Brittany Hagerty: Tour/Merch Mgmt, Journalism, Plus More!
Introduce yourself to us! What do you do in the industry? Where are you from?
Hello friends! I am Brittany Lee, an intuitive healer and transformational coach from Boston, MA who has been living in LA for 10 years!. I have a long background in the music industry for the last 16 years from tour management/merch management, music journalism, director of operations, modeling & acting, PA, and the list goes on!
How did you get your start in the industry, and how long have you been in the industry?
I started my journey in the music industry at the young age of 15 where I started a music journalism site with two friends called Beat The Scene. I have always been a lover of music since I was born, I have had a wildly imaginative and go getter mind, and that just blasted me off to the unknown of this journey. I now have been working in the industry in some form for 16 years!!
When did you know being in the business is what you wanted to do? Was there a specific moment where you were like “oh god, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life”?
I have to say that at 7 I went to a Hanson concert and my mom had to peel me away even after it ended because never in my life had I felt what I felt being in the crowd...i was BLOWN away and I swear that is the say my heart fell in love with that world. I do remember watching Steven’s Untitled Rock Show on FUSE back in like 2004 at age 14 saying...not only do I want to get to know the artists behind my fav music by interviewing like he does, but I want to be on the road and be IN IT.
Is there anything you struggled with (or even still do struggle with) being in the industry?
As a woman it was so hard to be taken seriously in some sense, so I knew getting a degree in Entertainment Management was important for me, even though I was already touring by 17 and knew I had it in me. It was hard because some people do take advantage of the dynamic and felt excited to be involved in it for the “wrong” reasons so sadly an industry run heavily by men meant that as women even other women, higher ups and even the bands themselves had a negative connotation that all women wanting to tour just want to “hook up with the bands” which is word for word things I was told. I now have gained more confidence and a very strong reputation through the years so I do not face that judgement or need to “prove myself and my worth” anymore but it surely was something that happened for MANY YEARS.
What is the best part of your job? Why?
The best part of my job currently is getting to hold space, guide and mirror some of my favorite talented humans. My goal is to keep being a light and trusted source for my friends, strangers and fellow creatives in the industry from ALL titles and roles. It is so beautiful to be someone who can get intimate emotionally and spiritually with people who tend to not get to open up or really be SEEN for who they REALLY are. Human connection, empathy and support has been a strong force of mine since I can remember so to get to apply these character traits to my area of “work and service” has been the greatest blessing of all.
What do you aim to be known for in your career?
I want to just be continuously known as someone who showed up to mirror back the best parts of everyone I come in contact with. I want to be at the forefront of helping artists, musicians, creatives, and people of high profile status come back home to their authenticity, joy, truth, and purpose so that they can then shine that out to the world.
Any interesting projects you are working on now?
I just launched a 12 week coaching program called ‘I AM...’ which is a program that allows my clients to work with me 1:1 to help give them the tools, accountability, and guidance to live they life they truly desire while deflating their ago and expanding their worth. I plan to expand this to larger group programs in Jan!
This is all in alignment with my already existing virtual and in person workshops, ceremonies, and 1:1 healing sessions!
You have worked in many different areas of the industry (merch, tour mgmt., etc.), do you find yourself gravitating towards one area more than the other?
I truly loved tour management and management because again I ADORE human connection, celebrating people’s wins with them, being a beacon of support, and getting to co-create together! So all of my roles have encompassed layers of that service within it!
Throughout this pandemic, we've seen many people pick up freelance work. For those who are new, what are some of your tips?
FIND YOUR JOY! Go inward and really FEEL what it is you have been desiring in your CORE. What did you love to do for PLAY as a child? What brings you absolutely pleasure, what do you gravitate to when you have “free time”? What does success mean to you? Do you have blockages around abundance and self worth?
Answer those questions and then sit with it all, declare your worth, desires and let your curiosity take you where you need to go. It is a time of great growth and freedom and honestly your only job here is to find happiness with WHO YOU ARE. Be a creator of your reality and bring that special unique sauce to the rest of the world in ANY way possible. If there is no road...pave one.
Is there someone who you consider as your mentor in the industry?
I have always looked up to Lisa Brownlee when it comes to a badass touring female who has stood true to her vision, her worth, her power and strength. She is a super charged spiritual force. I have been blessed to get to know her on a deep level but even just in regards to work and the entertainment industry...I APPLAUD HER! <3
What advice do you have for women who want to get their start in the music industry?
I would say just remember why you are being called to your role, this industry and what it is you truly feel passionate about. Remember your worth and never FOLD...HOLD at your price, stand your ground and NEVER fear that a man can take anything from you. It is a MAJOR common story of women feeling pressured into things, getting blackmailed, feeling inferior or even being verbally or physically assaulted so if you do ever feel this..do not be afraid to stand up for yourself or seek guidance from fellow women...no job is worth risking your safety or respect. I am also here if you need to speak to someone in a safe space.
