In 2012, Nicholas Mishko launched 10 and 8 Management, a full-service, independent artist and band management agency. Before kicking things off on his own project, he worked at the legendary independent entertainment companies Abkco Music & Records, Inc., and Rock Ridge.
And if you’re wondering what 10 and 8 Management stands for, no, it’s not his hours of business, it’s his shoe sizes. Talk about getting a foot in the door!
I had the chance to sit down with one of the nicest guys in the industry and get a few questions answered about his company, finding new music, and how band managers do what they do.
First off, who are you and what do you do?
Hi, my name is Nicholas Mishko and I own 10 and 8 Management Agency. We are an artist and band management agency in the music business. I am the owner and also a band manager.
Where did you get your start in the industry?
In 2008, I got my first record label internship at Rock Ridge Music outside of New York City.
What’s your favorite and least favorite part about working in this industry?
My favorite part of the music business is that it changes every day. Every day I have different things to do and different people to talk to.
My least favorite part is that nothing is guaranteed in this business. You see your fair share of bands and artists quit when they just needed to stick it out a little bit longer.
I’ve heard you’re the nicest guy in music, how did that come about? Isn’t the industry known for being a bit… aggressive?
Ha! I love that. About nine years ago when I worked at ABKCO Records. One of their VPs pulled me into his office and said “Nicholas, you want to make it in this business? There are too many tough guy wanna-bes in this business. Just be that nice guy that everyone likes to work with and get results and you’ll be okay.”
From that moment, that has always been my motto and it has worked.
Who do you work with that you want to promote now? Who should music lovers be listening to?
Ah! I can’t just promote one! We have so many great bands. Check them all out at www.10and8management.com!
What mistakes do you see bands making these days that could be easily alleviated?
They think they can have success over night. They see a band go viral and think they can copy that formula and do the same thing. The problem is, if it was so easy everyone would be rock star.
Another mistake that bands make is thinking they can make it in the music business and not tour. Touring is a must. It is hard; you have to grind!
How do you set up tours? Is it more about as many stops as possible across the country? Building a fanbase in one area? Festivals?
We look at our band’s calendar and upcoming releases and plan around that. It is more about stopping in markets that have good draws and know where to build markets. Festivals are good, but if they have a built in market in the festival you can plan to have the tour around that festival.
How do you find new bands? Especially since 10 and 8 is based out of Ohio?
Most of our bands are sent to us from booking agents, promoters, or labels. We do accept submissions on our site, but a majority of our bands are through industry contacts. 99% of the music business is online so you can find bands anywhere.
What are you most proud of in your music career so far?
I am proud of how I started with one band and a laptop. Now we have 15 bands, a few from Europe, three people on the team, and a team of interns. I also have an office now. We have grown at a steady rate and continue to grow. That is what I am most proud of.
What’s your closing advice to anyone wanting to get into the music biz?
It is not easy. You will be told no hundreds of times a day. You cannot take no for an answer. If you know what you want, look at who is successful and use their career as an outline that you can grow and build on.
Thanks so much, Mishko!
