BareBones Ent got the opportunity to sit down and chat with the legendary industry veteran, John Reese, of Disrupt Artist Management Network (DAMN!). John alongside his colleague, Craig Duswalt, have a long history in artist management, event production, sponsorships, and brand development, amongst so much more. Somehow with a very full plate between DAMN!, Breaking Into The Music Industry event, and That DAMN! Podcast, John was able to find time to talk with us. So kick your feet up, buckle in, and check out what all DAMN! had to say.
BBE: What is your vision for Disrupt Artist Management Network?
JR: We are an immerse venture built on developing young artists and creating opportunities through special live event engagement that transcends the traditional live performance model in effort to create a multi-experience platform to connect artists to fans as well as creating and producing dynamically unique live events like “Breaking Into The Music Industry, coming this May. www.breakingintomusic.com
BBE: How do you best feel DAMN! can help artists in a special way?
JR: I have created (or co-created) over 50 curated music festivals and immersive events over the past 21 years, including festivals with The Cure, Slipknot, NOFX, Excision (Lost Lands), The Offspring, Eddie Vedder, The Used, Diplo and many more so our track record speaks for itself.
BBE: Let’s show some love to your first signings. Can you tell us a little about Thredge, Chained Saint and Of That Nature?
JR: They are all very young and prodigious musicians and songwriters – all special yet deliciously different. Chained Saint is blowing up and I see them as the next Metallica and they are all 19 years old and under. Their future is powerful. Thredge are incredible players and songwriters that are creating heavy rock and just finished their new EP with the legendary Steve Evetts. Of That Nature are a power trio of Deftones-meets-Tool-meets-Primus-meets-Rage Against The Machine. Enough said. And they’re all 21 years old or younger.
BBE: How do you know if an artist is a right fit for you? Are they able to submit their music to you or do you prefer to discover them on your own?
JR: Please submit! I have been involved in the breaking of many of the successful rock bands since the mid 90’s after my stint with Guns N Roses, including Danzig, Korn, Goldfinger, Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, At The Drive In, The Used, My Chemical Romance, Avenged Sevenfold, Five Finger Death Punch, and many more as a manager or festival creator.
BBE: You have a special event coming up called, Breaking Into The Music Industry, how did this come about?
JR: Our goal is to connect young, driven individuals with 24 trailblazing executives and entrepreneurs in the music industry. This unique event offers an unparalleled opportunity for college students and aspiring professionals to meet and network with top mentors, gaining invaluable insights on how to break into the dynamic music business. In addition to mentorship, attendees will receive ongoing support, including guidance on internships and career placements.
This is a one-of-a-kind event, unlike anything currently offered, and it’s being hosted at the stunning Cache Estate—just steps away from the legendary Coachella and Stagecoach grounds in the Palm Springs area. The value of this experience is immense, and we are committed to helping passionate, ambitious individuals discover their place in the industry or take their careers to the next level. It’s a must-attend event that you won’t find anywhere else.
BBE: Can you share something special about the speakers you’ve grabbed for the event and what made you want to have them there?
JR: There are so many, a small sample here and all available on the website to further see who else is joining.
Rich Best, Live Nation Global Promoter working directly as the promoter to a collection of some of the biggest artists on the planet including Rufus Du Sol, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Linkin Park and many more.
Matt Sorum, drummer of Guns N Roses, The Cult, co-founder of Velvet Revolver and founder of Kings Of Chaos – one of the greatest drummers and humans on the planet.
Cory Brennan, Manager of Slipknot, Megadeth, Baby Metal, Pennywise and 40 more artists and founder of Knotfest. One of the biggest managers on Earth.
John Feldmann, legendary record producer, songwriter and founder of Goldfinger.
Ryan Harlacher, Creative Artist Agency Head of Rock, who represents Avenged Sevenfold, Slipknot and many, many more. The biggest agent in rock music today.
On top of 20 more amazing mentors, again, all available to check out at www.breakingintomusic.com.
BBE: I guess the simplest question is, What do you feel this event can offer people trying to get into the industry?
JR: Quite honestly, it is invaluable. If you want to make a career, these are some of the best representatives to learn from.
BBE: Are you thinking this is going to be like an annual event or a one time thing?
JR: We are hoping to do this twice a year and have an ongoing bi-monthly virtual mentorship program with the best and the brightest from the global music industry available to mentor interested and motivated individuals who want to break into music.
BBE: With already being very busy, you also have That Damn! Podcast! What is the podcast about?
JR: We will be talking to rockstars and entrepreneurs to support our mission of educating and entertaining people to become more successful.
BBE: You guys have a long history in the industry. Do you have a dream guest for the podcast and why?
JR: Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne – my mentors and both absolute legends!
BBE: When and where are people able to check out the podcast? Will you be keeping it an audio podcast or doing video also?
JR: It’s available on all platforms. Here is the video YT link: https://www.youtube.com/@DAMN-Network
BBE: I don’t know when you guys are finding time to sleep with all of the awesome projects you have going on. What is the best way for bands and fans to keep up with news?
JR: Go to the podcast or you can email me at john.reese@me.com. For news and updates on the Breaking Into Music Industry event, please follow along on instagram (@breakingintomusic) – the website is great and very informative, so I suggest heading there as well where you can subscribe to receive exclusive updates on the event as we get closer!
Let’s get it!
BBE: Anything else you’d like to add?
JR: Thanks for the time. Your readers can do anything they want in this world, they just gotta have fire in their soul, believe in themselves and work their asses off.
