Rob Carroll has clearly used his time valuably throughout lockdown, thinking creatively of how a project could thrive in this world of uncertainty. Artist services agency, Good Intent, joined forces with event management company, Bingo Loco, to launch a brand-new photography and videography studio in Marrickville, Sydney called Good Loco. Rob, the director of Good Intent and Good Loco, shares that the motivation behind this new project, is to create “an inclusive and affordable space for hire, where artists and many others can create meaningful and engaging content.” The studio is also fully equipped with a diverse range of cameras and lighting gear, fitted out with a make-up and dressing room, includes a vocal booth, props on standby, bathroom, kitchen, bar and green room with recreational facilities. Rob has given us a rundown of what a week in his life looks like as a director of two music industry companies, and also provides helpful advice about how to get your foot in the door.
A job description in your own words
I’m the Managing Director of Sydney-based Artist Services Agency ‘Good Intent’ and Photography and Videography Studio ‘Good Loco’. My roles within each company span across general business management and development, planning, sales, budgeting, accounting and team training.
In terms of more specific descriptions for each role, at Good Intent I largely work across artist management, A&R, marketing, PR and label services. At Good Loco, I assist working across bookings, marketing, PR and identity treatment for the space.
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A brief daily journal over a week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
It changes frequently day-to-day, so I manage my tasks based on the time sensitivity of them.
A standard week will usually see me trying to keep on top of my inbox, catch up with my management clients for planning, strategy, budgeting, updates, and helping facilitate their writing and recording schedule. I also handle business development across all our divisions (management, PR, playlist pitching and label services), team training and development, mapping out strategies and overseeing campaigns for our PR / playlist clients, A&R, invoicing, accounts payable / receivables, payroll, reconciliation, inbound sales enquires and sometimes I’ll jump back on the tools and do some day-to-day action on our PR campaigns. On the odd chance I have some time, I try to put together a few memes for Bootleg Rascal and their socials and shit posting group.
Challenges and accomplishments in your week
The biggest challenge that comes to mind is just having enough time to do everything that’s required. I’m very fortunate that I have a very dedicated team who are constantly stepping it up and taking on more responsibilities, so hopefully that will continue to free up my time and headspace to be a more effective leader and keep putting energy into new endeavours.
The accomplishments I thrive off the most are seeing artists and the team hit big milestones. It’s nice when people’s hard work is rewarded with solid wins.
Highlights of the week (pros of the job)
I really love developing things, whether it’s people, artists or services. I think the satisfaction comes from seeing something special in these people/opportunities early on and then being able to refine that potential value, share it with the world and see it all work to benefit others.
Lowlights of the week (cons of the job)
I guess all the administrative and accounting work can get really boring for me. I look forward to the day when I have people to do the majority of the heavy lifting there and I can just selfishly focus on all the fun things.
Words of wisdom for people considering a job in your field
Get out there and create your own opportunities. If someone reaches out to me offering to intern and tick all the boxes of what I believe to be an asset to the team, I’ll give them a run. If they respect the opportunity by working hard and adding value to our operations, then I usually end up giving them a job. There are a lot of shysters out there though, so be careful of what opportunities you do choose to take on. Always best to do a bit of research and ask around the scene for good companies to try to get a foot in the door with. We have an amazing culture at Good Intent and Good Loco that I’m very proud of.
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