How Live Music Shaped My Career with Samantha Rinaldi
For as long as I can remember, live music has been an integral part of my life.
I attended my first ever concert when I was just five years old, going to see the Best of Both Worlds Tour with Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana in 2007. I don’t remember much from that show, but I do remember the feeling of being in an atmosphere surrounded by screaming fans and seeing some of my favourite songs at the time being performed live right in front of me.
Fast forward a couple of years, my Mom, sister, friends, and I made the trip to Hershey Park Stadium to see One Direction during their Take Me Home Tour in 2013. We were in the last row of the last section of the stadium, but I didn’t care one bit. Just to be in that same atmosphere and have those same feelings I had back in 2007 brought me right back to that sense of wonder and excitement. I was introduced to the band, 5 Seconds of Summer, that day and I owe my love for live music to them. I was captivated by the energy and magic that unfolded on stage, and little did I know that that early fascination was to blossom into a lifelong goal – to one day work behind the scenes and contribute to that same experience for others.
My four years spent at Rowan University opened me up to a world of possibilities within the music industry. I realised that my true passion wasn’t just being a fan of live music – it was being a part of the process that brings those magical moments to life. Throughout college, I immersed myself in opportunities that aligned with this passion.
I was Head of Touring and Artist Relations at my school’s record label, booked and produced several shows in the South Jersey and Philly areas for local artists, and dove into social media marketing by running a 5SOS HQ account with my friends. I also landed a remote digital marketing internship with a small club venue in Atlantic City, NJ called Anchor Rock Club. During my senior year, I co-founded an annual music festival, MainStreet Music and Arts Festival, where I acted as A&R and Talent Manager. Producing a music festival from start to finish solidified my love for working in the live music industry, as it allowed me to see firsthand how all the moving parts – booking talent, managing logistics, marketing, and creating a memorable fan experience – come together to create something truly special.
Those years at Rowan weren’t just about learning theory; they were about hands-on experience and developing the skills I’d need to make my dream of working in touring a reality.
I owe a lot of my drive and determination to my once professor, now mentor and friend, Steve Feinberg. Steve not only taught me the ins and outs of the music business but also pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and seize every opportunity I could. He taught me the importance of building strong relationships and understanding the hustle that goes into every aspect of live shows. His guidance helped me realise that I wanted to pursue a career in touring, and his faith in me made me realise that I could turn that dream into a reality. Finding someone who can be your mentor, like Steve, is truly special – it’s rare to come across someone who not only believes in your potential but actively helps you cultivate it. Having someone like that in your corner makes all the difference when you’re navigating the ups and downs of the music industry.
After graduating, I moved back home and started working at a local restaurant while applying for music industry jobs. News flash: job searching is tough. The amount of “Thank you for applying, I regret to inform you…”, “Your resume is impressive, however, we decided to go with another candidate…”, and “Hold off on doing more work for this event, it might get canceled…” emails I have received could fill a small novel. It’s discouraging at times, but I keep reminding myself that persistence is key.
Work ethic and networking, I think, are the two most important things to focus on if you want to make it in the music industry. I noticed that talent will get you recognised, but it’s your work ethic that keeps you in the game and your ability to network that opens doors to new opportunities.
This industry thrives on relationships – who you know, how well you connect with others, and how willing you are to go above and beyond in every role you take on. In a field as competitive as music, I believe that mastering both is the key to long-term success.
Through building my resume and networking with the right people, I was able to land freelance VIP Assistant gigs for Green Day and The Smashing Pumpkins, and LIVE, with more exciting opportunities on the horizon. My experience and connections also led me to work as a Talent Escort at the 2024 MTV VMAs, which was an incredible chance to be part of such a high-profile event. These roles didn’t come by chance, as they were the result of years of building relationships, staying persistent, and proving my dedication in every job I took.
Each opportunity has brought me one step closer to my ultimate goal of becoming a Tour or VIP Manager, and I’m excited for what’s next as I continue to grow in this fast-paced industry.
As I look back on my journey, it’s clear that every step (no matter how small) has shaped the path I am on today. From those early concerts that sparked my love for live music to the hands-on experiences that solidified that spark, each moment has been a learning opportunity. I’ve faced challenges, but they’ve only fueled my determination to succeed in an industry that I truly love. With every opportunity I land, every relationship I build, and every lesson I learn, I am one step closer to my dream of working on a tour, ensuring that others can experience the magic of live music the same way I did and continue to do so. The road ahead may be unpredictable, but I’m ready for the ride.
