Meet Alma Saddi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alma Saddi.

Hi Alma, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory. 
I was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, and lived there until I was 18, which is when I moved to the US for college. My identity is deeply rooted in the rich culture of Lebanon, and I credit it for shaping the person I am today. My work in the music industry started at a young age when I was playing gigs on various instruments around Beirut. While I cherished the experience of being on stage, I really wanted to explore other sides of the industry, so I ended up transferring to Berklee College of Music where I took an ‘Introduction to the Music Business’ class. It was during this course that I learned the intricacies of the music industry, and that instantly drew me to pursue my degree in Music Business and Management. 

During my time at Berklee, I was selected to be a tour manager and A&R rep for a program called Berklee Popular Music Institute. Through this program, I developed and managed artists for major festivals like Lollapalooza and Governor’s Ball, where I gained experience in live music. Amidst these opportunities, I was fortunate to receive mentorship from Morgan Milardo, who played a pivotal role in guiding me through the intricacies of the industry. Additionally, I took on the role of Executive Manager for the Berklee Management Group and an A&R Rep for the Berklee A&R Group. On my own time, I gained extensive experience in managing artists as a freelance endeavor. 

Before completing my degree, I interned at Artist Publishing Group in their A&R department, further enhancing my understanding of the music industry. After graduating in August 2023, I relocated to LA and was offered a role at Warner Records as an A&R Emerging Talent Associate, where I worked directly under the head of A&R. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The music industry is never going to be a smooth road unless you’re very lucky hahaha. Navigating it has been a constant learning process, and I’m definitely still figuring it out for myself. You have to have a lot of resilience and confidence to be able to fully pursue the business as a career because of its highly competitive nature. Dealing with rejections is just part of the industry, and it took me a while to learn and accept that. What helps me get past it is reminding myself that the rejections, more often than not, are not personal – they’re just part of the hustle, and as long as the passion and work are there, things will fall into place. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At the moment, I’m in a transition phase after having just wrapped up my position with Warner Records. My primary focus lies in exploring more opportunities in A&R, management, and live music roles. During this period, I’m channeling my energy into my passion for developing young, unsigned artists. I do this by directing the creative and recording processes for singles and EPs, guiding artists in finding their individual brands, and working with them on diverse marketing techniques to enhance their exposure. One project that particularly excites me is the work I have been doing with Reese Nobile. Her music has a unique blend of pop and country, and she currently has two singles out. We’re working on putting together a full EP, and while all the songs have been recorded, there is still a lot of work to be done in perfecting them and organizing a successful release strategy. 

I think what sets me apart is the diverse skill set I’ve developed through various roles in artist management, live music, and A&R. I also have a good understanding of an artist’s perspective as a result of performing in my early years and I believe that to be a very important component to have if you’re working in the music business. In my opinion, the ability to comprehend multiple facets of the industry is crucial, and I consider that to be a key strength of mine. 

Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
If you’re a young artist seeking any help with development or if you’re interested collaboration, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me on LinkedIn. I’m always open to setting up a call to learn more about what you do and explore potential avenues of collaboration. The same goes for fellow industry professionals; I’m always open to networking and hearing more about what you do as well. 

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/almasaddi/