How did you decide to dig into the wellness of touring musicians? Can you explain more about what you do for that?
On the road I would try to eat the best I could at times but truly was finding myself making a TON of unhealthy choices from drugs, alcohol, crappy cheap food, sugar filled drinks and so on. I was not sleeping enough, I felt drained, I felt everyone’s energy around me and I felt lost at times. I realized how common this was for everyone on the road as we do not have the usual routines or living environments as most do...we lack mental health resources or even the space to relax our minds. I wanted to make sure that even if nothing else changed externally, people on the road and in fast paced lifestyles could have me as a resource to at least quiet, heal, and enhance their inner environment. I can provide guidance virtually, in person on the road, or at home for people. I help get their mind, body, and soul connection established and help them create a healthy routine filled with resources, accountability, and responsibility toward their desires and goals.
What do you think is the most important thing about wellness that musicians and crew tend to forget or not prioritize?
Mental, physical and emotional health. It is a lack across the board within tour world, we are go go go and sometimes the only time you have to yourself in your own energy is in a shower and even that can be rushed.
Can you dig deeper into your tarot readings? How did you get started with that, and what made you bring in to the industry?
I started doing tarot for myself back in 2013 because tarot/psychic abilities and intuitive healing runs in my bloodline. I realized how valuable it was to me and my life so then I started offering it to friends and clients around 2016. I have done sessions on artists, crew, friends, family, strangers and so on. I think I have done about 200 sessions by now! It is such a good tool for clarity, guidance and intuitive expansion on both ends. It is a FUN tool for me to positively align and connect my clients back to themselves and realize they have the power to reach their goals and stop living in their fears and start listening to their inner guidance system.
Have you ever been turned down or not taken seriously because you were a female in the industry? What did you do when put into that position?
I have had many situations where I was told I could not get re-hired because I was a female and they are doing a “no girls on the road” rule. I have been told i am “too pretty” and it could be a risk. I have been told that the “dudes may catch feelings or something and our girls don't like the idea” I was pretty much blackmailed at one point from someone i trusted because I would not hook up with him and wanted to keep my reputation clear. I have sadly kept quiet on a lot of it as I was young and scared to lose all I worked on and honestly I was so heartbroken and beat down. I now feel so different and stand my ground as I know my worth and wish little me could of understood the things I know now...
This business is one of the most competitive industries to date. What are some ways young music entrepreneurs can stick out among other applicants?
There is NO ONE like YOU. The more you get to know, love, and embrace your unique and authentic self, the more you will SHINE. If your truth intimidates anyone, you are doing the right thing and DO NOT give up ever. Sometimes you do need to build trust and reputable work ethic but trust that the fire in you is LIT for a reason so the more you can show up as YOU and not be molded into what you think people want you to be...BOOM!!!!!
What are some of your other hobbies? What do you do in your free time (which we know can be very hard to find)?
I love to read, listen to Ram Dass and other mentors on Spotify, I love recording for my podcast, eating yummy food, and exploring in nature with my boyfriend!
Who is your all-time favorite artist?
THAT IS SO HARD. I swear I have a favorite in every genre..it also can change by my moods and chapters of my life in terms of consumption of their music or art.
What is something you can't live without?
Music and cuddles.
Go-to Karaoke song?
I LOVE anything from The Used and Paramore...i do LOVE Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
Tea or Coffee?
Superfood coffee
First concert you went to?
Hanson at age 7!!
What’s something that you always have on you?
My phone, something for my lips and my water bottle.
Who is your dream artist or band to work with?
Elvis because then he could to teach me how to dance, play guitar, we could eat his fav sandwiches and maybe just maybe he’d of been here longer!
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
I wake up, do my morning routine of meditation/journaling/breathwork/coffee, get to posting positivity on my socials, connect with friends and clients, take my calls and meetings, fast til 1/2pm and enjoy my Shakeology. Workout or stretch, have dinner with my boyfriend and then soak up whatever we called to do that allows me to connect with myself and wind down even more!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Happy, healthy, present, embracing motherhood and marriage, traveling, inspiring and writing or enjoying a best selling book i wrote :)
What do you hope to see done in the industry within the next few years?
I want to see more life coaches, mentors and mental health modalities required within the build out of ALL financial plans/offerings for artists, musicians, management and really anyone in fast paced industry based roles.
What are you most proud of?
My ability to move through challenging times with gratitude and the ability to make so much out of nothing but a dream or hope.
What saying do you live by?
How you do one thing is how you do everything.
Where can we follow you?
@brittycentxo on all platforms and reference my Linktree for ALL offerings or to book a FREE discovery call with me! https://linktr.ee/brittycentxo
Socials:
