Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik Himel.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been a musician all of my life and when I moved to LA from Pittsburgh I got into the touring scene. I have spent a good amount of years touring with international artists, working with local songwriters as well and doing records with them. I was touring worldwide with a very famous Russian band Mumiy Troll for several years and as that began to slow down I realized that I had to start creating some different opportunities for myself including what has turned into my 2-year residency on Monday nights at The Viper Room called The Sunset Jam.
I quickly learned the power of strength in numbers and have done my best to create an environment where everyone can find success and opportunities in the most positive of ways. The Sunset Jam is more than just a showcase show, it’s a place for others to get gigs, network and make new friends. From this night, we’ve now developed a once a month country music showcase as well. Just a few months ago as well I launched my publishing company where we’ve been building a library of music for TV/Film productions and also working with some bands/songwriters to build up and release a catalog of original music. Lots of exciting things in the works!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When you’re working for yourself, it’s never a smooth road. There will be always be different struggles and hurdles and plenty of people to tell you no. It’s all about being persistent especially if your line of work is music AND being your own boss!
Please tell us about Himel Music Group.
Himel Music Group is a full-service music agency. We have music production, event production and music publishing all under one umbrella. Our event production has been highly successful and we’ve worked to produce over 150 shows in the LA area in 2017 alone with many different venues and programs. We have a really consistent track record in this area. We’ve most recently launched our publishing wing which has arose out of my background writing music for film/tv. It was the next step in order to grow. I’m most proud of the fact that we’ve been able to thus far on our Monday night event The Sunset Jam have over 1000 of the best musicians grace the stage and have created so much opportunity for the local music community. Also, I still am very active as a musician doing recording sessions from my studio almost every day for clients around the world.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve received from a mentor early on when moving to LA is “However long you think it’s going to take, double it”. I don’t think I would have done anything differently except remove my expectations.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.erikhimelmusic.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: erikhimel
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/erikhimelmusic
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