Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael Harding. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Michael, appreciate you joining us today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Back in 2020, under lockdown, Frantic Romantic started writing our third album. Our first two albums were very DIY, and the topic came up of hiring a producer to accompany us during the recording sessions for this third album. Before long, we had interviewed about seven different people, until we landed on someone we felt very confident about. Let’s just say he’s a world famous musician and producer, and we were filled to the brim with excitement that he took interest in what we were doing.

It’s a long-winded story that spans over about three years, but ultimately it was simultaneously the best and worst investment we had ever made. Best, because we received mentorship and resources from this person and he ultimately showed us new ways of doing things. Worst, because no one ever bothered drafting or signing a contract, and it put blood in the water instantly.

Eventually things worked out, but the moral of the story is: Always have a contract, and always have an entertainment lawyer look at the contract before signing. Even if you’re doing business with your best friend in the whole wide world, don’t get lazy. Remain skeptical and be professional.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Frantic Romantic was a band started in San Jose, CA, and eventually relocated down to Los Angeles, CA. Cliche as it sounds, Los Angeles has been a game-changer, and it has challenged us to really hone our craft, and participate in an impossibly competitive community.

We are an Alternative Rock band, tried and true, but under the hood you’ll find heavy influences from 80’s New Wave (Tears For Fears / Depeche Mode) and 90’s Grunge and Post-Grunge (Stone Temple Pilots / Soundgarden). At the end of the day, genres aside, we are four individuals that just love making honest (from the heart) tunes, and sharing them with folks in an energetic and fun live setting.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Never under-estimate the power of the internet when it comes to finding information… you just need to make sure you’re looking in the right place, and investing in the right sources. We live in an age where between Youtube, Instagram, TikTok, etc., there are a ton of knowledgeable people posting weekly, sometimes daily, insightful videos that greatly benefit everyone in a myriad of different ways. For us personally, the following have been a huge help on Youtube:

Rick Beato
Damian Keyes
Professor of Rock
RockFeed
Rock N’Roll True Stories

Don’t sell yourself short. Invest in the community. Not just for the knowledge, but also for connecting with like-minded people in the comments section. You’d be surprised.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

This, now more than ever, is a hot topic. As we drift deeper into the digital age, we are constantly dealing with the demonetization of crafts. With music specifically, it’s been a perpetual change over the last 25 years, and it has changed the culture around music significantly.

What can society do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem? The answer is in the questions: SUPPORT THEM. You just went to a show and saw a new band that you love? Buy that album. Buy that shirt. Wear that shirt to parties. Show that album to your friends. Post that band’s music to your social media and talk about it. Facilitate a scenario where you bring your friends to that next show from that band you love. That’s where it all starts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://franticromanticmusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franticromanticmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FranticRomanticMusic408
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@franticromantic5301

Image Credits

Manuel Cruces Camberos (for image from FiesteArte 2022)