Chicks Who Help Chicks with Guitars: Jennifer Etebari

December 6, 2010 1 Comment

If you read through even just a few of our interviews with independent musicians, you’ll note that they all comment on how difficult it is to manage making new music, rehearsing old music, recording music, finding band musicians, booking gigs, promoting shows, etc. So how do they get people to help? And what’s it like to do that job? We caught up with Jennifer Etebari, who works to assist and promote Chick with Guitar Athena Reich and other artists.

Below is a brief interview with Jennifer and her various interests, along with her personal essay “The Reich Stuff” about how she came to be working with Athena. We all know music is mostly a labor of love, and that definitely shines through Jennifer’s writing – this mother of two is a true musical fan and a blossoming music industry executive (whatever that means in today’s world….!).

1. Do you have any artistic inclinations yourself?

If I were to look at myself in the mirror and sing – it would shatter!

I am definitely not a musician.

I however, am a poet, and am very proud of my poetry – it is something I do often and love to share with others.

You can see it in several places (http://www.poemsbyjenn.blogspot.com) and (http://www.bullymgmt.net)

2. What’s the worst part of the job?

There’s no real WORST part – I would say the most difficult part of this is just in the details – maintaining organization (who did I already talk to, what venues have I not contacted, keeping track of financial issues, timing, location) – all of these things are key in booking an event for Athena, or for any client. As much as I wish everything would fall into place seamlessly – it never does – staying patient and informed is key.

3. What would be your dream job in the entertainment industry?

Basically I am living my dream job right now – even though I do not do it full time. I love working with artists (specifically, musicians, and I think this will always be my happy spot in terms of type of entertainment) – being able to work closely with musicians to book events, maintaining contact with venues, seeing an event come together and being part of that – that’s where I feel I belong. I love the booking aspect and the event planning aspect – it feels extremely natural.

4. Where are you from?

I am actually from Richmond, VA – and surprise – I do NOT live in NYC! Sounds weird, right? I actually live right outside of Washington DC and the majority of work I do for Athena, my other client Ariel, and for MKM is all networking. It’s amazing what you can do with technology these days and given how in touch the world is – it allows me to have a dream job such as this even though I am not necessarily in the right location. I do love New York City though and try to make it up when I can.

5 – Since your job is in the “fun” business – what else do you do for paying the bills and for fun?

Actually I’m a stay at home mother of 2. I have a son who is 3 and a daughter who is 17 months. They keep me pretty busy – I love to write poetry, I LOVE the internet and computers, I am a self-admitted TV addict, I love exploring and finding new music, taking walks, cooking, and obsessively cleaning my kitchen counters. I also love to read – specifically Stephen King.

I am also Managing Director of an art project called Bully MGMT (which Athena is part of as well) that was created by my friend and client Ariel Aparicio – you can see my artist page as well as other artist pages on the site – it’s an amazing community – so this, along with my kids, working for Athena, and managing to clean my kitchen – it all keeps me on my toes!

And in her own words:

“The Reich Stuff”

By: Jennifer Etebari

My fascination with entertainment was always a hobby – whether it was buying new posters, going to concerts, showing off my admiration for a band, singer, or actor – it’s always been part of my life in some way since my early teenage years.

That is – until this year.

I first saw Athena perform at the Pride Benefit (for Green Chimneys) on June 13, 2010 in New York City. I had ventured into the city in order to meet my friend (and other client) Ariel Aparicio (who was also playing the same show).

Athena blew me away. Along with being very personable and friendly – I was in awe of her talent. She is the real deal.  She is an actress, a teacher, an artist, a musician – and she lacks nothing in terms of her personality and how she presents herself to her audience.

When I was approached by Athena to work as an intern and booking agent for her I was taken aback.  I could not wait to get started helping her find new places to spread her talent and music.

Since then – it has been an amazing, positive learning experience.  Athena is graceful in her communication, she is very knowledgeable – and above all, she has goals she believes in and for someone like me, who is just now getting my foot in the door of the entertainment industry, this makes for a dream client.

I assist Athena in seeking and applying to new bookings. I help in the event planning, contracts, and negotiations.  Along with her Manager, Maggie of MKM Talent, and her publicist, Stephen Schulman of SASI PR, we have a team that has become so effective and essential for Athena.  I could not be prouder to be a part of it.

Athena and I will often communicate by phone or e-mail to discuss new tasks – and there isn’t a phone call or e-mail that goes by that Athena does not express her thankfulness as well as her admiration for the work that is being done for her. She is so appreciative and it provides motivation to continue to grow in these experiences.

For me, being an intern for Athena is not work – it is a welcome experience that I feel blessed to have been given.  Whether it is researching new venues or putting together a piece to submit to a new festival or theatre – it’s so rewarding.  I see Athena grow daily.  I see her belief in the dreams she is living and is working to carry out continue to grow to higher levels.  My fascination with music – with corresponding with talents to deliver their skills to others, has become more eager while having Athena as a client.  Being part of her team – seeing her happy, that’s what it is about.

Athena’s work as a musician, teacher, and artist makes it all seem easy – no phone call, no e-mail, no new project is ever unwelcome.

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