Unlike other careers people choose, the music industry is one of the strangest anyone does. Although nothing is guaranteed in life, the path to become a doctor, engineer, accountant, etc., has been traveled by many before and is a reasonably safe journey. When you enter the music industry, there is no path. You only have a vague map to your destination, whatever tools you have with you, and off you go. When you talk to others that have entered the music industry, they can only tell you what worked for them. Sometimes that will work for everyone or it will only work for them. Sometimes you guide to point you in the right direction or you won’t have anyone. Sometimes you just throw your hands in the air and see where the wind takes you. It takes a certain kind of person to take on a business like this.

So this is an on-going series for those who are working in the music industry and for people trying to break into it.

While the Band is Playing

by Jesse Davidson

 

In this edition, we will be interviewing Jarod Woznik. Jarod currently is a songwriter and founding member in pop/indie band THE VENNS, a touring member (guitarist) for Daisy De La Hoya’s rock/alternative project BLACK STAR ELECTRA, and also tour manager for Australian brother-sister rock band, SATELLITE SKY.

(Bio below pulled from http://jarodwoznik.com)

Jarod Woznik is a distinguished American Guitarist, Co-Writer, Producer and Manager.  He has had the fortune of being groomed and directed from The Steve Miller Band (Multi-Instrumentalist) – Kenny Lee Lewis, and has got to meet and work with several legendary artists.

Throughout it all, Jarod has remained an enigmatic original. A guitarist without the compulsion for fret board pyrotechnics, Jarod’s distinctive tone, skill, and his let the music do the talking style has launched his career in the music scene.

 

 

How did you get your start? What were your first opportunities?

Well…I am definitely not one of those child prodigies that started making music while in my mother’s womb [laughs].  In fact I didn’t even pick up an instrument until I was 15.  All through high school I practiced, played in comical punk bands (I even had the Mohawk, spikes and all), and started my own record label (which failed miserably, probably due to thinking punk bands could ROI), but it was all fun.  Sadly to say, my first real live show was paying to play at the Whiskey a Go Go, but man what a night.  I started just like everyone else, in a garage playing a guitar with the G string out of tune.

 

Did anyone mentor you on the business or were you on your own?

Towards the end of High School, I happened to visit a music store looking for a piece of gear.  I don’t know how it happened, but the stars & planets aligned and the person that ended up helping me was the Artist Relations manager Kenny Lee Lewis, which I found out later he happened to be the guitarist of The Steve Miller Band.  Funny enough, while putting my info in the computer it turns out we lived 5 minutes from one another so he offered me guitar lessons.  For the next few years Kenny groomed and directed me on my path in the Entertainment Business.

 

What is the best way you’ve found to network with other musicians and industry professionals?

I have found that the best way to network is by going out to events, concerts, seminars and meeting musicians and industry professionals in person.  Sometimes a friendly introduction on social media site works too!

 

In many ways, musicians, artists, managers, engineers, etc., are independent contractors. What are things you feel have best maintained your reputation and career in the music business?

The way I look at it is, if you are good at what you do and don’t have personal issues (or a pain to work with), people will want to work with you.  As I’ve built my circle of friends and connections over the years, I’ve realized that one’s reputation is only as good as what people have to say about you.  Someone may ask a mutual friend about work and they recommend me, and vice-versa.  I believe in Karma.

 

From a business perspective, is being a musician different from being a manager or producer or are they similar?

In my shoes they are very much similar because I’ve worn all of these hats and sometimes have to wear them all at once.  They definitely have different roles but the business perspective is relatively the same of figuring out a way to make a living by doing what you love.

 

Is there any pieces of advice that have stuck with you and changed your perspective? 

I have always been a DIY person.  My perspective on certain issues and concerns in the industry have changed over time, but I definitely think that staying up to date and constantly learning and being the best you can be is vital to succeeding in today’s market.

 

Do you have any advice to young musicians trying to reach their goals?

Go soak up as much information as you can, do it yourself and be the best you can be.  There is always something to learn.  I still enjoy going to seminars and expos!  I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes…

“Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens” – Jimi Hendrix