Hot Seat: Making It In The Music Industry... with Michael Goldstone, Mom + Pop

TMN has revived Hot Seat to offer our young industry subscribers an insight into what it takes to make it in the music business.

Since founding of New York-based independent label Mom + Pop in 2008, Michael Goldstone has grown its roster to service and grow 22 acts, including Neon Indian, Sleigh Bells, and Australia's own Courtney Barnett, Flume, DMA’s, FIDLAR and Lucius. Speaking to TMN ahead of his visit to Australia for BigSound, Goldstone, or 'Goldie' as he's affectionately known, chats about his main focal points as the label's President, his ambitions for the next year and his advice for those looking to start their own label.

You’ve been in the label sector since the early ‘80s, what was it about the music business that made you want a career in it? 

I had gotten a job in the industry while I was in high school. After realizing it was passion and not a job, I never looked back. To be involved with great art and artists is a gift; when you’re not talented enough to make the music, but rather to further it.

Do you have a rule of thumb that you adhere to when looking for new talent? 

That the artists have to “want it” more than I do, which is already a high bar. I’m insanely driven. 

As the founder of Mom + Pop, what are your main pressure points that you focus on? 

Too many to name, but first and foremost, do the best we can for our artists’ careers. Fulfill our contractual and personal commitments. You can’t guarantee success, but you can guarantee that you’ll do everything you’re able to do for that artist. There is nothing worse than wondering. If the journey is handled with care and diligence, everyone sleeps regardless of success. On a business level, running this company to insure it’s financial health and artistic integrity. 

What are your ambitions for Mom + Pop over the next 12 months? 

Grow our artists wherever possible. Grow our label culture, identity and elevate our performance, knowing you’re never exactly where you want to be. 

For those looking to start their own label, is a business degree more important, or experience? 

Experience, instinct, passion and resiliency. Find someone down the road with a business degree to help you run the “business” for you. 

Aside from attending the BigSound conference next week, what plans do you have while you’re down here in Australia? 

To enjoy the culture, see friends from Australia and elsewhere. Try to see some great music and give back to Australia as much as possible. 

If you could go back, what advice would you give to 2008 Michael, who just started Mom + Pop?

Find the most committed people and artists, not the most experienced or qualified. Try to inspire and support those around you. I’d never run a label before this one. It’s humbling and yet the most liberating and gratifying thing I’ve ever done professionally.