10 Questions with ... Brian Schechter

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started super young and in a super fun way. I left school at an age that I was not legally supposed to do so. I did a couple of years in vans with punk-rock bands around the Midwest and Southeast. From there I picked up with some more established acts that were opening for larger acts. I would help the "headliners" load their trucks at the end of the night in exchange for some internet usage and some extra touring perks. This led to a Tour Manager allowing me watch him settle some shows. He taught me what he could and then I became a Tour Manager.

Along the way, I found myself pretty frustrated with some of the managers that were around. So I read some books, asked a bunch of questions and searched for a band to manage on my own. When I found the one, I stayed on the road for another year and then jumped into full-time management in 2003.

I had so many people mentor and help me along the way, and I am forever indebted to them. I won't drop those names here, but they should hopefully know who they are and feel appreciated. When I came back in to management in 2016, I vowed to make sure to pay that forward the best I can and will continue to do that.

1. How did you become interested in the record business?

At a very young age, I knew I wanted to be on the business side of the Music Business. At 13 years old I was a local rep for Ritual Productions in Detroit. I would hand out show flier in exchange for free tickets to shows at St. Andrew's Hall / The Shelter / etc. There was something about it that gave me a feeling I couldn't get anywhere else.

2. You first started Riot Squad Management over 15 years ago. Give us the 411 on the artists you have worked with over the years.

I started out as a guitar tech at a super young age. Sponge was the first "National" act I worked with. I moved through the ranks there and ended up as a Tour Manager prior to making the jump to management full-time in 2003. The very first riot squad artist was a band from New Jersey named My Chemical Romance. From there I picked up Circa Survive and we continued to build the company while picking up different artists along the way. I pseudo-retired in 2008 to come back in 2016.

3. Let's flash forward. You have a brand new record from Silent Rival that is going to really surprise people at Alt Radio. Tell us about how this L.A. band has been evolving?

Silent Rival is a really special project that we have had some peaks and valleys with. This record, including the first single "Sleep Like A Baby", is definitely going to throw a curve-ball at anyone that is familiar with the past work. Sara Coda has truly found the place that she is comfortable and happy in. I think the earlier releases were maybe a reaction to a certain freedom and "young angst." This new record is definitely artistry. Working with the producer duo Heavy (lovelytheband "Maybe, I'm Afraid") in LA for a few months, these songs are just a pure result of everyone involved pushing themselves to be their best and leave the rest behind.

4. What's the back story on how you discovered Silent Rival and fell in love with the band?

It's a strange story that actually involves Craigslist and a cold email. It was a different band at that time called "Los Angelics". I somehow ended up hearing the tracks and really liked them. I fell in love with them simply based on their passion and songs. And Sara is so amazing to collaborate with on the professional and creative side.

5. Where do you get the great pleasure working with a brand new artist?

I am a glutton for pain and suffering. However, I love this process much more. It is much more emotionally rewarding when it happens. Breaking new artists is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. That's the satisfying component. When it does start to work, and you see that first fan with the lyrics or logo tattooed on them, that feeling can't be replaced. Disclaimer: Arena Acts pay better.

6. How difficult is it to manage band expectations and emotions?

For me, it is 33% of the job: 1/3 Shrink, 1/3 Firefighter. 1/3 Foot Soldier. There are no guarantees in this business.

7. How would you describe your style as a band manager?

Honest. Sometimes brutally. I view our role as a profit-participation COO, whereas the artist is the CEO. At the end of the day it is their career, but that doesn't mean I should simply agree.

8. What is your favorite part of your job?

Watching artists overcome adversity and becoming who the world needs them to be. This doesn't happen with all of them, but when it does; my job is one of the best in the world.

A close second-place would be the ability to have a positive impact on lives. When I was 14 years old, Lars from Rancid wrote, "Rancid Punx" across the back of my shirt. To this day, it was one of the most meaningful things that could have happened to me at that point in my life. And that is what music is to me. Call me emo.

9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _______?

Wait for it...coffee.

10. What would surprise people the most about you?

That I enjoy gardening. That I am actually a teddy bear. That I care about music and the music business on a profound level. That I am responsible for more than my share of "Baby Shark" view counts on YouTube.

What are weekends like for you?

Hanging out with my daughter & wife. Tap Class, Ballet, Gymnastics, Soccer, Yogurtland, and Manhattan Beach Pier.

How has your life changed as new dad?

For me it is the coolest thing that has ever happened without a doubt. Hardest job in the world with the best paycheck ever.

What are your hobbies?

Since becoming a dad, that's about it. In my former life, I liked riding my motorcycle, skydiving and other things that are probably a bad idea at this point. Insurance.

Favorite places to go in L.A.?

I moved here 2005 to never step in an icy puddle again, so I really love the beach and the ocean. And North End Cafe in Manhattan Beach. Best breakfast in town. Get "The Zachary".

First record ever purchased?

N.W.A. "Straight Outta Compton" ****Cassette****

First concert?

Soul Asylum // Screaming Trees

Favorite band of all-time?

The Who & Jimmy Eat World

Anything else you would like to add?

It's going to be a very good year.