Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Kimlick.
Hi Mandy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was teaching second grade in DC when I developed a crush on my next-door neighbor, who was a musician. I asked if he had a website, which he didn’t, and I offered to help make one with him. And it just snowballed! I kept googling what music managers do and applying what I was learning. And everything grew- from his artist career to mine and our relationship. Fast forward a few years, and we married and are both doing music full-time! I’ve worked with major labels to independent, booked top-tier festivals, clubs, and college tours. We’ve gotten sponsorships with Budlight and had our music in HBO movies.
Now that I understand the music industry and how to navigate it, I’m putting those teaching skills back to work. I started teaching music management classes this year- which are super cool because they are covering topics and areas people normally have trouble finding information about. And because of my teaching background, I understand how the brain learns and the teaching process, so I don’t just cover the theory of a topic but practical application and explicit teaching of skills. So, I’ll tell them exactly how to find contacts on Instagram, model examples of language to reach out, really practical application. I also pick topics from questions I get- classes should be on what our community is interested in, not just topics I think are important. One of the things I disagree with in the traditional educational system is the cost of quality education. Everyone deserves access to good education and information. It’s a human right! And knowing how to write a good email can be life-changing. So, I’ve structured this specific class series, TMI Tuesdays, to be essentially a pay-what-you-can model. Tickets are set at $10 (average cost of a drink on a night out), but I always put discount codes on my social media for half-off and free tickets every class. Finances should not prohibit you from this information or being part of this. I’ve also started meeting the most amazing group of people with a shared ethos. So, it’s been great to bring them in and have them share their expertise with us. We had a music lawyer trademark an artist name live and walk us through the process. We had another music manager and talent buyer come in and talk about what makes a good pitch and booking strategies. I teach a class where we all make content together using a template, so in an hour everyone leaves with a week’s worth of content scheduled. These are things people can turn around and implement tomorrow. It’s really transparent information from active experts in the music industry- not outdated textbooks.
It feels really good to be building a community based on transparency and support. It’s also so empowering to be able to structure these classes and this community in a modern way. I left the formal educational system because I didn’t believe in it, and now I can evolve it and model an alternative form of education that is based on community interests, needs and learning styles. Plus, build and connect amazing people. The model itself is really appealing to those who believe in it, so we get the coolest and most passionate people in our community. People who want to carve their own path believe anything is possible and are just natural hustlers! (And love learning!)
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It is an adventure-filled road! Its peaks and valleys. Just like anything. Overall finding good information and resources can be challenging. There are so many gatekeepers and so much information people keep secretive!
One thing a lot of people don’t realize is that Managers hear “no” a lot. Probably more than artists since we buffer most of those emails! It’s really easy to take things personally and see it as rejection. But I’ve learned perspective is key and the power of a reframe. Mental health is a high priority for me. And I think it should be for everyone- especially creative minds.
There’s also been shifts in how I use social media. As I moved my business onto Instagram and TikTok, that space became work. And having multiple business platforms is a lot of communication to keep up with. People message on all platforms- so you’re exposed to a lot of work emails essentially. A mindless scroll can turn my brain “on” (and then it can be hard to shut it down!) I’m learning how to be mindful to not have checking my phone become muscle memory!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
TMI MGMT specializes in music management and business education. We teach artists and music professionals how to grow their brand into a business. We do consultations, coaching, and classes.
We have a weekly class series and are looking to add additional classes and learning materials. One thing unique to our classes are that so many are collabs with other professionals. One of the biggest misconceptions in the music industry is that there is only one path to success. But there are infinite possibilities, and I want people to hear diverse stories and perspectives.
We are also just launched TMI Music, a boutique record label based on partnerships and transparency.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Consistency. Growth is not always linear- but growth also can’t happen without repeatedly doing something. There are so few people who can stay consistent – and I don’t mean for days; I mean years!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tmimgmt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/managedbymandy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmimgmtgroup/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-kimlick-2bb154215/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MandyKimlick
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@managedbymandy
Image Credits
D.J. Muldowney
