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Meet Dawn Wisner-Johnson and Beth Wisner-Jahnsen of A Matter Of Music

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Wisner-Johnson and Beth Wisner-Jahnsen

Hi Dawn and Beth, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
First of all, we want to thank Voyage LA for inviting us for this interview. We are excited about our business, A Matter Of Music. We are sisters, and YES, our last names are Jahnsen/Johnson! That was not planned as we married into those last names (maybe just to confuse the world!!). We hope that our story inspires others to pursue their passions and dreams. When you enjoy your work, it makes life easier in so many ways. We feel so fortunate that we’ve worked in the music industry for decades. We love to help our clients bridge the gap between art and commerce.

DAWN: Music has always been a part of my life. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t playing an instrument or singing. Our family even sang together and our parents encouraged all of us to participate in anything that involved music. Our mom directed choirs and dad participated by setting up sound equipment and even learning bass guitar when the need was there. Music just came naturally to me.

I always felt that music would be a part of my life’s work. However, I really had no idea how that would play out. After high school, it was a natural progression to pursue music as my major. I attended Azusa Pacific University in California; arriving with quite a few music scholarships, which helped my confidence as I embarked on my music journey.

A few years later, my brother Jim and I were invited to join a band. A friend had secured a record deal with a small southern California label. Our 80’s techno band, Crumbacher, was born. We released four albums, toured the United States, and had number one singles in our specialized “Christian music” genre. Even though I enjoyed the experience, I left a bit disillusioned, with a resolve stay away from that genre in the future.

The guitarist from my first band, Chris Duke and I started a new project, Almost Ugly. Playing the Hollywood scene (Troubadour, Roxy, Coconut Teaser and more) was instrumental in moving me toward my current career. I loved Los Angeles and the music scene there. I felt a newfound freedom from the stifled genre I had left behind. Meeting a music supervisor at a Los Angeles party (yes, those things CAN happen!) helped us get our songs licensed in quite a few television shows and “made for tv” movies. The realization that songwriters could make money in that way intrigued me.

I ended up working at ABC Television from 2002-2007, where I helped spearhead the expansion of their in-house instrumental music library to include songs. Working with composers and songwriters was everything I enjoyed. I loved helping music supervisors find what they needed for projects and then helping produce the music for our Emmy-nominated library.

In 2005 my sister Beth and I launched our own company, Take 2 Productions, after producing a reunion show of five bands from the 1980s. We realized that together, we could use our combined talents, strengths, and experience to help artists. We promoted shows, executive produced albums, started a boutique music library, and managed bands.

I returned to ABC television in 2014. Unfortunately, ABC shut down the department in 2017. In 2018, I began working as a publishing administrator for Grammy-nominated international producer/songwriter, RedOne. I’m so thankful to continue to work in this capacity, doing something I enjoy and always expanding my knowledge of international publishing.

In 2020, we decided to go into business again, broadening Take 2’s vision with “A Matter Of Music”, adding Beth’s son Miles Jahnsen to the team. During the past year, Heather Ragnars (Sync Manager) and Ariella Elm (Sync and Social Media Specialist) have joined us as well. We offer educational podcasts, in-depth online classes, Q&A/listening sessions, a VIP Patreon community, and one-on-one consulting. Our most recent endeavor is our brand new Sync Library, with over 30 independent artists. We find many of our clients on Tik Tok where there is some amazing music! (Note! – I have a small but mighty following of musicians on Tik Tok interested in the biz) We are excited about the future for these artists as we work together to get their music in front of people through music in television and film.

BETH: I was never the “musical” one in our family – my brother and sister had that covered. Instead, I was the one found behind the stage switching out a DI box or fixing a mic stand that was headed south in the middle of their set. At 15 years old, I began offering to do anything that was needed to help with Crumbacher, the band my brother and sister were in. I wrote newsletters, I was a roadie, I mixed monitors, and even filled in on vocals when Dawn had her first child. To this day there are a few fans who think they saw my sister perform in early 1989 – but it was me!

My passion clicked the day I walked into the recording studio where they were working on their first record. I knew I belonged in music for good. I attended The Dick Grove School of Music in the Recording Engineering program. It was there that my passion for the business side of the music industry emerged. Everyone else in class seemed to hate it when the lawyers showed up and the “boring” copyright seminars were happening. I was energized by it all! The business of music was almost as exciting to me as the music itself.

I soon realized that I wasn’t built for engineering, though I still loved everything about the process. Most of my friends were musicians, songwriters, or artists. My entire world seemed to be focused on music and I really enjoyed it. It was the middle of the 1980s and it seemed everyone I knew was in a band, touring the country, and signed to a record label. The music scene we were a part of was thriving. However, as I began to see some of the struggles between the business side and musicians, I felt then that I wanted to help artists. I wanted to be a champion for them, but at the time, I had no idea what to do.

After taking time off to start my family, my sister and I produced a successful reunion show in 2005 of many of the 80’s bands we knew. The fans were excited, and so were the bands. Dawn and I loved the experience of working together on something that felt so natural to us. After the show, Dawn handed me a couple of books on the modern music industry and asked if I wanted to start a company with her. I devoured the material, learning even more about contracts, sync deals, and music licensing. I was hooked!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
DAWN Starting a business always brings challenges. I would go even further to say there are obstacles at every turn. My sister, Beth, is an analytical thinker. If there’s a problem, she will usually figure out a solution. If you are going into business with someone, make sure you find someone who has that skill!

To be honest, it isn’t always easy working so closely with a sibling! One of the obstacles is that the person knows you better than anyone else in the world. That fact can be good, yet also annoying! However, at the end of the day, being in business with a family member is a major plus. We work well together; with completely different strengths, complementing each other well. We’ve been told that people are drawn to us right away. I believe the “family” aspect of our business makes others feel accepted and comfortable. I’m thankful to have my sister as my partner.

