On Friday, October 14, Belmont hosted a Morris Family Mentor/Lecture Series in the Johnson Theater featuring Andrew Kautz, COO of Big Machine Label Group. Kautz shared his experience starting the independent label with BMLG CEO Scott Borchetta, the importance of curiosity in the industry and the value of music. Kautz is a 1991 music business alumnus.
Kautz shared that his career in the music business began while studying at Belmont with an internship at Emerald Studio. Started with mowing grass and making coffee, Kautz is now running a label.
He went on to say that when he and Borchetta started Big Machine, they were always curious and striving to learn more. By asking questions and cutting through red tape, the duo could get the job done. Kautz also said he and Borchetta did everything with a small business mentality. As a record label, their job is to help artists create their brand and encourage them to grow and learn, rather than change who they are.
Kautz also emphasized the value of music. He stated that as an industry, we’ve completely changed the mindset of the consumer. He advised students not to lose how much music means to them because of today’s ease of access.
Kautz concluded his time on campus advising students to stay curious and always be searching for more. He said that by doing something you love, you won’t work a day in your life. Kautz was introduced by Harry Chapman, Belmont’s director of special projects and major gifts.
