One of the most rockin’ women I’ve ever had the pleasure to know, Kirby Amour was my first ever twitter girl crush. As you read this interview you’ll learn why!
Booking her first gig at 13 years old, the music industry runs in her veins. Kirby then founded her first company at the age of 18; a Rock N Roll party promotion company, Rock N Dolls that took the Lower East Side, New York by storm. In 2008 being frustrated with the state of the music industry that mostly took advantage of artists she went on to found one of the first fee based label services companies in the US, Everything Independent.
Kirby can also be found speaking at conferences such as NXNE, CMJ, and SXSW with fortitude and passion to engage and inspire artists to take their careers into their own hands, teaching her beautiful little girl the art of being yourself and giving back to her local community where she leads the relief effort after Hurricane Sandy destroyed most of Red Hook, Brooklyn.
Describe yourself…As if you were your very best friend/lover/secret admirer.
Kirby is a passionate, hard working, loving person who can sometimes be abrasive. Someone you want on your team, she gets shit done.
If your parents/teacher/god/whoever holds your sense of personal propriety in check was GONE (poof!) and there was no one to upset, offend or disappoint…..who would you become?
I wouldn’t become anyone or anything else, just stay me! To a fault over the years I’ve followed my heart. This led to a couple failed businesses, many broke days, and a few broken hearts but at the end of the day I followed my heart and did what I thought was right. It’s taken me a bit of time to learn how to think things through before making the jump as I become older.
Describe what you do to earn money.
I’ve been running my record label Everything Independent for 8 years now. We were one of the first labels to do fee based non percentage deals. Some of the industry doesn’t know what to do with us, and consider us a threat to the old music industry model.
What does this translate to daily? I spend 3/4th of my year on the road touring with some amazing magic people and frequenting music conferences and festivals. Right now I have two acts; blue grass hip-hop pioneers Gangstagrass and pop rock super heros Star & Micey.
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I work on everything with my acts from branding, marketing, and general management. I have one of the most special jobs in the world. I get to help amazing artists bring their music to the masses and have an incredible adventure each and every day. No two days are ever a like for me as I travel the world listening to some of the most special live music. A week doesn’t pass where I don’t send thanks out into the world for being able to do this.
What is the best business and or life advice you have ever learnt?
Bad news over no news. Don’t undercharge for what you’re worth. And if you’re doing something worth while in the world you’re almost guaranteed to be pissing someone off.
What’s your biggest fear? How do you over come it?
Getting to know my true self has been the most difficult venture. For a long time I tried to deny who I am and what makes me truly happy. Being so lost for a bit of time there was really difficult. For me to be truly happy and a nice soul I had to except the fact what makes me happy is not a traditional lifestyle. I had to except myself then shed the negativity that had built up for so many years. I’m happy to be back on the right path.
Relaxation is….
Great love making.
What are you freakishly good at?
I have a very good gut. My intuition is dead on most times when I trust it.
What do you geek out about?
Where technology and music meet.
Creativity in your life is….
Brainstorming marketing tactics. I’ve tried a lot of crazy things over the years some have worked, others not so much. I’m always up for trying the crazy out of the box ideas.
What do you want to be known for?
For making positive changes in the music industry for artists. The business industry has historically taken advantage of the artist and it’s time to change that. I want to inspire and empower these magical creators to take a hold of their careers and art.
What do you value in your partner?
Strong communication skills. Someone who is willing to grow even when it’s painful. And an excellent sex drive.
Tell me something that will shock me…
I proudly identify as a groupie. I believe people are born to create music and other are born to inspire it. Live the life you were born to live proudly!
Describe your relationship with money…
I use to really struggle deeply with money. Charging what I’m worth was a very big struggle for me to overcome. I’ve gotten better. As for personal money management…I live in one of the most expensive cities in the world and will forever be working on getting that part of my life under control.
If you had a year to yourself with a ridiculous amount of money, how would you spend it? The time? And the money?
I would buy various properties, create an artists retreat I’ve been dreaming about for years, and put every last cent away for my daughter and her future.
Describe the last time you remember feeling happy…
Sitting here in this dark bar somewhere in Texas writing this now as I watch my new band have fun on stage.
What is your BIG DREAM? (Don’t be afraid to dream a little bigger darling!)
To find balance in my work, being a mom, and my passions. I love my life but often struggle with the balance of everything. It would be a dream come true to find a sweet spot.
What is your greatest regret?
Staying in a life and relationship for many years I knew wasn’t for me. I felt it in my bones but took way too long to make actual changes to get out.
What’s the one thing you’d change about the world?
I wish everyone would just be communicative. There’s nothing strong communication can’t fix. The world would be better place.
What is your primary spiritual practice?
Late night jams. There’s no more true connection to the spirit.