First Week at APG

This week I started working at Artist Partner Group in Los Angeles. APG is a company that does many things. They are a music publishing company, recording studio complex and most importantly a record label. They define themselves as being a “modern label for forward thinking and entrepreneurial artists. The invisible army that help build the artist brand and relentlessly execute their vision.” The label is an imprint of Warner Music Group and was founded by Warner’s President of A&R (Artist and Repertoire), Mike Caren. I’ve always admired APG for being an under-the-radar, small firm that does big things. Big things such as pioneering the careers of Charlie Puth, Kehlani and Bazzi to name a few. I am more than thrilled to be joining the APG team for the summer and figuring out what the secret sauce is for their amazing success so far.

I spent most of my first week settling in and completing onboarding procedures but I’m already starting to get a feel for the place and the culture around here. First and foremost, the APG building is an modern architectural masterpiece, casting an overwhelming shadow on the streets of LA. When I first arrived, I was electrified by the space and was eager to go inside. I also quickly started to notice and still realize that APG has a very entrepreneurial, start-up ambience.

For my first week, I began helping out with the Instagram accounts; coming up with new initiatives and branding ideas to help improve the account. I also was given weekly tasks like making sure the label’s music releases have been distributed to different streaming services and have promotional placement on playlists. Another weekly task I was given was to accumulate the streaming sales for the week. Other than that I haven’t really been given any big projects or tasks to complete as I continue to get settled in. I acknowledge that a lot of the times, I’m going to have to take initiative and create opportunities and tasks for myself if my supervisors are busy or have nothing to give me.

Another exciting thing that happened on my first week was that I was introduced to a guy who works in A&R who needed an intern for the summer as well. After a great conversation we agreed that I would split time with him and my other supervisor. Now I have a great unprecedented chance to gain experience in two different fields of the business this summer. Another great chance to not only contribute and help out my superiors, but hopefully make a difference and impact whenever I can.