Interview: Regis University Student Joseph Prather Joins Sonder Music Management as First-Ever Intern
It’s 2020 and things are weird. Coming into the year, I was so proud of the beautiful plans I had laid out - it was some of the best work I had ever done, and I couldn’t wait to see it in action. Then, after a rocket start to the year with back-to-back sold out shows - Float Like a Buffalo and Silver And Smoke both at The Bluebird - and a steller win for FLAB at the Summer Camp On The Road Tour Battle of the Bands, it all came crashing down. Cancelled tours, cancelled shows, cancelled, cancelled, cancelled. We made the best of it - even securing a Socially-Distanced Red Rocks show in October, but the outlook remained bleak. All of this is to say - I wasn’t even considering bringing on anyone to help with Sonder, much less an intern.
However, as much as 2020 was devastating, it was also inspiring. The opportunities I’ve had this year would never have come to fruition without the circumstances at hand. One of those opportunities was hiring an intern. Again, I didn’t actively seek this out by any means, but I just couldn’t say no when the perfect person popped into my inbox. Joseph sought me out, and on his own, sent me his resume and cover letter explaining why he wanted to work in music, and why he wanted to work with me specifically. A short phone conversation later, I knew I had found someone who just resonated with me. We have the same feelings and beliefs on the greatness and potential of Colorado music, the same passion for making music-driven experiences happen, and the same drive to work. AND we found out that we went to the same high school - good ‘ol Holy Family in Broomfield - a coincidence that just seems to keep happening (if you remember, Andy Sydow also attended). So, I’d like to introduce you all to the first-ever Sonder Music Management Intern: Joseph Prather.
Tell me a little about yourself.
I am a Junior at Regis University in Denver studying Marketing & Finance. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going to concerts (when they were around), watching my favorite musicians live stream concerts, and spending time outdoors.
What first got you interested in working in the music industry?
The feeling of joy I got from seeing my favorite artists live attracted me to the music industry. This feeling made me want to play a part in creating the amazing experiences I've had at shows for others.
What attracted you to Sonder Music Management?
There are two big things that attracted me to Sonder Music Management, the first being the location. I have lived in Colorado all 20 years of my life and I don’t want to leave any time soon. The second reason is how unique and diverse Colorados music scene is. On the Sonder website, Sarah said, “There is so much incredible talent here, and I truly believe that Denver is undergoing a sort of humanitarian revolution in the way of the Venetian Renaissance.” I really resonated with this because I wanted to work for a company that sees the potential in the massive pool of talent here and the possibility of a huge expansion of the music industry of Denver.
What are you most excited to learn during your internship?
I’m most excited to see the operations on the days of shows (when they return) because live shows are what drew me to the music industry in the first place. I’m also excited to learn about digital marketing in the music industry since I am a marketing major. I’m looking forward to taking these skills and using them to help a company manage their artists or manage my own artists one day.
What do you love about music?
Music would be nothing without the memories that come along with it. A lot of my favorite memories in life so far involve music in some way, shape, or form. The thing I love the most about music is the way we make all different kinds of experiences and memories with it - whether it’s a live show, listening to music with friends in a car, or just sitting out alone in nature listening to music and appreciating everything that's in front of us.
What’s your favorite Colorado music experience that you’ve had?
Who are your role models? Why?
My main role model is my Dad because he worked very hard to create his reality. I strive to be like this because he’s shown me that success and rewards come to those who chase after the success they seek, won’t quit until they have achieved their goals, and ignore the negative opinions of others.
I also appreciate the work Allen Klein did with The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. His fierce negotiation tactics created a lot of success and opportunities for both of the groups which I hope to do for artists one day.
What’s your favorite thing about Colorado?
My favorite thing about Colorado is that I can access everything I want in just a few hours. I live in Denver, so I get to experience the city. But I love that I can drive just 30 minutes to Boulder or an hour up into the mountains to escape the noise for a while and appreciate nature.
What’s your favorite thing about the Colorado music scene?
My favorite thing about the Colorado music scene is the venues. I think Colorado has some of the best venues in the world. Red Rocks is the best in my opinion, but even the smaller venues like the Ogden and Bluebird let fans have an intimate concert experience without feeling it feeling over crowded.
What is something you have learned or taken away from 2020 that you’ll apply to the rest of your life?
To not take anything for granted that I considered normal (Concerts, social gatherings, travel) because it can all be taken away or changed very quickly. I’ve now learned to appreciate everything more because I never know when things could change.
What’s something you never thought you’d miss until Covid took it away?
Covid took away a lot of things I loved but one thing I never thought I miss is Costco’s food samples.
Which venue are you most excited to go to a show at when things return to normal?
Red Rocks without a doubt.