Tell us a little about yourself and your experience.
I got into music when my mother caught me air jamming to the Beatles when I was six. So Mom got me my first guitar. Certainly not the best one I’ve ever played, but it got the job done!Played my guitar anywhere they would let me, even at high school dances when I wasn’t in high school, that was big time.
I digress...
My professional career started with my band Trouble Tribe getting signed to Chrysalis Records. I was the writer, producer and guitar player. We recorded two records and toured constantly. It was a great experience, but it was time to move on.
So I accepted a job at International Creative Management, which was another amazing experience. I learned a lot in those years. After ICM I started a management company, with the creatively thought out name: Adam Wacht Management.
What drove you to choose your career path?
Actually what drove me was the music, always the music, whether I was involved or not. It’s one of those “I didn’t chose music, it chose me” scenarios.
How did you go about getting your job? What kind of education and experience did you need?
I created my job. The direction of the music business seems to be on a downward spiral. The major labels are trying desperately to right themselves. I saw an opportunity to help all indie artists. So utilizing all my music industry skills, I went for it and started MRKT Music.
What do you actually spend the majority of your time doing?
Listening to music, finding new artists, throw some guitar in there, and then spend time with my family.
What misconceptions do people often have about your job?
People think that this job is “cool” and “amazing” -- which it is -- but they don’t understand the amount of hours that are put into it to keep the lights on.
What are your average work hours?
Usually 8:00am through 10:00pm (yikes!)
What personal tips and shortcuts have made your job easier?
No shortcuts! Always follow up with people and cover all your bases, no matter how tedious it may be.
What do you do differently from your coworkers or peers in the same profession?
I think its that I give every artist the chance to be heard.
Do you have any advice for people who need to enlist your services?
Just go for it. Under no circumstances should you let anything hold you back. Stay true to yourself and your vision. And that exactly what we’re set up to help them do.
What's the worst part of the job and how do you deal with it?
The worst part is definitely having to say “no” to an artist who is a great person (or people.) You never want to do that but sometimes you have to.
What's the most enjoyable part of the job?
It has to be seeing the expression on an artist’s face when a magic moment happens on stage. Just can’t beat that.
What kind of money can one expect to make at your job?
Hard to answer as it’s early days at MRKT. Hopefully more than it is now! Haha.
How do you move up in your field?
You need successes of course -- small to start. Just keep building through hard work, making connections and doing your best to impress people. And don’t stop learning – take in all the information you can.
What advice would you give to those aspiring to join your profession?
It’s a lot of work, but if you love what you do it will not feel like work. That’s the secret to any industry, but you can really find a world of joy in the music business.