BETH
After I finished school, I worked for a recording studio, then went on to work for a production team; a producer, recording engineer, and arranger/keyboardist. I spent most of my time with the recording engineer, and within a year we were married! He was a much better engineer than I would ever be. I feel like I lived out my musical passions vicariously thru him while we began building our family. When my husband Dave suddenly passed away in 2007, I knew I would need to get myself back into music – not only for my own sanity but to show my growing children what it looked like to work within a career that you love.

My sister and I had started Take 2 Productions a couple of years earlier as a “side” business when we produced the reunion show. I decided to pour myself back into it. We did everything from music licensing to contract negotiations. Somehow, we even managed a hardcore/metal band for a couple of years. What an experience that was! I always say, Dawn is the balloon, I’m the one on the ground.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We launched “A Matter Of Music” in 2020 and are just getting started! We enjoy consulting with artists, songwriters, and musicians, helping steer them toward their goals and the proper ways to handle their careers. For decades, we’ve all heard the stories of bands and musicians falling into the traps of bad management and record deals; simply because they did not understand what they were signing. We help educate on what to look for and how to avoid those scenarios.

The possibilities and opportunities available for musicians, songwriters, and bands are endless. From multiple streaming music platforms (no longer just traditional radio) social media opportunities (isn’t Tik Tok amazing??), television and film licensing, and more. If the independent musician is willing to learn and work hard, we believe they will succeed. Bringing decades of experience, we enjoy educating and helping others realize their full potential.

We also have an amazing team. Miles, Heather, and Ariella help bring a unique perspective to our company, as each of them comes from different areas of the music industry.

EMPLOYEE /PROFESSIONAL

DAWN: I’m a team player and a visionary. I enjoy working with others towards a common goal. I’ve always been a dreamer and believed that if I can dream it, I can most likely attain it. I also love helping others realize their full potential. One reason “A Matter Of Music” is so exciting to me, is that I’m able to help/mentor so many artists.

BETH: I am the pragmatist. If you show me a dream, I can tell you where you’re likely to find the potholes on the road to it, but will also tell you how to avoid falling into them. I am gifted at walking thru a project in my head, working it thru, finding trouble spots until every issue has been addressed. I collect contracts and love watching C-SPAN hearings. I’m the strange cat that gets excited when I find a new feature in Word or Excel.

ARTIST / CREATIVE

DAWN: Being a musician is first and foremost with me. I use my musicality in everything I do in business. I know I was so very fortunate to be able to be in a touring band, those days are some of the best memories in my career. I don’t spend enough time anymore on my own music, but I do hope to do it more in the future.

BETH: I find much of my creativity in places most people avoid. The seemingly mundane minutia of details. I like to be in control, even though I realize control is an illusion, so I prepare for the inevitable problems far in advance. Preparation can look an awful lot like control. You can’t avoid every problem, but life can be much happier by being prepared for them.

DAWN: I enjoy so many aspects of Los Angeles. I’m a vegan, and some of the best vegan restaurants are right here in LA! My sports teams are the Dodgers, Chargers and (sorry LA) the Anaheim Ducks! If those teams are playing locally, you can find me there or being sure to listen on radio or watch them on television.

Family is so important to me – and I am always sure to make time for my adult children. My son is a professional musician, writing for television, and plays in bands. My daughter is a passionate “fan” of music. I’m fortunate that we all enjoy the creative side of our industry so much. We attend shows/concerts together. I always give credit to my children for helping me stay updated on current music and trends. Our parents live in the Southern California mountains, and we are a close family, enjoying holidays and weekends together.

BETH: What and who we are is often quite evident from a young age, and as it turns out my soul is that of a writer. I spent many years in a turbulent marriage, and I had lost my voice. I’ve found it again. I write honestly about life, focusing on difficulties that it brings. I love to celebrate victories and failures. Sharing what I’ve learned thru my own hardships makes them valuable. I hope others will be able to learn from my journey.

As an author, I’m able to be completely honest and I feel it has been the best weapon against what could have easily been defeat. My first book, “Of Joy and Sorrow”, is a collection of essays I wrote while stumbling out of a failed marriage and the subsequent sudden death of my husband. Becoming a widow at 38 years old and raising three young boys alone can possibly define you. However, I did not want it to define me as a victim or even a survivor (as many have seen me). It defined me as a remnant. Simply put, I have been shattered and pieced back together, and I love my scars. I feel like I’m just getting started in my journey as an author, with my second book on the way.

Any big plans?
DAWN
We are looking forward to expanding our work into music supervision (starting out with independent films). My passion has really been there since working at ABC Television. I was able to work on both sides of the “supervision” world; starting with producers and editors, helping them find the perfect music for their scenes, and working with composers to produce that music.

My work as publishing administrator for RedOne has been rewarding. Beth and I are working to find additional publishing clients at this time. In the ever-changing music industry landscape, publishing is the most important aspect for songwriters and musicians. After all, keeping track of your money and affairs should always be first and foremost in business, especially in the creative world where it can sometimes be left to the back burner.

We are excited about upcoming opportunities available to us in 2022…

BETH
I have always wanted to fix the music industry. Not too big of a goal, right? Short of that, I want to do everything I can to help artists remain artists by making sure they get their credit and their money. There are royalties to be found and money to be made, and I am always excited when we are able to help someone understand how to navigate the ins and outs of this twisted “mess” we call the music industry.

Pricing:

  • Consulting – $100 hourly rate
  • Listening Sessions – $10 per song
  • Q&A Sessions – $10 per song
  • Patreon – Join to become VIP Member

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Miles Jahnsen [email protected] Janae Lee Ann Tullo [email protected]

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