Today we’d like to introduce you to Kat MacLean Daley.
Kat, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My music career began my sophomore year of high school. I had always been an athlete and a serious injury realigned my focus with my purpose: music. My career began on the performance side as a writer and vocalist but quickly transitioned into the business side. I attended Berklee College of Music in Boston which is where my passion for the business evolved. I was a dual major in Music Business Management and Professional Music with concentrations in Marketing and Performance.
In 2016, with no business experience outside of school, I got my first gig as a college marketing rep for Universal Music Group which led to a full-time job at Universal Music Publishing Group. I moved to LA and started as the executive assistant to David Kokakis, Chief Counsel. After nine months in that role, I was promoted to the music sampling team. Over the last year and a half, my role and responsibilities have expanded quite a bit leading to where I am today: Coordinator, Music Sampling, Universal Music Publishing Group.
My day-to-day consists of listening to new songs, determining the value of a sample (price and copyright percentage in the new work), and lots of negotiating. I work with a wide spectrum of external organizations and requestors, as well as internally with our business development team, both for domestic and international initiatives. Universal has really opened the door and given me liberties to grow and take chances in this industry by being innovative and creative in everything I do.
Has it been a smooth road?
Overall, it’s been an experience full of learnings. Some days have been smooth. Some days have been like off-roading with a flat tire.
One of the biggest challenges I have faced in the industry is being a young person – specifically a woman. Three years into my career, I am learning a lot but have found the confidence to voice my opinions, speak up and share my ideas – even with more seasoned executives in the room – and I encourage everyone to do the same. For me, the challenge of being professionally motivated on my rise inspires me to work harder. I also reflect on why women are so important and the unique value we bring to business. I’d like to mention the CEO of UMPG, Jody Gerson, who has been a trailblazer and role model for me. She is a powerhouse and working for the first female CEO of a major music company is an honor and a constant learning experience. I have never felt so empowered.
As a young woman who is building her own professional career, my advice (so far!) to other women, especially early in your career, is to know who you are and what you stand for. What do you bring to the table? What can you learn and what can you give? What is your magic? Hold onto that tightly and do not compromise it. Knowing the answers to those questions will define you, empower you, and give you the courage to face adversity.
We’d love to hear more about Universal Music Publishing Group.
UMPG is the best publisher in the business. The team, which I truly consider family, is passionate, innovative, and always puts the songwriters first. Our company culture is spearheaded by incredible leadership which is reflected in every deal, session, song, and employee.
I love that I work for a company that allows me the freedom to be myself and encourages me to bring my skills and ideas to the table. UMPG is a company that nurtures growth and learning; they really invest in their talent. I am proud to say I am part of the UMPG team and I am honored that I get to do this every single day.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well-positioned for?
Yes! Absolutely, I think highlighting the challenges women face has opened the door for so many opportunities. Now more than ever, I am seeing women in executive roles and women being mentored and invested in. Women can do anything they want. If there is a job or opportunity you want, you can get it. You will still have to fight for it, but you can (and probably will) get it. Fight for what you want and continue paving the way for women who will come after you.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @katclearedit
Image Credit:
Photos by Alex Melgosa @melgosabackstage, Shane Mashke @shanemashke, Kate Rancka and Nikisha Bailey
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