Shiny Entertainment's Stav has 3 tips for industry wannabes 1. Write 2. The 3. Songs ...

Stav got his break with Phantom Records and then set up seminal indie label and retailer Waterfront and later Fellaheen.  

In 2004 Shiny Entertainment was born to help put artists like Children Collide, Dead Letter Circus and British India into the spotlight. 

Check out his Sound Advice. 

Job Description…

A bit of this and a bit of that really. I'm here to help the artists I work with get seen and heard in the public sector...whether via my work direct with the media, or through the sharing of knowledge, advice and consultancy with the artists.

1st Album (bought or given)…

24 Solid Hits By 24 Solid Artists...it was a K-Tel compilation.  Pretty much every one of those tracks was a winner too!

1st Gig…

Elton John at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, 1971. The first band was a local psych/prog/rock band called Melissa, and then Asleep At The Wheel - it was a weird line-up.

Years In Industry…

About 34

Early Influences (musical or other)…

The Beatles is where it all started for me. From there it was a downhill drive into the pits of addiction. I still want to hear it all.

Have you had or do you have a mentor…

Not really anyone in particular. But I have had the opportunity to both meet, and work with and for some incredibly inspiring people that have helped me immensely.

First industry experiences: recording and performing live…

Not applicable...but I wasn't a bad touch footy player.

How do you break into the Industry…

I answered a job in "On The Street" (the pre-cursor to Drum Media in Sydney) to work at Phantom Records. I was incredibly lucky, and scored the job. Phantom was a massively influential player in the early days of Australian independent music.

Legal Advice: when is the right time to get it & what are you looking for…

I waited until I got screwed by a band. I then went to the solicitor that screwed me, paid him to write me one of them contract things and then proceeded to screw and not be screwed. The earlier the better is the moral to that story.

Management: they find you or you find them…

Whatever feels good.

Indie or Major: preference & how do you get that first recording deal…

Indie is my preference. Recording deal? Do you really need one of those? They'll only ruin your life.

Booking Agent: do it yourself or how do you get one…

Booking agent eventually, or at least someone to do it for you. If you're a musician, write and perform music, let someone else do the other stuff.

Touring: how do you build your fan base and most memorable 'on the road' moment so far…

Hire me.

Media: how do you find your audience - traditional, social or both…

Hire me.

O/S: When is the right time to go & how do you fund it…

After you conquer the colonies dear boy! Look in your own backyard first I say.

Career High…

Getting my job at Phantom.

Career Low…

Working as the Modular label manager at EMI about ten years ago.

Rockstar Moment…

1971 Rugby League Grand Final. I was there.

Top 3 Sound Advice Tips for new artist's trying to break into the industry…

1. Write

2. The

3. Songs

What are you currently working on…

Split Seconds, Set Sail, Owl Eyes, Stonefield, Calling All Cars, Strangers, Tijuana Cartel, Dune Rats...

Last recorded music bought (paid or complimentary & what delivery format)…

Japan "A Quiet Life" album...David Sylvian. Lovely stuff.

Last Gig (paid or 'on the door')…

I can't remember.

 

Finally, what job would you be doing if it wasn't for music…

I'd love to work with the South Sydney District Rugby League Football Club...the Rabbitohs! Really!!

For the record (the plug):

Check out the people we work with on our site. They are all exceptionally talented young boys and girls...and Split Seconds will be releasing the best Australian album of 2012. You heard it here first!