she represents. Holly began her career as a press liaison at The Comcast Center for the Performing Arts (formerly Great Woods) outside of Boston where she guided on-site press efforts for Elton John, Cher, Ringo Starr, Aerosmith, Graham Nash, Phil Collins, Bon Jovi and more. In 2009, she launched her own company, HMG Public Relations, where she started off handling PR needs for musicians. Over the years, her company has expanded into many other areas of entertainment such as Broadway Brews, Nonprofits, fashion, theater, and many other exciting adventures. In this episode, we discuss what a publicist does for musicians. At what point should an artist acquire a publicist, and how much lead time should they have prior to releasing an album. Also, what does she look for in artists she works with, her thoughts on press releases, artist bios, how to reach out to the media, and much more.

Highlights from this Episode
(5:56) What is a publicist?
(7:14) Favorite thing about being a publicist
(9:09) Recent success story
(12:26) Holly’s origin story
(18:12) Current clients and work
(21:47) Criteria to work with artists
(24:17) How to begin your story
(29:53) Ideal release timeline for an EP
(31:45) Good artist bio
(33:25) Common questions for a bio
(34:20) Press releases
(35:40) Reaching the press
(37:31) Proper follow up with the press
(39:17) Common mistakes
(40:35) Right time to reach out to a publicist
(41:20) How to become a publicist
(43:47) “Holly’s courses” to become a publicist
(45:50) First concert and first album
(46:26) Favorite books and documentaries
(46:58) Past and current mentors
(48:44) Platonic drinking buddies
(50:17) Fill-in-the-blanks

Quotes from Holly Garman
“publicists create relationships between artists and press”
“publicity is NOT paid for”
“it’s my job to make them [press] think they discovered on their own”
“if no one knows you, is that much harder”
“there are no guarantees with any sort of PR that is going to stick”
“it’s really important not to take an artist on too early”
“look at what makes you unique and keep really applying yourself that way”
“highlight what is cool about what is happening with your career right now”
“know that publicists talk to each other”
“[for a bio] tell a story rather than listing boring information”   
“the best thing you can do is really know who you’re reaching out to”
“It’s important to understand the audience your creating publicity for”
“A lot of mentors come and go and that’s ok”

Links to people, places, and things mentioned
My Dear Disco/Ella Riot
Michelle Chamuel
Hydrogen Child
Emily Kopp
Hamilton
Broadway Brews Project
NYC Brewers Guild
Bonnaroo
Beach Boys & Chicago in Madison Square Garden
Abbey Road, The Beatles
The Catcher in the Rye
Spielberg
Rockwood Music Hall
Thomas Jefferson

Definition of Making it
"When you wake up everyday excited to go to work"

Get in touch with Holly Garman: 
HMGPR

Keep in touch:
chris.goyzueta@gmail.com
www.makingitwithchrisg.com
https://www.instagram.com/chrisgoyzueta/
https://www.facebook.com/makingitwithchrisg

Credits:
Host: Chris Goyzueta (Chris G.)
Producer: Jason Trosclair
Executive Producer: ONElive Creative Agency  
Music: Emily Kopp
Show Notes: Manuel Pachamoro