Lara chats with Saidah Blount, an NYC-based music curator with over 20 years of experience in music journalism, brand activation, and much more, currently working as Executive Producer for Sonos Radio.
Show Notes
Saidah Blount moved to NYC to study Political Science but soon realised music was really the industry she wanted to work in. Starting out as a music journalist, working for and with the first few web 2.0 agencies, Saidah experienced the glorious New York musical scene; think anything from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Strokes to LCD Soundsystem and Rich Medina - she was there and yes, it was fun! Saidah landed a few amazing jobs, including the ones at The Fader and NPR, where she was able to work with some of the biggest artists around. Now at Sonos Radio as Executive Producer, Saidah spends a lot of time researching and listening to new music, while working with her 'killer' team curating amazing radio shows.
In the interview, Saidah talked about her career, from the beginning up to where it is today, and also touched on important issues such as ageism in the music industry. Last but not least, Saidah shared a few tips on how to turn your playlist curator art into a sustainable career and also on where to find new music - beyond the Spotify algorithm.
What is Sounds Like These by ICMP London?
Sounds Like These is an informal, insightful, and inspiring conversation with a variety of music industry professionals: from songwriters, producers, composers, and session players to people working in music for film, TV, and games, record labels, PRs, music charities, and more. Discussing their careers, showbiz anecdotes, as well as matters of equality, diversity, and inclusion in the music business and beyond, with a common denominator at heart: their devotion to music.