Welcome to Industry Feature Friday, putting the spotlight on the people behind the music! From producers, radio DJ's and radio trackers, to photographers, managers and everything in between. These are the music business professionals who work hard to help put your favourite artists (emerging, independent and hit makers) on the charts, DSP's, radio and on the map through their work behind the scenes!
In the spotlight this week is, Logan Miller! Put your hands together and give him a virtual round of applause! His passion is music. He's the founder and writer with the music and marketing online publication, Front Porch Music + Marketing. He is a real TREASURE in the music industry and I'm so excited to give him ALL the attention this week... once again! It's an absolute pleasure and he's someone you gotta know (if you don't already!).
He has been featured on Studio B's podcast platform for a VERY educational episode about how to prepare and ace an interview as a musician, band or media personality. One of my fave episodes to date! Thank you for joining me again, Logan!!
"In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway." - Front Porch Music + Marketing
Get to know Logan Miller more here:
Sarah Scott (SS): This isn't your first time on a Studio B platform, but I always tell my guests they are more than welcome back (and I mean that), and I asked you back this week to talk all about you and get more advice from you for our artists and industry reading! So first off, tell us how your love of supporting the country music industry started and about Front Porch Music + Marketing.
Logan Miller (LM: Thanks SO much for inviting me back. We had so much fun on the pod! It was such a great chat.
My love for the country music industry started when I was in University and working for a local radio station. I fell in love with the people. The people in this genre are just the greatest ... It strongly fueled my love for the music and country in general.
After leaving radio I started doing some marketing and PR work for artists and music festivals. While working with artists I noticed a hole in the industry ... Many media outlets weren't covering or promoting up and coming Canadian artists. They were often put on the back burner to their American counterparts.
So that's when I started Front Porch Music, the publication.
I didn't expect a whole lot to come from it. I thought I might get a couple new clients and that would be about it. But fast forward 4 years and it is now the largest publication to exclusively promote Canadian country music.
With the success of Front Porch Music, I decided to bring my marketing business under the Front Porch umbrella - which brings us to Front Porch Music + Marketing.
SS: Who has been your favourite interview so far? Who would you love to interview? Who was your worst interview (you can change the name!)?
LM: That's an impossible question! I love talking to people. Every time I get to talk to someone I always learn something new, and get to hear different perspectives on life and the industry. I think that's one of the reasons I love what we do.
I've been fortunate enough to chat with some pretty cool people! Some that stick out in my head are The Band Perry, Zac Brown Band, And Lady A. I'm a huge fan of all their music so it was a great conversation.
But I also really love chatting with emerging artists. Finding those new artists that people haven't had a chance to hear about yet. Those are always my favourite.
I obviously won't say the name ... but my worst interview was with an artist who was clearly having a bad day. They were just rude, gave one-word answers, and after about 2 questions got up and walked away leaving me there with just their manager.
That was hard not to take personally. But I realized there must have been something bigger going on in their life. (still pretty rude, ha!)
SS: Now, we can't give all our secrets away when it comes to giving and getting great interviews (Haha!), but with Front Porch, you aim to bring the latest in country music news, and help promote Canadian country music, artists, bands, and music festivals. How do you do your research and how do you prepare for an interview? What advice would you give fellow media professionals on how to get prepared for an interview?
LM: The way I prepare is probably the worst way ... and I don't know if I would recommend it all the time. I prepare by not really preparing. I think we talked about this on the pod, but I prefer having conversations as opposed to a traditional question and answer style interview. I find it results in more genuine conversation and allows you to get real answers out of the interviewee.
I don't go in completely blind, because that would be crazy.
I make sure I know who I'm talking to. Make sure I've listened to their music, read their bio and scrolled through their social media feeds. I also jot down a few notes to make sure I cover off everything I want in order to tell an effective story throughout the interview. I do have a few traditional questions I keep in my back pocket in case the interviewee isn't responding to conversation. But that doesn't happen all that often.
I would tell others in the industry to just go into interviews with curiosity. Really listen to what the interviewee is saying. When you're interviewing, It's easy to zone out and prepare your next question while the interviewee is responding. But by doing that, you're missing out on the real nuggets of information that lead to bigger and better conversations.
SS: We did cover this in our podcast episode a bit! With so many of the artists/bands we talk to, we are one of their first interviews - if not their first. What advice would you give to artists on how to prepare for an interview?
LM: Come ready to talk!
You are there to promote yourself so giving one-word answers and being shy is not doing you any favours. The person interviewing you wants to help share your story. So don't be afraid about talking about yourself.
Another thing to keep in mind is that while this may be your first interview, it may also be one of the interviewers first interviews too! You may get some questions thrown your way that only require a one-word response. When that happens, run with it. Build on what you say. You should never give a one-word answer!
And finally make sure you have your talking points ready. When it comes to talking about the project you're working on, you need to have your elevator pitch ready! Make sure you have a compelling story to tell about your project, and don't forget to plug your social media at the end of the interview.
SS: Since you are known for spotlighting up and coming talent, who are some artists/bands you believe we should be looking out for? Who should we be keeping an out for in Country Radio?
LM: Sarah! This is another impossible question!
We work with so many incredible artists and Canada has the best talent, hands-down in the country genre. We recently had some great conversations on our podcast "On The Porch with Front Porch Music". We had some great chats with Devin Cooper, Nate Haller, Lemon Cash, SACHA, and so many more. It's too hard to answer that question!
We did come across a cool artist on TikTok not long ago. His name is Mark Ledlin and we just featured him on Front Porch Music. Go check out his TikTok!
SS: Bonus question: What have been the benefits and struggles of owning and publishing an independent music, marketing/media company and articles?
I think the benefit has been discovering new music and artists that I would have never known about otherwise!
Our general inbox gets flooded with requests to feature different artists. I get to listen to brand new music every day and it's really fun. I think the best part though is to watch an artist grow. There's been a few instances where we get the first song an artist ever releases to our inbox, and then we've followed them and their career all the way to them signing a record deal!
And with the marketing side of Front Porch Music + Marketing, it's SO rewarding to have a hand in the growth of an artist and helping them achieve their dreams.
Check out Front Porch Music + Marketing here:
Website: https://frontporchmusic.ca/
Instagram: @frontporch_music
Twitter: @MusicFrontPorch
