Brooklyn Baggett is one of those people who people I speak highly about speak highly about.
I had the pleasure of meeting her through a mutual friend, and manager of Shadows on Stars, Bruke Getachew about a month ago.
She has a lot of offer. I recommend making an attempt to connect with her…
Thanks for the time Brooklyn! Tell us about Octopus Entertainment.
Octopus Entertainment is a Portland-based company dedicated to providing any and all services a band might need. We assist local bands with general management, tour management, and booking. We also help national and touring bands with booking local shows. With eight arms (hence the name), we also help artists with PR, merchandise, graphic design, web design, licensing, and more. Kind of a one stop shop for the band ready to take themselves seriously! As an entertainment attorney, I also help musicians and bands with legal and business help when needed too.
People can find out more about Octopus on our website here: octopus-entertainment.com.
Musicians in need of legal help or questions can also find me for such purposes here: http://brooklynbaggett.com/ or http://www.smhllaw.com/our-attorneys/brooklyn-baggett/
What do you have coming up people should be looking for?
We have a bunch of great shows coming up, including two Octopus showcases:
May 19th @ the Crystal Ballroom in Portland for an Octopus “Local Flavors” showcase with Tango Alpha Tango, No Kind of Rider, Hello Morning and Violet Isle
May 27 @ Ike Box in Salem for an Octopus Showcase with Water & Bodies, No Kind of Rider and Symmetry/Symmetry
People can see all of our upcoming shows on the calendar here: http://octopus-entertainment.com/shows.html
How has your education assisted your career in the music business so far?
My legal education and experience has assisted me greatly, as I am fully capable of understanding how the back-end business of music works and applies to the bands I represent. It has helped me to better understand exactly what my bands need – I know what they need in order to protect their music and I also understand the business side of music that so many musicians cannot or do not want to deal with.
The independent music scene can be a tough grind, how are those student loans coming?
Oh man… I have had one expensive education, and, unfortunately, I will probably be paying off those loans for the rest of my life. It was worth it though and will continue to help me in the long run. At least that is what I keep telling myself, haha.
You have a larger variety in your skill set than most. What would you say your best at? And what do you enjoy doing most?
I find myself loving so many different aspects of the music and entertainment industry. When it comes to my legal work, I love working with artists and musicians to help them protect themselves. This is truly rewarding work and I think I am pretty damn good at it too!
When it comes to Octopus Entertainment and the many services we provide there, I book, I manage and I tour manage. What I enjoy most – probably the tour manager gig. I love to be in the thick of it with the bands and I love making sure they get everything they need while on the road. Plus, I love to travel and have never really gotten the opportunity to do so.
If people are looking for legal advice in their music careers, whats the best way to get a hold of you?
Legal or business advice,or if bands are in need of other music related services through Octopus Entertainment, they can email me: brooklyn@octopus-entertainment.com
What are some of your favorite things about music business in the Northwest?
I love the fact that there are so many unique bands here. Here, more so than anywhere else I have been so far, do I find bands that I cannot describe to others. I love the “genreless” of so many local bands – I feel like they are truly creating new music and that is exciting. I also love the familial vibe in the music scene up here. Everyone is loving, welcoming and helpful – from bands, to bookers, manager and venue owners – everyone is super wonderful.
Least favorite?
I feel like there are sometimes too many good bands. This makes it harder for me to get my local bands the best shows in the best venues on the best nights – they are always competing with other really great musicians!
Favorite beer?
IRA by Double Mountain. Sooo delicious.
Closing thoughts?
The Pacific Northwest musicians will soon take over the country. Heck, the world. You’ll see. :)