Growing up in a musical family, Brett Reffeitt began singing at the age of seven. This passion of music developed a skill set not only for a musician but for a successful management company. As a writer and musician, Brett’s music is created with the desire to have a positive impact on his listeners. He stated, “It’s been proven throughout history that music has the capability of changing people’s lives for the good.” This is what motivates Brett to create music.
Brett has been involved in the music industry for years across the board of performing, touring, and visual production, to keep it brief. His company, BR Management, currently manages an artist by the name of Blake Whiteley. The relationship between Brett and Blake is one that has been in development for a long time. They met when they were performing at the same show. This meet began a close friendship. Blake and Brett, as friends, were able to tour the nation together. After Blake’s music career grew, he began needing a great deal of administrative assistance; this sparked the birth of BR Management. We had the opportunity to talk with Brett to gain some insight into BR Management and how he takes part in some of the amazing things that he does.
What did the process of establishing BR Management look like?
"Honestly, a lot of ‘learning-as-you-go’ and surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people that you can ask a lot of questions of. While I’ve been around professional music for nearly 40 years, you never stop striving to grow and learn. I’m constantly gaining experience and connections and am pretty determined when I set my mind to something that I’ll work harder than anyone else to achieve it. I had a degree in Business Management so establishing the company and the finances made sense to me but I always recommend people interested in becoming involved in any aspect of music have a plan, whether that’s six months, a year or longer and then begin executing your plan."
The music industry is always growing and changing, how has your company evolved with the music industry?
"The music industry is constantly evolving, especially in today’s environment. An artist can blow up quickly but can also fade just as quickly and even the music within certain genres is always changing. It’s very much a ‘what have you done for me lately’ environment. While I’m obviously not opposed to artists making it on a fast track, I always want to be innovative and try and think ahead to make sure that their music career can be sustainable for as long as they want it to be. While you must respect certain unwritten rules of how things have been done by pioneers in the industry, you must also walk close to the edge of not being afraid to try new things."
What are the most important aspects of artist management, and what steps do you take in securing the artists longevity in the music industry?
"Be available. Willing to listen. Artists are artists for a reason and typically very creative, so you want to make sure you allow room for that creativity without being too critical, but must also be genuine in your approach because if you don’t believe in the ‘product’ it makes it extremely difficult to effectively manage and be passionate about what you’re doing. You’ve got to have the mindset to keep going and growing. There will be far more “nos” than “yesses” so you’ve got to prepare yourself and your artists for those highs and lows and learn from them. I like to use someone saying “I can’t" as motivation."
When creating visuals for artists, what does the process entail?
"Plan ahead. Don’t be in a hurry and certainly don’t try and do it alone. Work as a team and get as much input from all the creative people around you. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas and discuss them in a group so they can develop and grow. Try new things. I’m not one for copying what others have always done."
Can you elaborate on the importance and value of volunteer assistance with shows and projects?
"Hard working volunteers are essential to the music industry. Someone willing to do whatever is asked and learn and not just want to be there because they thought it would be cool to hang out on the tour bus or backstage with the artists. Everyone who’s successful in music works hard, regardless of position and especially the artists so if others see how hard you’re willing to work you’ll almost always find opportunities to continue doing what you love."
Brett Reffeitt has the ability to impact others with his music and he impacts other's ability to learn and gain experience through volunteers. One of the members of 3300+Cimbing, Beka Bishop, has had opportunities to work alongside Brett in the past, creating a lasting relationship and gaining valuable experience for her future. Brett is a talented musician, to say the least, and continues to work with, and play alongside numerous artists within the music industry.
Make sure to check Brett Reffeitt on YouTube. He has vlogs featuring some behind the scenes of his tour managing and music video production.
Discover more amazing music industry professionals on each #WhoDatWednesday
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