Anonymous asked: I go to a lot of shows and just can't seem to get any sort of foot in the door. My major is journalism and I'd love to interview bands and I do blog a bit, but even doing what you have done like helping bands out would be really awesome. How would I even start?

Hey anon! First of all, I’m really flattered you asked me.

But I should mention that doing journalism and helping out bands are two completely different things. I did music journalism first, and then when I started working with bands, I quit music journalism, because then my articles/opinions would be pretty biased, which is obviously bad as a journalist.

For writing- I’d suggest finding a small website or zine that accepts online submissions and contributions and hound them with pieces you’ve written. I’d suggest being current with your submissions: write about an artist with an upcoming concert in your area. Send in a music video or single review of a band the day they released it. Apply for internships/jobs at these places. Email editors and other writers of sites and tell them you’re interested in becoming a part of the staff and ask how. Then, writing for a credible site makes it more likely to get the interviews with artists.

As for working with bands, I touch upon that HERE. Hope it helps!

(Sorry if I’m flooding your dash with asks, I’m capping at 4 more questions, should I get anymore!)

•  20 April 2012

Anonymous asked: Sorry for being curious! I follow you BECAUSE you posted stuff about MARS. I just assumed youre like one of those Tumblr girls because you post so much about your personal life and even the clothes you wear. so excuse me for thinking this isnt just a place you use to connect with people you already know...

I get your curiosity, I do. But you have to understand that I didn’t have to answer, and probably would have been best if I didn’t.

Also, I do post parts of my life, this is true, because it is my blog. BUT those are just snippets of what I choose to post. I don’t post details about my home life or love life or work life. You don’t know who I’m seeing, or what’s going on with my family, or what’s going on with my career. That’s just my prerogative.

In addition, you should definitely not follow me if you’re looking for posts about the band.  I’ve repeatedly stated that I rarely, if ever, post about MARS (it’s also on the Faq) and probably won’t anymore. You’re absolutely welcome to unfollow me if that’s what you were looking for here, I take no offense to that. I’m not a Mars blog.

Also, I think I’m done with these anonymous asks. A lot of you are really lovely people and I appreciate your interest in me or what I’ve done and what not, but I’m not a public figure so I’m uncomfortable with the scrutiny of my personal decisions just because I used to work for a popular band you love. I’m just a person and this is my personal blog. Unfollow if I’m boring (which you totes should, I wouldn’t blame you!)

•  12 March 2012  •  3 notes

Anonymous asked: That faq doesn't tell me whether you quit or not... omg were you fired??

“But I just felt it was my time to move on, and so I did.” That’s pretty clear that I left on my own accord. There’s nothing to look into here. I had a job, I enjoyed my time there, then I felt ready for something else, so I left.

And also, I answered this because it’s been repeatedly asked, but it really is no one else’s business. I just don’t see why it matters to know? Maybe you’re just curious, and I can understand that, but there really is nothing more to it. I had a job, one I will forever be grateful for, but I’m at a point in my life where I want something else. And that’s all there is to that.

•  12 March 2012  •  1 note

Anonymous asked: Do you still work for Mars?

Nosiree, I no longer do.

And to go in length for the curious- I had a great, challenging and growing experience in my 2+ years with the band. I am incredibly grateful for the experience and am proud of the work I’ve done with Jared & co. But I just felt it was my time to move on, and so I did. I am happy and looking forward to what’s onward and upward for me. :)

•  6 March 2012  •  3 notes

wenchy-foozy-moo asked: Heya :) I know you don't usually answer questions about your work I'm planning in going down the same career path you have chosen in the music scene. Live gigs, etc. I'm applying for a university course 'popular music studies' next year. How hard is it to get a job in that area? Did it take you long to get to where you are now jobwise? I'm not interested in who you work for, I've just never come across anyone who is in this career that I'm looking to follow? If you can't answer it's ok. Thanks!

Hey there!

I kind of fell into this career path, to be honest. I went to college for journalism, and really wanted to write about music for Rolling Stone and live a life like William Miller in Almost Famous. So I interviewed bands here and there for music sites and small magazines but found I wanted to help them much more than just writing about them, and that’s when I started becoming active in the music scene. I became passionate about working behind the scenes with the artists.

The best thing I can tell you is that experience trumps anything else. It’s the best education you can get and won’t find in a classroom. Learning about it in college certainly helps, but it’s my experience that got me to where I am. I have a degree in Journalism and didn’t study music at all, but because I had worked with bands for several years, that’s what got my jobs.

So I suggest interning at a radio station, music management company, record label, etc. Or finding a small, maybe even a local band that you like and helping them with some of the things they need. Street teams, social media, flyering, graphics, etc. It won’t ever be paying at first, but if you work hard enough, your worth will determine a price!

Also, this industry is very small and really competitive. I’m not really sure how to navigate it myself as I’m still trying to figure it out. There aren’t many tricks and tips that I know of- but I think it’s mostly all about connections, hard work, and luck.

Good luck out there! I’m gonna go ahead and publish this answer in case anyone else is interested in hearing. :)

•  18 December 2011  •  8 notes

Holy new followers, Batman!

I was wondering where all you came from and I noticed a few of my posts about MARS had been reblogged. To be honest, it’s kind of uncomfortable for me to see the MARS stuff I post all over the place because I usually keep my work and personal life separate and I feel like those are personal pics, but I did post them on the internet, so I can’t complain.

Anyway, I got an influx of messages on my inbox that are pretty much all the same question. You can read the answer HERE.

Also, just so you know, I very rarely post anything MARS related on my blog or answer anything MARS related, so if you’re looking for that, then I’m not the best place for it and you’re welcome to unfollow!

•  18 December 2011  •  2 notes

Anonymous asked: How did you come about working for Mars? If you don't mind meh askin

Hey there! You must be new here ;) I get this question asked a lot, and I’ve answered it before- but I’ll give it one more go for the new followers who are curious.

I’ve been “working” or have helped with bands since I was 19. I’ve done a little bit of everything for mostly small bands - from booking shows to band managing to touring. I’ve just always been involved in some way because I knew I wanted to make a career out of the music scene, and I hustled my way to get noticed.

I was recommended for an open position (Social Media/marketing assistant: The Hive) on the MARS team by a former band I used to work for. MARS contacted me, I interviewed, and that was that. Pretty standard.

Thanks for your question! But for all those curious about MARS, keep in mind I don’t usually answer any questions related to my work or the band I work for.

As for those who ask about how I got to where I am, I just always tried to stay active. Helped out small, local bands however I could- social media, booked their shows, promoted their shows, street team stuff, etc. Then they referred me to other bands and so on and so on. Hard work always pays off.

•  6 December 2011  •  7 notes