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Katie RentfroGeneral Manager katie@magnoliared.com |
What is one of your earliest memories of music?
My parents instilled their own love of music in me at a young age. One of my fondest memories would be the six hour trek from Dallas to Missouri to see family. My dad, brother, and I would listen to various classic rock tape mixes my dad would make. My dad would quiz me on the meanings of the songs (anything from “Wild World” by Cat Stevens to “Just One Victory” by Todd Rundgren). He always emphasized the stories behind them – and I loved that. Growing up, I also couldn’t be bothered to do my chores unless I was listening to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” or Queen’s “Greatest Hits” on vinyl. Or I’d listen to Aerosmiths “Big Ones” on my Walkman. I needed all the motivation I could get.
Who are some of your favorite artists and why?
There are many artists I love including Barcelona, Wakey!Wakey!, Queen, Joshua Radin, Coldplay, Priscilla Ahn, James Morrison & Missy Higgins. But currently, my two favorite artists are Greg Laswell and Ingrid Michaelson. I don’t know that an entire album has ever moved me like Laswell’s “Three Flights from Alto Nido.” His songs evoke so much emotion—and while they are extremely painful, I think the ability to make something beautiful in the midst of pain is one of the most hopeful messages music can offer. Ingrid is quirky and also extremely deep in her lyrics. The first time I heard “The Chain,” I put it on repeat for an hour. There was something so haunting and mesmerizing about the message and melody.
How did you get into the music business?
I honestly stumbled into it, which I know is not what I’m “supposed” to say. I am fortunate to have a good friend who wanted me to join in this crazy journey and asked me to step onboard with what he (Jeffery) and a friend (Kent) were working on. So, in June 2009, I joined the team, not knowing how much I’d love it. I was mostly helping with any tasks at the beginning. That turned into more of a focus on artist management as well as any of those tasks needing to be accomplished. All through school and college, I was involved in music performance – so music has always been a passion. Being able to do the business portion of it is a combination of two things I love most: organization and music.
Three things you can’t live without?
My pen bag, PG Tips black tea with milk & Splenda, and my Dwight Bobble Head.
Favorite rodent or marsupial?
This is a difficult question to answer. I had all kinds of rodents for pets growing up…a ferret, guinea pig, and lots of hamsters. But I’d have to say Koalas because they sleep for 23 hours a day and are angry for the one hour they’re awake. I aspire to be so amazing one day.