One year work anniversary: Riot Act Media

Paige French took these photos in my home office for a blog post for Urban Outfitters. 

It's hard to believe that this week marks one year of moving my work over to Riot Act Media. This time last year, I was terrified to leave behind the stability of even a small salary. Ultimately, I was so frustrated and exhausted from working my butt off and feeling broke all the time. I decided leaving behind a salary meant I might make less, but at least it would bring the possibility to earn more. Super grateful for the people I work alongside and the artists on my roster. I’ve learned so much this year about taking risks, saying no to projects that don’t suit you, handling egos, valuing your work, and how to keep a fire under your ass while working remotely. (If anyone knows how to put out that fire, I could probably use a vacation.)

This past year of my professional life has been the most fruitful and happy one yet. It's been such a great year and a joy to represent artists like Natalie Prass, Pinecones, Alela Diane, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. 

While everyone warned me how hard it would be to work remotely, I feel more productive than ever. I made two rules for myself, and I've still kept good on them: 

- Change clothes every morning. Get up, get dressed, make coffee. 

- No laptop in bed. Work happens at the desk (okay, sometimes the kitchen table.) 

Being in control of my schedule also allowed me to sign on to teach music publicity at UGA this fall, speak at out of town conferences, and grow Arrowhawk Records (we have two great releases on the way in 2016!)

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SXSW Packing List

Next week we'll be my fifth SXSW as a week long work trip, and I don't mean to boast, but I feel like I have packing down to a science. I've heard that my 2012 packing list blogpost was helpful, so I put together another this year.  There are lots guides online full of cute bohemian white crochet sundresses, sandals, and floppy festival-girl hats, but for me, SXSW is a work trip, and I want to pack whatever will help me feel less exhausted running around to a different showcase every 30 minutes, from morning 'til 2AM,  to catch up with clients and media folks.

This year, I suggest packing: