We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Evan Stein. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Evan below.
Evan , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding purpose in life is a journey that often involves self-reflection and a deep exploration of one’s values, interests, and passions. For me, this quest began with a love for music and a strong desire to help people. As I delved into my own interests, I found that I had a unique opportunity to marry these two passions by assisting artists in their own creative journeys. It was during this process that I discovered my true calling – helping artists find their ‘Why,’ their reason for creating music beyond fame or fortune.
The music industry can be a challenging landscape, where support and mentorship are often in short supply. However, helping artists has always been at the forefront of my journey. I believe in the power of collaboration and paying it forward in an industry that sometimes forgets the importance of mutual support. I hope I can make a positive impact by guiding emerging talents toward their authentic artistic paths.
During this journey I’ve tried to embrace challenges with an open heart, understanding that discomfort is often the price we pay for a meaningful life, as Susan David wisely put it. This willingness to step out of my comfort zone has led me to new opportunities and allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
In my role today, I proudly lead Experience Music Group, a boutique music licensing, artist branding, and digital marketing agency. What makes our work truly exciting and unique is our commitment to helping emerging indie artists connect with brands and creatives in the film, television, and advertising industry. We go beyond merely securing music licenses; we craft compelling narratives for artists, emphasizing the “Why” behind their music. This focus on authenticity and storytelling has become the cornerstone of our approach. We understand that music is more than just notes and lyrics; it’s a conduit for emotions and stories that can profoundly impact audiences. As a result, our work isn’t just about placements; it’s about creating meaningful connections between artists and listeners, something I find immensely fulfilling.
What excites me most about my work is witnessing the transformation in both artists and their audiences. Helping artists discover their unique voice and connect with their niche fanbase is incredibly rewarding. It’s a process that transcends mere commercial success; it’s about making a lasting impact through music. Moreover, the ever-evolving nature of the music industry keeps me invigorated.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Firstly, adaptability has been crucial. The music industry is in constant flux, and the ability to pivot, evolve, and embrace change has been instrumental in my success. Secondly, the skill of storytelling has been transformative. Understanding that music is more than sound but a vehicle for emotions and narratives has allowed me to create meaningful connections. Lastly, humility has played a pivotal role. Acknowledging that there’s always more to learn, staying open to new ideas, and being willing to admit mistakes have fostered growth and deeper relationships. To those embarking on their journeys, I advise them to cultivate these qualities. Be adaptable in the face of challenges, invest in the art of storytelling to make your work resonate, and stay humble, for the most valuable lessons often emerge from the most humbling experiences.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek has been a profound influence on my personal and professional development. One of the most impactful nuggets of wisdom from this book is the declaration that ‘People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.’ This statement fundamentally shifted my perspective on the music industry. It emphasized the importance of purpose and authenticity in connecting with audiences. Understanding the ‘Why’ behind the music became central to my approach helping artists articulate their motivations and stories. Additionally, Sinek’s insight that ‘there are only two ways to influence human behavior: you can manipulate it or you can inspire it’ resonates deeply with me. It reaffirms the value of storytelling and genuine connections over mere commercial tactics.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://experiencerecords.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/experiencemusicgroup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExperienceMusicGroup/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanjstein/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpMusicGroup
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ExperienceRecords
- Other: Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@experiencemusicgroup