With offices and employees spread across the globe, sometimes it takes time to get to know everyone. In our series ‘What The #&@$ Do You Do?!’ (WTFDYD), The Orchard highlights Orchardites from all over the world to learn more about their role at The Orchard and experience working in the music industry.
Mitch, tell us about what the *&^# you do!
I’ve recently taken on a dual role as Senior Director of Label Management, and now also excited to be a part of The Orchard Content Acquisition team. Recently, I’ve been recognized as a Billboard R&B and Hip-Hop Power Player.
How does your role / department fit into The Orchard?
On the label management side we are the liaison between the labels and the various departments at The Orchard. I like to call our team the glue of it all. Anything that has to do with label interaction and The Orchard pretty much goes through the label management team. On the acquisition side, I’ll have a chance to discover new artists and scout labels and content creators for potential distribution.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is working with some great labels and great artists. I love seeing and being a part of the artist development process and assisting and creating movements. Also, meeting people you’ve been a fan of is a great perk. That happens a lot!
What’s a campaign/project you are proud to have worked on?
Being in distribution you get to be involved in a lot of projects, so for me there are many. I’m honored to say I was involved with artists from Joey Bada$$, G-Herbo, Run The Jewels and am currently working with R&B artists Mario, Mya, and Stokley. But the one that just popped into my mind was the time we positioned Lecrae’s album Anomaly album to go No. 1 across five Billboard charts the week it came out.
How did you first get started in the music industry?
While I don’t want to date myself, I started as a rapper who was looking for distribution for a 12-inch vinyl record I just recorded and pressed up. Back then there were a bunch of local music distributors who would put your records in record stores. Not only did I get distribution for the single, I ended up taking a job there. I’ve been in the game ever since! Some of my old tracks are available on the digital services under the artist name MC Mitchski.
What advice do you have for independent artists / those who want to break into the industry?
Be yourself and try to be different. Try to create your own lane. And don’t give up on yourself, because it could take years before you actually get your big break.
What artist have you been listening to on repeat lately?
I listen to a lot of catalog work. I also am always listening to all of the stuff that I’m involved in. My go-to music would have to be my “Yacht Rock” playlist. I know it sounds crazy but I really like Yacht Rock!
What’s your favorite thing about working at The Orchard?
The people. There are some great, smart people at The Orchard.
Favorite tradition at The Orchard?
Hands down – The Orchard holiday party. It’s a wild, fun, and crazy event every year!
How do you discover new music?
There’s so many ways to discover music these days. One day I might stumble upon something on YouTube. There’s tons of stuff breaking on TikTok. Sometimes friends will send me links. The opportunity for music discovery is limitless.
What’s something you’ve learned outside of work that helps you to be your best self at work?
Be yourself. You can talk to people who have known me for ten years, ten days or ten minutes. They will all have a similar story about me because I’m the same guy! Never change!
