Pop Deflators has new music every weekday, along with all the latest concert photos and interviews from your favorite artists!

Tell us a little about yourself and your experience.

I’ve done a little bit of everything. I started in Radio at 17 and went on to get a degree in Digital Media Communications from the University Of Valley Forge. While at college, they had us take up a Podcasting class. My partner and I choose to do it on music because it was the only thing we both enjoyed. We would talk about the latest rock/metal music and make fun of the latest pop music, hence “Pop Deflators”. I applied for Warped Tour credentials that year, and was shocked when they let me in! Once I landed my warped tour spot I was then able t continue interviewing bands on the regular, and fell in love with it. My junior year, I got to intern with Universal Music Group in the digital marketing department. When I was in LA I spent a lot of times meeting with some of the “smaller bands” (Black Veil Brides, Pierce The Veil, We Came As Romans) that are now much larger and have really helped make the site more popular. Then toward the end of my senior year, I picked up a camera and started shooting shows which help me make our website, and Pop Deflators was officially born.

What drove you to choose your career path?

Music has always been the only thing I was ever really good at. Even in elementary school I can remember making mixtapes for my friends and spending hours waiting for that one song to come on the radio or download (back in the dial up days).

How did you go about getting your job? What kind of education and experience did you need?

It started as just a podcast for a class in college. Five years later, it has turned into a full music site with artists interviews, photography, music videos, news, and more. I think my degree gave me some basic knowledge that has really helped me, but no required education. It was all hands on experience.

What do you actually spend the majority of your time doing?

I spend a ton of time responding to emails, updating the website, editing, and at shows. It’s pretty much my entire life, and takes all your personal time.

What misconceptions do people often have about your job?

They just see you in front of the barricade, or with that pass and think how easy it is. They do not realize all the time and effort we put into each show.

What are your average work hours?

I’ll do my typical office hours from 8am-3pm and then take off to a show in the evening which will be until around midnight or so.

What personal tips and shortcuts have made your job easier?

Making friends in the industry! From carpooling to shows, sharing contacts, or even just a friendly face they can save you a lot of time!

What do you do differently from your coworkers or peers in the same profession?

I have a lot of friends that work in the industry. Most of them stick to one thing. Either photography, or running a site, PR or something along those lines. But I try to dip into as much as I can. I run a radio show on Rock Rage Radio, and Country Rage Radio as well as do some photojournalism for another site called Degenrefy. I’m really just trying to do as much as I can.

Do you have any advice for people who need to enlist your services?

You just need to get out and do it. It may take a few years before anyone takes you seriously, but if you want it- do it. Just know working in music takes 100%, there is no 50%

What's the worst part of the job and how do you deal with it?

The amount of time I dedicate to it. Like I mentioned before this IS my life. It takes up all my days, and free time.

What's the most enjoyable part of the job?

Being at the concerts, and getting to work with some of the best people in the industry. Plus, traveling is always fun too (for festivals and shows)!  

What kind of money can one expect to make at your job?

Running a site, your money comes from ads. Photography wise, you only get paid when your photo’s sell. Unless your contracted, every show you are at is freelance. Pick up some sponsors! They make life so much easier.

How do you move up in your field?

Well, I run the site. So the only way up is for the site to get larger.

What advice would you give to those aspiring to join your profession?

Do as much as you can, as soon as you can. Even if it is just learning the music and the background, it will come in handy later down the road. The great thing about music, is there is no age limit.