By David Weiner
The multi-talented Beth Winer has managed top alternative bands in the music industry including Urge Overkill, Combustible Edison, Imperial Teen, Ultrababyfat, and even King Missile (stepping in briefly as an interim manager).
She also happens to be my sister!
Beth has always had an incredible ear for great music and burgeoning talent; she has thousands of interesting stories to tell, and so I thought it would be fun to interview her about her music industry experiences — connecting the dots from young music enthusiast (going back to the ’70s when she worshipped The Bay City Rollers!) to her circuitous path turning her passion into a successful career amid her music idols, all the while living the glam life she first coveted in the pages of People and Tiger Beat.
In the ’80s, the Northwestern grad first interned with noted publicist (and Andy Warhol star) Susan Blond, whose Epic Records clients included Michael Jackson, Ozzy Osbourne, Cyndi Lauper, Sade, Meat Loaf, The Clash, and Boston.
Beth then moved through positions in the music industry at Chrysalis Records (Promotion Coordinator), Wax Trax! Records (National Head of Marketing) and Atlantic Records (Regional Midwest Alternative Marketing Rep) before forming Beth Winer Management.
Navigating the shark-infested waters of the music business in the ’90s, when grunge was king and record labels were hungry to sign the next alternative band that could be the next Nirvana or Pearl Jam, Beth worked hard to establish herself as a reputable, top-level manager, singled out in Crain’s Chicago Business coveted 40 Under 40 and invited to music industry panels such as SXSW in Austin, TX.
The multi-platinum record for the Pulp Fiction soundtrack featuring Urge Overkill’s “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon” hanging on the wall behind her during our interview also makes quite a statement.
In the 2000s, Beth detoured into the burlesque scene, establishing her Dominique Trixx persona with Michelle L’Amour’s Chicago Starlets, ultimately winning the prize for Best Burlesque Group at the 2010 Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas.
Not bad for a self-described bon vivant!
Watch the fun interview on YouTube, or listen to our conversation as a podcast on Apple or Spotify:
______________________________________________________________________________
Writing and maintaining IT CAME FROM… is a true labor of love. Please consider showing your appreciation and helping to keep the site ad free and free for all (no paywalls) by donating a couple bucks with BUY ME A COFFEE. It’s quick and easy!
IT CAME FROM... 