Interview: Artist Manager Peyton Marek
We like to take time to highlight women we see out in the world doing their part to make the world a little nicer. In this Real Nice Lady Spotlight, we’re talking to Peyton Marek, an LA-based artist manager, about her path in the music industry.
Job Title/Profession
Artist Manager
Favorite Drink?
Boulevard Wheat
Favorite Food?
Soy Sauce
Karaoke Song?
“Right Down The Line” by Gerry Rafferty
What is one song you’re listening to on repeat right now?
“Hypnotize U” by: N.E.R.D
Female icon you would be for Halloween?
Samanta Jones
What first attracted you to your current profession?
Listening to 96.5 The Buzz and watching my parents play live music their entire lives.
What about seeing your parents play live music interested you in the world of music?
They just always looked like they were having so much fun! My dad always had me come to soundcheck as well — I always felt very cool. He let me check all the mics. Everyone says never meet your heroes but they’re wrong — mine are definitely my parents.
What is your favorite thing about your industry? Your least favorite?
My favorite thing is working with amazing people and working to break bands. My least favorite thing is the politics and gatekeepers that will always be involved in every industry.
What keeps you in the industry and keeps you coming back even on the hardest days?
I remember why I started and I think of making my parents proud. I have a picture of my dad and I when I was little on my desk as well as an autographed photo of James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem — they’re my favorite and whenever I go to their shows I make sure I go as a fan. I forget I work in the music industry when I go see them — it’s refreshing. I also let my energy out with Chiefs games.
Your job requires you to represent and petition for people, how do you make sure that you're still being true to yourself and not losing yourself to the work?
It’s important to remember that you work for the BAND. You’re at the band’s best interest and doing what is best for them. In the mix of that, I definitely make sure I’m voicing my opinion but realize that sometimes my artists don’t always want to go with what I say when it comes to the creative aspects and that’s okay. Part of the deal is never taking anything personal.
I also make sure I am only working with artists whose music I believe in and with artists that have good values. If I’m not their #1 fan, I can’t do my job how I want to.
What advice would you give other women trying to succeed in your industry?
Don't limit yourself, ever. Send cold emails. Read everything. Stay woke. Engulf yourself in industries outside of where your profession lies.
What industries do you choose to keep up with outside of your own?
Fashion for sure! I am obsessed with physical magazines. Like sooo many of them are great — my favorites are The Gentlewoman, Purple and W Magazine. I also keep up with politics because you gotta be with it. You’ve gotta know what’s going on in the world and if political issues are going on at certain venues or in different cities, countries, etc.
I am also very involved with learning about the environment and how we can slow down climate change as much as possible. When it comes to music, the touring world is f%cking terrible with single-use materials. I mean, have you ever seen how many plastic cups or plastic water bottles are being THROWN AWAY? We actually have a green rider we use and implement in with every advance so rider items are ethically sourced and eco-friendly. No matter how big or small your artist is, you’ve gotta do it. It’s the reality and we can’t deny it anymore.
Addie (of TGC) is always trying to find ways to be more eco-friendly on the road. It’s awesome. We have so many conversations about how wack plastic is and how we can improve.
What do you want for the future of your industry?
I want more diversity on festival bills, tours, etc. It pains me to see an entire touring crew without a single woman on it — that’s just lazy. Hire women and young people. I recently posted someone’s graphics they made about the lack of women on a UK festival and so many people were blown away by the lack of diversity. We have to step up.
I also want to move and move and move towards artists making more money. It is so frustrating to see how artists have to have multiple other jobs even when they are larger because streaming pays nothing and touring is tough.
A huge goal of mine is to contribute huge to the Kansas City music community. I live in LA but Kansas City will always be my #1. I want to help give young people the opportunities I had when I was 18 and wanted to be a manager.
What was a formative moment in your life that made you who you are?
One time our van broke down in Yonkers, NY. I called a hotel nearby and they asked me if I wanted to book by the hour or night. I learned how to problem-solve a lot that night because I was hardly 19 years old and couldn't legally check into a hotel -- but we did!
When do you feel the strongest in your life? When do you feel the most vulnerable in your life?
I feel the strongest when I am watching my artists play with my family and friends next to me. I feel most vulnerable when I am around highly-respectable people in music; however, it's important to let your guard down and know that you can talk to anyone -- whether they're a janitor or CEO at a label. No one is superior or inferior to you.
Who are five women that inspire you?
Addie Sartino, Emily Katz, Carina Glastris, Jacqueline Saturn, Vanessa Angiuli