Meet Mike Doose, a senior at Columbia College Chicago in the Business & Entrepreneurship department majoring in Music Business Management. He currently manages an indie/folk duo called The Just Luckies. He also is a music publicity intern at Western Publicity, and has been since May 2014. There, his biggest responsibility was being one of the members of the Riot Fest press team. Here on campus, Mike is one of two project managers for the rock division of AEMMP Records, Columbia’s student-run record label.

We had a chance to talk with Mike about how he got started managing artists, his goals and dreams, and how he feels the Business & Entrepreneurship department will further enhance growth within his future career path.

How did you get involved in managing artists?

Mike Doose: “I played guitar in a pop punk band in high school. We became popular back in the heyday of MySpace. I essentially was our manager, along with our lead singer. We figured out how to work social media, book ourselves shows all around the Chicago area, and eventually we were getting asked to play shows in Milwaukee or small town festivals in rural parts of Illinois.

My high school band no longer exists, but I still play gigs around Chicago now and then, either solo or with musician friends. That’s how I met Shea Briggs and KC Weldon of The Just Luckies. We were on a lineup together, and after their set we got to talking. It turned out Shea was a Columbia student in Live & Performing Arts Management. I loved the way they sounded and their stage presence was quirky and unique. I asked if I could help them out in any way, and before I knew it I was their manager. That was back in February, and since then I’ve helped them record and release a 4-song EP, play shows at The Abbey Pub and House of Blues, and we’re starting to book a Midwest/Southern US tour for next summer. Later this semester they will be featured on a split EP, alongside The Papers, released by Columbia’s own AEMMP Records.”

Where do you see yourself in five years, as it pertains to your future career goals?

Mike Doose: “In an upper-level position at a management company or at a record label, but honestly as long as I’m enjoying what I do and am able to support myself, I’ll be happy.”

How would you describe your dream job?

Mike Doose: “I would love to run my own artist services company. These days in this industry, you need to be a jack-of-all-trades. Ideally, my company would provide management, publicity, marketing, and possibly even booking.”

Why did you choose Columbia’s Business & Entrepreneurship department, and how do you think this program will create personal growth within your career?

Mike Doose: “What drew me most to Columbia actually was the AEMMP program, specifically the record label practicum. Getting to do what real record labels do, while still in school is awesome. Going down to Austin for SXSW and putting on our own showcase was also amazing. You can’t beat hands-on experience, and I feel like Columbia does a phenomenal job of giving you that, no matter what you’re studying.”