We recently connected with Laury Verdoux and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Laury, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Even after over four years as a music publicist, I sometimes still struggle with imposter syndrome. The music industry is incredibly competitive (not only for artists but also for the people behind the scenes), and there are always artists who may question my efforts/work if they don’t secure the high-profile press they desire. Early in my career, this criticism could be quite disheartening and made me doubt my abilities.
However, over time, I have learned to distance myself from these emotions. One key realization was that while I can do everything in my power to pitch compelling stories and highlight the unique qualities of my artists, I can’t force a journalist to write about something they don’t connect with. Understanding this helped me accept that not every outcome directly reflects my competence or effort.
Building a track record of significant placements for some of my artists has been incredibly validating. These successes reaffirm my skills and remind me that I can achieve great results. They provide a counterbalance to the inevitable rejections and help me maintain perspective.
Also, being invited to be a guest speaker at events and doing interviews myself has been immensely helpful in overcoming imposter syndrome. These opportunities have shown me that if you do something you like, you are valid. They reinforce my belief in my expertise and allow me to share my passion with others.
I’ve also found it essential to celebrate small victories and learn from each positive or negative experience. This mindset shift has been crucial in overcoming imposter syndrome and maintaining my confidence in an industry where doubt can easily creep in. Ultimately, knowing that I am doing my best and seeing tangible evidence of my impact has empowered me to trust my abilities and continue growing in my role.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a music publicist, which means that I help artists with everything related to promoting their music, from securing articles and interviews to arranging radio airplay and playlist placements. I started Moonlight PR after living in Korea for a few years, where I worked as a publicist. My goal was to continue supporting Korean artists with their promotion outside of Korea and act as a bridge between the East and West. Today, I am fortunate to work with artists from all around the world, focusing on projects that truly resonate with me.
Moonlight PR is a music PR boutique that I founded to help artists of all genres get their music heard. We are dedicated to breaking down barriers for artists, especially those just starting out in the music industry. Through our pool of contacts and extensive research, we work to secure coverage for artists and, more importantly, target the specific outlets the artist wants to reach. With my extensive experience working on a variety of campaigns in Europe, Asia, and the USA, we are able to collaborate with artists internationally and offer comprehensive press, radio, and playlist services.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to support talented artists in gaining the recognition they deserve. Seeing their growth and success, knowing I played a part in it, is incredibly rewarding. At Moonlight PR, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to promote our artists and expand their reach. We have some exciting new projects in the pipeline, including upcoming collaborations and events that will enhance our ability to serve our artists.
Ultimately, my focus is on helping artists to the best of my ability, ensuring their music reaches the right audience and they receive the acknowledgment they deserve. Moonlight PR is not just about promotion but it’s about building lasting relationships and supporting artists throughout their careers.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, there are three qualities and skills that have been most impactful in my journey as a music publicist:
Dedication: In an industry as competitive as music, dedication is essential. It’s about consistently putting in the effort, even when things get tough. My commitment to my artists and my passion for music have been a driving force in my success. Dedication means not only working hard but also continuously learning and improving.
Thinking Outside the Box: The music industry is saturated, and standing out is crucial. This applies to both my business and the artists I represent. Creative thinking and innovative strategies have helped me find unique ways to promote my artists, ensuring they stand out from the crowd. This skill has been vital in securing opportunities that others might overlook.
Motivation: I always knew I had to work in the music industry, it was my passion and my calling. This motivation kept me going, even when faced with obstacles. When one door closed, I was determined to find another way. My motivation has been the backbone of my perseverance and current success.
By cultivating these qualities—dedication, creative thinking, and motivation—you can navigate the challenges of the music industry and carve out your own path to success.
As for the advice: Don’t give up! I didn’t have a smooth path, I struggled a lot and it took time for me to reach where I am now. If I could do it, everyone can as long as they’re motivated and dedicated.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my mother (and grandparents, uncle, and aunt) did for me was provide support and trust. They never pressured me into a specific career path or university, instead, they encouraged me to explore and find my own way. Their belief in me, even during times when I doubted myself, was incredibly empowering. This trust gave me the confidence to pursue my passion for the music industry. When I reach a new milestone, I always call them to show them that I did it (even though they never doubted I would succeed).
Even when times were desperate and I struggled to find a job in music after I graduated, they stood by me. They never suggested I look for another job or give up on my dreams. Their encouragement and belief in my abilities kept me going during those challenging times. Their support has been a constant source of strength and motivation, and I am determined to make them proud by succeeding in the field I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://moonlightprmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lr_musique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laury.verdoux/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laury-verdoux/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/moonlight_pr_/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
