Sometimes people ask me what I do, and I say, “I’m a Sound Designer.” The more I mix with people who work in Sound but not in Theatre I realize it is a role that doesn’t exist in other areas of live sound. The theatre Sound Designer is a bit different from the Sound Designer role in other disciplines. (more…)
Respect on the River Festival will take place July 31 – August 2, 2015 in Modesto, CA SoundGirls.Org members have the opportunity to work the festival with Mark Oesau from Modesto Sound. The festival runs from Noon to 10 PM each day. There is limited space for camping for members that wish to work. This is a volunteer opportunity to get hands on live sound experience. If you are interested in working please contact Karrie at soundgirls.org@gmail.com.
We encourage all members to take advantage of the opportunity to hold Meet Ups and get to know each other. We realize since we are a global community that some of you may wish to hold your own events and encourage you to do so.
If you would like to start a SoundGirls Chapter – please email us at soundgirls@soundgirls.org. We will provide you with an application and information on running a chapter.
SoundGirls.Org is actively working to develop programs and funding to achieve our long term goals and it is important that we operate within certain parameters.
Please be aware of the following guidelines for holding MeetUps/Events under the name of SoundGirls.Org
Members are free to meet on their own at any time and discuss topics of their choice however if the meeting is held as a SoundGirls.Org meeting it must follow the above guidelines.
We hope you understand that these guidelines are not meant to dissuade participation or hinder you from creating Events, they are only to ensure that all events under the SoundGirls.Org name are in alignment with our mission and vision statements. They apply to any events occurring under the SoundGirls.Org name.
If you have any questions, contact: Karrie or Tiffany at: soundgirls@soundgirls.org
Jill Meniketti has been around the music business for most of her life. She is the Manager of the rock band Y & T, blogger, and author. Her first novel, “Welcome to Groove House” was released in March 2015. Soundgirls.org talked to Jill about how she got started in management.
What is your background in the music business?
I’ve been around the biz most of my life, as my brothers were musicians. Then I married a rock star (together 33 years, married 31). Rest assured, I was never the Spinal Tap girlfriend. Being entrepreneurial-minded, I couldn’t help observe, but I stayed completely out of the band business; that was his thing. So I learned the business by osmosis. In the late ’90s, I had a short stint with my own band, where I did the booking, PR, etc., and I found that I really enjoyed the business side.
After the industry kicked hard rock bands to the curb in favor of grunge in the ’90s, in the new millennium these acts begin to experience a resurgence. In 2002 my husband’s band started touring again. The digital world was catching on, and I noticed that the band had no web presence, and nobody was doing PR. It bothered me to see that side being neglected. So being a DIY kinda girl, I took it upon myself to build them a website, and I started sending out press releases for their shows—just as I’d done with my band. I figured someone needed to launch them into the present day, why not me? To my surprise, they put me (minimally) on the payroll.
How did you get started in management and how long have you been doing it?
I just sort of happened into it. Eleven years ago the band could see that their longtime manager had one foot in retirement, which was good for him, but the guys wanted to play! At that point, I’d been (minimally) on the band’s payroll for two years running their website and doing PR. Gradually I started doing other tasks, including legwork for booking shows since their manager had said he “didn’t want to do anything that resembled work.” One night backstage in Madrid, the band’s original drummer suggested they should fire current management and move me up the ranks. I felt honored to even be considered! My husband wasn’t so sure, though; he knew I could do the job, but he had no interest in being “married to his manager” (he’s only too aware of my workaholism). But he agreed to a trial period of one year. During that year, I kicked their asses, and he’s never regretted the decision.
What does your role as manager encompass?
I wear many hats for Y&T. Aside from being the band’s manager and handling the day-to-day business, negotiating a plethora of contracts, PR, and the like, I also do all of the booking and make all travel arrangements. Plus, I advance all of the shows, and I go on every tour wearing the additional hat of tour manager. I used to also do merchandise, but I wised up last year and finally delegated that one. Booking agents have told me I’m insane for doing it all, and maybe so, but I know what the guys want. In the end, though, there’s nothing like having someone with a vested interest (and I mean personally, not financially) running the show.
What do you find is the most difficult part of the job?
Juggling it all. I’ve always been good with time management, but the sheer magnitude of my workload can be overwhelming. I once had a friend ask what I do all day, and didn’t the promoters do it all for me? Don’t I wish there was such magic! Routing a tour is a challenge, a jigsaw puzzle; it isn’t the breeze that people imagine.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
When the stars finally align (with plenty of nudging on my part) and a tour routing I’ve worked hard on coalesces, that’s the first reward. Then, on that tour seeing the band doing what they love on stage every night, and seeing the happy fans at every show—that makes the stress and craziness of what I do all worthwhile.
