Today we’d like to introduce you to Madelynn Elyse.
Madelynn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Shark Attack began as a home-brewed record label for my own artistic project, Polaris Rose. We were a duo here in LA releasing music. We were approached by labels, but independence was really important to us. During those early years, we had the chance to work with a lot of amazing people, including our former manager Phil Sandhaus, whose focus was on marketing/branding. Our conversations about marketing strategies were great and my passion for branding intensified.
Shark Attack really expanded and came into its own after a conversation I had with my mentor Don Grierson (A&R legend). He encouraged me to think outside the box, to really focus on what I can do that is unique to me. I wasn’t just an artist, I was a business woman too.
I’ve always been passionate about empowering and helping others, so I began to help friends with their branding. We would create effective campaigns for releasing their music. At the same time, I began to dive into the world of sync and learning all its idiosyncrasies. Getting started was tough and there were plenty of times when the path forward did not seem clear, but I kept focused and never stopped pushing.
Now, just a couple years later, I’ve had the chance to work with some amazing artists/clients, such as Mark ‘Spike’ Stent (multi-Grammy award winning mixer), Yan Perchuk (Grammy-Nominated Participant Mixer), Johnny Stranger (upcoming rock artist), Mela Lee (voice-over actress), and Ruslan Sirota (Grammy-award winning Pianist). In addition, I have had great success with sync, placing music all over with such brands as Gibson and the 2018 KeSPA Cup.
My lifestyle is a busy one, but there’s nothing else I’d rather do. I’ve been able to combine my love for elevating others with what I find creative and fascinating. I remain a songwriter/artist while having a business that I’m extremely passionate about.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a woman in the rock music industry brings a lot of challenges. As I always say, doors open quick and shut even quicker. I’ve learned to be strong and brutally honest. It doesn’t always work in my favor, but – more times than not – it commands respect.
There are long-term struggles like this, but there are also short-term difficulties. I suffer from severe dyslexia, which means I have to read emails multiple times before sending them off. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had someone write me a scathing email because my brain didn’t catch a tiny typo. It’s tough, but it’s something I’ve learned to accommodate for and work through. I’ve even had the chance to speak to kids who struggle with dyslexia, to let them know that they are just as smart and capable as everyone else.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Shark Attack – what should we know?
Shark Attack is a boutique label-services company. We specialize in helping artists of all sorts take their careers to the next level. Much of what we’re known for is actually educating our artists. Our goal isn’t just to help the artist release their music. It’s to empower the artist and ensure they have the tools they need to carry forward and monetize their art after our collaboration ends. Whether it be campaign strategies, sync/licensing, graphic design, branding/marketing… we help our artists elevate their vision.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Brutal honesty, thick skin, and a real desire to help the people we believe in.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ThisIsSharkAttack.com
- Email: Maddie@ThisIsSharkAttack.com
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