The biz's brightest new talents tell their stories. This week it's the turn on Katie O'Leary, senior account manager, Name PR/FEAT campaign lead.
How did your career in music begin?
“My career began at Ministry Of Sound, where I interned for the club’s marketing department. It was a great introduction to the live business and it was fun working alongside some top artists. I then went on to freelance for a US house and garage blog, interviewing artists like Louie Vega, Terry Hunter and Todd Edwards, before kicking off my PR career with a job at Name PR. Things progressed from there, and I’m lucky enough to now work with some fantastic clients including AIM, Jean-Michel Jarre, Ninja Tune, and Sony’s 4th Floor Creative team, while also helping launch and run FEAT, the pan-European alliance set up to tackle touting.”
What’s been the best moment so far?
“Watching MEPs adopt the first-ever EU law on ticketing. There was some scepticism about getting the EU to recognise the issue, let alone legislate, so it was a great feeling to know that our concerns were not only heard but acted upon. I’m confident that there is more positive change to come.”
I’d like above face value ticket resale to be banned
How would you change the music business?
“I’d like above face value ticket resale to be banned. I’ve never understood why the industry has legitimised profiteering at the expense of fans – essentially the hands that feed them. Yes, great steps have been taken, but while there’s easy money to be made, people will always find a way to exploit this, regardless of the measures that are put in place to help curb it.”
What’s your top tip to survive in this industry?
“Be nice. The industry is a small pond, so it pays to be kind.”
Who is your music biz idol?
“This is a tricky one as I’m lucky enough to work with quite a few incredible people in the business. If I had to pick one, I’d have to say Scumeck Sabottka, who runs MCT Agentur in Germany and is one of FEAT’s directors. Alongside his work as a promoter and agent – and working with acts like Kraftwerk – Scumeck has passionately fought against widespread touting, most recently helping secure a preliminary injunction against Viagogo that prohibited the platform from listing tickets to Rammstein’s 2019 tour. That aside, he’s also a pretty nice guy and not afraid to stand up for what he thinks is right.”
KATIE’S RECOMMENDED TRACK:
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