Written by LeoB 
Career Spotlight: Camille Cushman, PR at Dope Roots Music, Writer at Insomniac and NEST HQ
Today’s Career Spotlight we feature Camille Cushman, PR at Dope Roots Music, Writer and Insomniac and NEST HQ. If you are looking for work in the industry, be sure to check out all open positions here.
Who are you and what is your background?
My name is Camille Cushman. I like to consider myself a jack of many trades. I do PR, I’m a writer, and budding A&R. My background is in media and communications, and frequent concert attendance.
How did you get to where you are now?
I got to where I am through a series of internships and chance encounters. I started as an intern at Elektro Mag while a senior at Fordham University. I went on to become the lifestyle editor there, and eventually jumped between various writing gigs at InTheMix, NEST HQ, LessThan3, and Insomniac, and I interned at Pacha NYC for a semester. Eventually, I started at Magnum PR and was introduced to the world of publicity by industry vet and guru Sioux Zimmerman.
When did you realize that you wanted a career in the music industry?
I realized I wanted a career in the music industry from my very first week interning at Elektro. I had tried out film and TV in the years prior, and that was cool, but I never had that intense I’ll-eat-sleep-and-die-for-this moment like I did when I started at Elektro.
What are your favorite aspects of your job?
My favorite aspect of my job is feeling like I accomplished something meaningful at the end of the day. Don’t get me wrong, I’m probably not out here saving lives, but what I am doing is making people happy. Music has such incredible effects on mood, feeling, ambiance, etc. That to me, having any part in introducing someone to a sound that stirs something within them, makes it all worth it.
What is your least favorite aspect?
My least favorite aspect of my job is the politics that go on behind the scenes. I believe in art and the creative freedom it stems from. Personally, I’ve seen many flourishing artists stifled and crushed by bad contracts that either leave them with no money or demand they stick to one image, one sound, one endorsement deal, one label, etc. Be savvy out there in this industry or the next TLC could be you.
Is there anything you do for work on a daily basis others might be surprised about?
I try to explore a new genre I don’t know much about everyday. Music is so inter-connected and having knowledge of all kinds of music is incredibly beneficial.
Is working in the music industry as challenging as many people make it out to be?
I definitely think you have to have a think skin working in any creative industry. Obviously working in the music industry is tough. However, if it’s what you truly want for yourself, you practice good business, and are dedicated, you will do just fine. Constantly be in motion, be thinking, be discovering, and have stars in your eyes. Also, make as many friends in as many places and professions as possible. You never know what role someone could play down the road.
If you could change one part about the work you do, what would it be?
I would kill the “exclusive premiere” model because it’s archaic and does next to nothing in most cases.
Do you have any advice for those trying to find a career path in the music realm?
My advice for anyone trying to get into the music industry is trust your ears and your instincts. Realize you’re signing up for a life that probably doesn’t play by the traditional 9-5 career model. Be ambitious, but not overzealous. Try to only back music that you’re excited about, and that plays a role in developing your personal brand. Also, look at every opportunity in one of two ways: will it pay me or is it good for networking? The first is obviously vital, because we need to eat. However, networking is just as crucial if not more. Just because you’re not getting paid, doesn’t mean it isn’t worth your time. If it’s going to connect you with the right people, that is priceless.
Is there anything you do outside of work that people might be surprised about?
I read a lot of National Geographic and research archeological digs around the world. I still kind of want to be Lara Croft one day. Still working on my back flip and ass-kicking skills though.
Is there anything else you would like to add? Tips, thoughts, feelings, songs, etc?
This is my favorite track I discovered today:
https://soundcloud.com/drewsthatdude/04-aphrodite?in=drewsthatdude/sets/en-amor
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/camixcush
Major love to EDM Jobs for chatting with me!
A big thank you to Camille Cushman for taking the time to share her EDMJobs with us in this Career Spotlight. If you are interested in a job in the industry, check out EDMJobs.com and follow us on Facebook!
