10 Questions with ... Scott Maness

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Once I learned there was a big and creative business to music, I knew I had to get onboard. Created a makeshift college rep position for myself at Rawkus Records. Landed a part time receptionist gig at a major label. Worked my way up through the Promotion ranks, markets and labels. Then, I expanded into Commercial Marketing/Streaming. From there, I opened a consulting business to help teams with white-glove marketing, streaming and promotion strategy.

1. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?

An architect or veterinarian.

2. What got you into the music business?

I grew up and went to high school in NYC. Hip-Hop was flourishing and most of the artists at that time were from the 5 boroughs. A lot of the music was NYC focused. I would see artists in the streets, stores, and clubs. I connected to the music. Not only was it my passion, but it was also a way of life. Art imitating life, or life imitating art?

I was able to take communication and marketing classes in college that allowed me to dive deeper into the craft. It was more than enjoyment - I was enthralled with music and how it affected youth culture. Even wrote a thesis paper on it. I knew I needed to jump into the business. I felt passionate to convert my fandom and consumerism into a contributor.

3. You worked many years at both Atlantic Records and at Def Jam.? What made those years of your professional life so special.

I got the rare and special opportunity to play a role in the music business. I learned from great leadership and distinguished corporate cultures. I met amazing people. And, aside from being lucky enough to work with/for some of my music idols (artists & executives), I was able to contribute to building a few of the industry's future stars!

Worth noting, I also feel very fortunate that I was knee deep in the business while it rode out one of its most dramatic evolutions, CDs to streams.

4. You've now opened a consultancy. What makes your consultancy, Forward Group, stand out?

A lot of music is breaking from the independent world. I've found that a few of these indie teams have benefited from some added strategy and 'best practices' consulting. Because I'm not a label or distribution with an abundance of releases, I'm able to dedicate more bandwidth. I can give more of myself and provide consistency. Plus, having the added freedom to choose my clients elevates my passion to another level! I feel my consulting is 'white glove', if you will.

5. What has made the opening and operation of Forward Group special to you and for you?

For the good or the bad, I get to do things my way. 100% of my energy is used to help clients and grow my company. It has been refreshing to move forward without extra noise and other people's personal agendas. Every client is so special and appreciated. I lead with my positive values, intention and intuition. Whenever in doubt, I just take the high road.

6. If you weren't in the business of music, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?

Still trying to figure that out.

7. You've lived and worked in both Los Angeles and New York. Should your current New York base indicate which coast you prefer?

There are things I love and dislike about both coasts. I was born and raised in Manhattan - I am NYC. However, LA is great! I prefer whichever coast serves me better, and right now it's the East Disclaimer - I also feel very fortunate that I'm near a lot of my family in New York.

8. What about outside of the music world? Who has been a big influence in your life?

Good question - I try to put my wife and kid first. When they're at the forefront of my mind, I tend to do the right thing.

9. Got any hobbies?

I try to live a healthy and active lifestyle. It's not as easy for me these days, but I can't wait to get on the mountain to go snowboarding this season.

10. If you had to eat one type of meal every day for a month, what would it be?

Does American count? I feel that's a little of everything. If there were no health consequences, Italian. But in a real-world scenario, Mediterranean.

You are alone and stuck on a deserted island. You have a shit-ton of batteries and a portable entertainment center featuring a DVD/CD player. You only have 3 movies and 3 albums for the next 3 months. What 3 movies and cds would you want on hand?

Tough one.

Movies: Matrix, Terminator 2, ….The Departed. I really love all types of movies, but action films are easy to watch on repeat.

CDs: A Tribe Called Quest "Low End Theory", Bob Marley "Exodus" and Led Zeppelin "IV".