Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Jake McKim · Accepted Answer

“Find the next great artist! Every label will want to sign your artist and bring you in to find more talent. All it takes is one!”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Jake McKim · Accepted Answer

“Not treating people with respect on their way up. Many young people in the music industry don’t realize that the Receptionists, Interns, [and] Assistants are the ones who will one day run the companies. Once those people reach the top they will remember how you treated them and will either make your life great or miserable.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Jake McKim · Accepted Answer

“What do I listen to in my spare time? The funny thing is that I’m so often burned out by listening to music all day that I find myself listening to sports talk radio just to get an ear break.”

Question 4

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

Jake McKim · Accepted Answer

“I’d love to talk a bit about my company. I run a company called Amp Music Academy which provides structured, high-level artist development to aspiring artists.
“We also handle A&R and Artist Development for major labels, Managers, and Publishers who are prepping their artists for release to the marketplace. We’ve had great success with Big Machine country duo Maddie & Tae, Warner recording artist Anastasia, and Beyonce’s label artist Sophie Beem, among others.
“We have a nationwide program called Amp U based in NY, LA, Nashville, Dallas, and Houston that offers development services for artists who want to work with the best teams in the business.”

Question 5

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Jake McKim · Accepted Answer

“Composed.
“My ear for talent is what keeps me relevant. My reputation as being honest and having integrity is what carries me. The relationships I’ve built are what follows me. But my ability to stay calm under pressure is my most successful trait.”

Question 6

Extra Credit: The Beatles or Rolling Stones?

Jake McKim · Accepted Answer

“My mom convinced me when I was younger that the Rolling Stones were everything so my lean will always be with them.”

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