WSUM Workshop: Ins and Outs of the Music Industry

Monday, February 21, 2022 at 7 p.m. CST

Hosted by Bruce Ravid, Zack Stafford, and Jesha Tichenor

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Curious about venturing into the music industry, but not sure where to start? There's a lot to explore! WSUM alumni Bruce Ravid, Zack Stafford, and Jesha Tichenor will talk about the important roles that labels, promoters, and A&R executives play in an artist's career and how you can turn your passion for music into a career. 

Bruce Ravid is a former Capitol A&R exec. Following a DJ/Music Director stint as “David Ravid” at WSUM predecessor WSRM, he spent ten years at Capitol Records. In A&R, he was instrumental in the acquisition and development of such artists as The Knack (“My Sharona”), Iron Maiden, Duran Duran, Missing Persons, The Motels, Weird Al Yankovic, The Church, and Thomas Dolby (“She Blinded Me With Science”). Bruce also was the A&R guy for Kraftwerk and The Undertones, among others. Rolling Stone called him an “A&R whiz.” He was well ahead of national press and radio on such established artists as Muse (picked in 1999) and Arcade Fire. He started his weekly “Go Deep” new music radio show on various stations, and his “Rave's Indie Radar” podcast exposes listeners to the most compelling and important emerging indie. Bruce is a consultant to the music and entertainment industries. Projects include the provision of creative input for up-and-coming artists worldwide and music supervision, managing and consulting the rising LA indie band Trapdoor Social.

Zack Stafford handles commercial marketing and project management for NYC-based independent record labels Mexican Summer, Anthology, Software, and Kemado Records. He got his start in the music industry working in record stores, college radio, and event booking. Zack worked as a Traffic and Music Director at WSUM from 2013-2014.

Jesha Tichenor was a WSUM DJ from 2014-2017 and currently works for Warner Music Group as a Coordinator in Digital Products. She handles digital distribution for independent labels such as Sub Pop, Polyvinyl, and Partisan Records. Previously, Jesha was an intern at a creative entertainment agency, worked at several live music venues, and was a PA for a variety of events and music videos (including Billie Eilish's album release – immersive experience, Camp Flog Gnaw, and Adult Swim Music Festival). Jesha is continuing her education at UCLA extension, making great connections to expand her network so she can grow her career and experience.