What do you feel are the most important skills or traits for someone considering getting into management?
You must be solution-oriented, have a good head for business, an abundance of perseverance, a positive attitude, and a shit ton of energy.
There are not many women managers, and I can imagine sometimes you meet with opposition from some men in the industry.
Have you ever run into someone who didn’t want to deal with you because you were a woman? Have you ever felt you were being treated differently than your male counterparts? If so, how have you handled it?
Thankfully, I’ve never had anyone refuse to deal with me due to my gender.
Only once did I feel treated wrongly but perhaps more so because I’m also married to the band’s leader—one cocky promoter told me that I was just the guitar player’s wife. Well, this “guitar player’s wife” is first and foremost the band’s manager, who had the power to cut that promoter off at knees and never work with him again. I take my job seriously, and as such, at work I’m the band’s manager; I’m not there as a wife.
A few years ago, I was leaving a venue office, and I overheard the production manager say to the venue manager, “She’s so nice” and the venue manager said, “Yeah, but I wouldn’t want to piss her off.”
You are also a writer, and you’ve just released your first book. As an artist yourself, do you have a manager or do you manage yourself?
I manage myself. I’d love to delegate certain tasks to someone else, but that’s just not going to happen anytime soon. Plus, I know that I have my best interest at heart. 😉
How do you find it different from managing other artists?
As an author, I only have to answer to myself—and I’m pretty tough on myself. 😉
Thankfully, I only manage one artist, and that’s a more-than-full-time job in itself. I’m blessed that my guys are pros so that part of the job is easy. Being an author is a lot of work, but the band always comes first for me. Finding the time to do it all is a delicate balancing act.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I could certainly use some more of that! I treasure spending time with my husband. We’re both seriously into good wine, and we delight in discovering new wines throughout our travels. At home, after a long day of work, we look both forward to relaxing on the couch with a nice glass (OK, maybe a bottle) of wine and a movie. We enjoy hiking though I’ve been much too cooped up lately to hit the trails; I look forward to getting back out there this year, between touring.
Since you are a writer, who is your favorite author?
Ooh, that’s like asking me my favorite song, or artist, or movie. So many good ones, and it’s ever-changing.
How do you find balance between work and personal life?
That’s the tricky part, especially considering I’m a workaholic. I love to be productive, but sometimes (not often enough) I have to say, that’s enough, and actually close the office door. I’m still working on that one.
Tell us about how Behind the Art came about?
I started my “Behind the Art” blog series of interviews for several reasons, not the least being my own curiosity of the working lives of others and how they landed their positions; I’ve found that their journeys can be quite storied. I figured that if I was intrigued, surely others would be, as well. I must be onto something because the fans are loving it; at nearly every show on tour people tell me how much they enjoy the blog, and they ask me to keep it up! So many people don’t realize the plethora of effort that goes on behind the scenes to bring a show (let alone a tour) to fruition, and all the unsung heroes who are behind the art. Aside from being interesting reads, if one of my articles happens to empower a reader–to pursue a new career, take a stand, follow a dream, whatever–then that’s a lovely bonus. 🙂
Check out Jill’s Blog- Behind the Art for a behind the scenes look at the music industry.
You can purchase Jill’s book- ‘Welcome to Groove House’ here. 
June 23 – Lake Processing Seminar – Britannia Row
Britannia Row Productions
104 The Green
Twickenham
7 PM
SoundGirls.Org is excited to host Tony Szabo systems engineer for Adlib. Tony will be conducting a seminar on Lake Processing. The advanced technology of Lake Processing provides audio professionals with unparalleled power to shape and optimize sound in a variety of environments. Regardless of the make or type of loudspeaker system, the venue size or acoustics, or the program material, Lake Processing will help you create a more consistent sound with less time and hassle in system set-up. Come learn more about the features Lake Processing offers.
Tony has toured with NIN, Bryan Adams, and David Bowie.
