We were lucky to catch up with Song River recently and have shared our conversation below.

Song , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Exploring the arts on all levels has always spoken to me since childhood. Music has played an important role in those moments too of great creativity, as it lends itself to producing works of art in various ways. The creative side of my brain though could never muster vocally or instrumentally although I did try at a very young age to learn and develop such a talent beginning with classical music, however, it was never to be, but the one thing that grew from it was my ability to hear music, not just “hear” the melodies, beats, and rhythms but to sense the heart and soul that was being produced. So my focus tuned into the elements of what the artist was producing and relaying to their audience. Perhaps it is my empathic nature to be able to identify what is coming from the heart, and then be able to know what is truly a work of musical art. My keen interest then began to photograph the bands and artists that were producing music – it was a good relationship relative to working as a photojournalist in the industry. It would be the aforementioned components though that would lead me to becoming a music publicist. Having worked extensively with major bands, my mindset turned to developing bands. Independent bands. Especially as the music industry has changed so much and the old ways of doing things have long been dying away. This was and still is in many ways a developing story – how does a band get their music heard, played, perform, etc.? Taking time and patience to learn the direction of where the music industry is going is a one-step-at-a-time process at the moment. However, surrounding myself with great people in the industry who have the same mindset to put the artists first, be transparent, and help find innovative ways, try new ideas, and still pull from the old to bring about a cohesive course of action is what keeps that creative love in motion. There is still so much that is a metamorphic journey but the challenges we as a team – band, managers, PR, media, etc… can overcome stands to have us all garner so much! It is an exciting time to be in the music industry and to be involved in one way or another to assist with the progress.

Song , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

To encourage anyone to live their greatest dream is a fitting gift to share, and it is through that encouragement we can do the most good in the realm of all things. In this encouragement, the equation of honesty, transparency, and willingness to work harder than ever, along with continuing to learn is what will bring satisfaction to all involved. Quite often my job lends itself from the very inception of an artist’s work and helping them fine-tune the music they are wanting to have produced, that is a process I wish more artists would incorporate using their team to help them develop the best piece of music they can. If a single or album has already been produced and mastered I will carefully go through it and give reflective feedback when necessary. From there the artist may need help with finding the right video creator for their music, or networking with merchandisers for products, distribution questions, etc… Once they have settled on these items it is my job from there to help design a proper press release that showcases their story, music, video, etc and send it to the multiple facets of media. This can be online and hardcopy press, independent radio, podcasters, and playlists. This is a process of building layers and takes time, especially for independent artists. Depending on how new they are we may focus more on building recognition and relationships – then work our way to growing from there. The bottom line is I put hours, it is never a 9-5 job 7 days a week. You love it, and you are all in.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

BUY THE MUSIC! Cannot stress this one enough. Yes, we can all listen to our favorite bands via streaming, but purchasing their music is going to help keep them alive and playing. Go purchase tickets when they come to your town to play, and buy a t-shirt too. Music is a communal thing- Sympatico really- it takes both sides to keep the music playing!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part every single time in my line of being a music publicist has to be the friendships built. Getting to know the artists, their families, and then as they produce more and more incredible music seeing them succeed in whatever form they had originally put into their dream goals. I love to see musicians living their music.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowgirlzenentertainment/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CowGirlZen.Entertainment/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysonsongriverjaynespr/