Noreen Prunier: A&R at Wide Eye Entertainment
Introduce yourself to us! What do you do in the industry? Where are you from?
Hi! My name is Noreen and I’m an A&R at a publishing/management company called Wide Eyed Entertainment. I’m from Long Island, NY originally!
How did you get your start in the industry, and how long have you been in the industry?
I got my start in the industry by wanting to be a songwriter myself. I started interning in music
publishing companies to be around other songwriters and then realized I was way better on the other side of the desk :) I’ve been in the industry now for five 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’ve always known I’ve wanted to be in music, I feel really grateful to have known what I’ve
always wanted to do. But I think the moment I realized I wanted to be a publisher was when I
started asking the questions of “who are you pitching that song to?” and “oh wow, who did you write that with?” I just would get so excited when a new demo would come in and I’d get to type up the lyrics, which most people would literally never want to do haha. But then also I knew I wanted to be a publisher because I realized there were doors opening for me, so I just went through them.
Is there anything you struggled with (or even still do struggle with) being in the industry?
I think I struggle with the huge pay discrepancies between peers of mine at other companies. I really encourage my friends and peers to talk about how much they make, even if it’s
uncomfortable because knowledge is power. Especially as females we are more willing to just
take what we are offered, but if we know what other people are making than we can level the
playing field.
What is the best part of your job? Why?
This is my favorite question because it’s so easy for me. The community side of publishing. I
love songwriters and publishers because we need each other to do our jobs effectively, and we can be encouraging of each other. I also love being a dot connector, I get to introduce one of my writers to hopefully their new favorite producer. Or help find that one song that an artist needs to break their career.
What qualities do you look for in an artist before making them one of your clients?
I look for a point of view and an individuality. But also someone who works hard, shows up on time, and someone who gets asked back to sessions. Also someone who wants to build a full, long career.
What was the transition like from working in the industry in Nashville to LA?
It’s similar in that it’s still publishing but different in so many ways.
Do you have any advice for women trying to transition to a different job in the industry?
I think just learn as much as possible about the aspect of the industry you’re trying to transition into. And then ask for as many intros as possible from friends to help you find any mentors or people that can vouch for you in that aspect of the industry.
Is there someone who you consider as your mentor in the industry?
Yes definitely, I have an amazing mentor in Beka Tischker, my current boss. She is just the best at what she does and everyone knows it :) So I’m lucky to be able to ask her questions and pick her brain for anything.
What advice do you have for women who want to get their start in the music industry?
Do as much research as you can beforehand to learn names and big concepts. Then be willing to ask a lot of questions. Find a mentor and start networking. Build genuine relationships, as well.
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’ve definitely been in rooms where I’ve felt like my voice didn’t matter as much because I was a female. I find that as women we try to wait for our turn to voice our opinion, but I think when I’m put in that situation I have to be even more assertive with what I need to say. I do it in a respectful manner, but women should have their voices heard in conversations since we are half the population :)
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 really got into hobbies during Covid because I realized I would just work then sleep haha. So I got really into playing tennis because a lot of music people play and also it’s a good Covid outdoor activity haha. Also starting taking surfing lessons and also Italian lessons :)
Who is your all-time favorite artist?
Oh my gosh this is so tough. The 1975 for sure.
What is something you can't live without?
My relationships.
Go-to Karaoke song?
“You’re So Vain” - Carly Simon
Tea or Coffee?
Coffee
First concert you went to?
Hillary Duff haha
What’s something that you always have on you?
Gum
Who is your dream artist or band to work with?
Coldplay.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
I listen to demos sent in by my writers, I send feedback and try to brainstorm ideas for who to pitch the song to. I meet with A&R’s at labels or managers to gain insight into what artists are needing records right now. Then I book sessions with other publishers or writers managers for my writers to hopefully get the best records possible for those artists :)
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Signing writers and producers. Building community in the industry. Being a bridge between
Nashville and LA pop worlds.
What do you hope to see done in the industry within the next few years?
Giving a piece of the master to songwriters.
What are you most proud of?
Building a community where writers can feel safe and heard, and meet new creators. Being
someone who follows through and responds quickly :)
Lastly, what saying do you live by?
Do the job you want to have before you’re getting paid for it :)
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