Written by LeoB 
Career Spotlight: Entertainment & Marketing Director – Matt Whitlock
This week, we are featuring insights from Ruby Skye’s Entertainment & Marketing Director Matt Whitlock.
When did you realize that you wanted a career in the music industry?
I realized I wanted a career in the music industry once I produced my first sold out show with 1,000 attendees. It was back in 2012 with Steve Aoki, Datsik and Dirtyphonics in Chico, CA at The Senator Theatre. I realized right then, while walking around at my own show and seeing so many people having a good time, that this is something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
How did you work your way up to the position you currently have with Ruby Skye / Epic Productions?
Hard-work, networking, and dedication. This industry is not for the faint of heart, and it takes lots of hard work to get where you want here. There are 1,000 other people who will take your place if you fail, so failure is not an option. I started small with my own company EPIC Productions, produced shows, networked, and dedicated 24/7 of my time to the industry. From there I branched off and started working at Ruby Skye doing TORQ (an 18+ weekly), and shortly after got promoted to Entertainment & Marketing director of all operations.
What does your Entertainment/Marketing Director position at Ruby Skye entail?
Booking every single night at the club and handling all aspect of marketing. I oversee all creative direction of the club and marketing, as well as book talent (opening and headline) for the club on a daily basis.
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Meeting nice people who are truly genuine about their position. I also love meeting new people, networking, and listening to good music at a club.
Least favorite aspect?
Dealing with greedy / money hungry people who have no love for the music.
Is there anything you do for work on a daily basis others might be surprised about?
The position really has no limits, from ordering a custom cake for Steve Aoki, to making sure the set times are properly advanced, it really is an intense position not suited for the weak. Some might be surprised that the job does not follow the 9am-5pm work, it is a job where you are always on-call, day or night. This is very difficult for some to grasp, and separate their personal life.
How do you feel working in the music industry differs from other industries?
Our industry is a luxury commodity that could disappear in a matter of years. We also have a very young demographic that keeps getting younger and younger every year.
Is working in the music industry as cut-throat and challenging as many people make it out to be?
Some parts yes, like negotiating deals with agents, dealing with certain promoters. But for the most part, if you deal with nice people whom you trust, everything will run smoothly (at least that’s what you can hope for). You can plan things 100 times over in your head, and on show day everything can still go wrong. You must be able to adapt, think on your feet, and keep your cool.
Do you have any advice for those trying to find a career path in the music realm?
DJs/Producers, do something special, and dedicate every second of your life to trying to make it big if that’s what you really wanna do. Promoters/talent buyers, never give up, and network, network, network. Everything I have accomplished has been because of the people I know. The more people you know, the more opportunities that will arise for you.
A big thank you to Matthew Whitlock for taking the time to share his EDMJob with us in this Career Spotlight. Learn more about Ruby Skye or Epic Productions at http://www.rubyskye.com/ , http://www.damnthatsepic.com/. If you’re interested in becoming a Entertainment & Marketing Director, be sure to check all open positions at EDMJobs.