SoundGirls.Org would like to thank
Tony Szabo
LabGruepen/Lake
Britannia Row
for making this event possible
By: Victoria Boyington
Girl Power Staff
San Francisco, Saturday May 30th, 2015 
The 2015 Girl Power! Women Working in the Music Industry Conference was the place to be. Located at San Francisco State University downtown campus, founders Kerry & Gian Fiero, adjunct professors at San Francisco State University’s Music/Recording Industry Program presented this year’s theme: Profiting from your Network. (more…)
So how do online backup and music come together? Well, just imagine losing all the music you created, in the blink of an eye. The thought is nightmarish. That’s because for musicians, music isn’t just a way to make money or gain respect. It’s a part of them. Why else would B.B. King famously run into a burning music hall to rescue his beloved guitar Lucille? But today the way we make music has changed, and so has the way we store it. And just as it’s become more convenient to create and share music digitally, the threat of you losing your hard drive in a data disaster, and your life’s work along with it, has increased tenfold. It’s now essential to secure your audio files with online backup, so you never have to make a choice between losing your music or rushing into a burning house to save it. (more…)
How do I become a member?
Joining SoundGirls.Org is easy. From the homepage you can either click on the “Sign Up” link in the upper right corner or click on “Join SoundGirls.Org” in the right column under the Sign up heading. You can also sign up using your Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn account.
Is SoundGirls.Org for women only?
No, SoundGirls.Org is for anyone who has a desire and drive to succeed in professional audio. The ratio of women to men members is approximately 65% women and 35% men.
I don’t live in the USA, can I still become a member?
Yes. SoundGirls.Org’s membership spans the globe. We have members from many countries around the world.
What does it cost to become a member?
Membership is free!
Why should I become a member?
Members have access to the full SoundGirls.Org site, including the Social Network, Groups, Forums, and all content. You will also be able to participate in Events that are exclusive to SoundGirls.Org members such as; studio tours, seminars and workshops. Members also receive discounts from our supporters: Sennheiser, Soulsound, Rational Acoustics (developers of Smaart), and others.
Why does SoundGirls.Org exist?
SoundGirls.Org exists to provide a support network for women working in the professional audio industry and to assist those with a drive to be successful in audio. Women make up only 5% of the professional workforce in audio and music production. This profession thrives on word of mouth and networking. SoundGirls.Org gives women working in the industry an opportunity to meet and network with other industry professionals, creating a strong support network.
What is the Mission of SoundGirls.Org?
To inspire and empower the next generation of women in audio. Our mission is to create a supportive community for women in audio and music production, providing the tools, knowledge, and support to further their careers.
SoundGirls.Org supports women working in professional audio and music production by highlighting their success and providing a place for them to connect, network and share advice and experiences.
SoundGirls.Org provides support, career development and tools to help those working in the field advance in their career.
SoundGirls.Org works to inspire and empower young women and girls to enter the world of professional audio and music production.
SoundGirls.Org seeks to expand opportunities for girls and women in these fields and to share resources and knowledge through cooperation, collaboration and diversity.
Is SoundGirls.Org non-profit?
SoundGirls.Org operates under the Fiscal Sponsorship of The Northern California Women’s Music Festival, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
How can I make a donation?
How will my donation be used?
All donations and income received through the sale of merchandise goes toward the operating expenses of maintaining the website, promoting the organization, and also in developing the SoundGirls.Org Live Sound Camps for girls.
Where can I buy SoundGirls.Org merchandise?
Click Here to purchase T-Shirts, Hoodies, and Stickers directly from SoundGirls.org
I know a sound woman who I think you should profile, how can I suggest someone for you to interview?
Email us their contact info and why you think we should interview them at: soundgirls.org@gmail.com
I would like to hold a SoundGirls MeetUp or Event
While we encourage members to hold meet-ups, network, and create their own events, please be advised that if you wish to hold these events under the SoundGirls name you must agree to our Guidelines found here and understand that the SoundGirls.Org name and/or Logo can only be used by agreeing to the aforementioned guidelines and with express written permission from SoundGirls.org.
I would like to contribute to the SoundGirls.Org website. How can I do that?
We welcome contributions from members.
There are several ways you can contribute: A Blog, Profile of a woman in audio, Article, or Video. The terms and conditions for contributing can be seen here. If you agree to the terms, email us with your idea at: soundgirls.org@gmail.com
If you have any other questions or suggestions feel free to email us at: soundgirls.org@gmail.com
SoundGirls.Org has been invited by Karla Barrera to submit resumes for an internship at the Viper Room. Deadline for submitting resumes is June 20, 2015
Internship will start July 1, 2015. You must be available to work two days per week. One day shift for maintenance 1 pm – 6 pm and one evening shift from 6 pm – 2 am.
You will need to be available for an interview. Internship will be on a trial basis, if it works out there is the option to extend.
This is a great opportunity for our members that need hands-on show and mixing experience. Even know this is an internship – do not apply if you are not willing to treat it like a job. You must show up to work and on time, ready to work.
Please send resumes to Karrie at soundgirls.org@gmail.com.