ACM Music Business Alumnus Joe Battimelli’s (2011-2013) musical background most likely mirrors that of many aspiring music professionals – start a band, think the band is going to be massive, band inevitably fails in becoming massive, band splits up, band members find new avenues into music or another calling in life.
During their lifespan, Joe’s band released two albums – their debut through the independent, Luton-based Basick Records, while their sophomore offering was released through Bandcamp.
The band’s loss however was the ACM Business School’s gain, but Joe is adamant that he wouldn’t change a thing and still misses the writing, recording and playing shows. ACM caught up with Joe to chat about what he’s been up to.
What motivated you to come and study at ACM?
I was first made aware of ACM when the band were still active, through an ex-student who has since gone on to forge great opportunities for himself and his band Sylosis. When my band split up I knew I still wanted to work in music and one of my closest friends, who was working towards his degree in music production at the time, suggested I looked into ACM’s Music Business course. It didn’t take long to realise it was something that I wanted to do.
What was the best part about studying at ACM?
I wouldn’t necessarily say there was one, ‘best’ part about studying at ACM but I can certainly say that learning from tutors with extremely current experience of the industry and views on where it is headed was an enormous positive for me. In addition, the importance of the Industry Link can never be underestimated. Getting to know the guys really aided my immediate career after leaving ACM and I can’t thank them enough.
Tell us about what you’ve been up to since leaving ACM?
During my final term of degree I founded an artist management company with a friend who is also studying music business (year below). We have taken on a band from Brighton called Birdskulls and are currently looking at another couple of artists to potentially add to our roster.
We both believe it’s extremely important not to rush into taking on too many bands at this early stage and we want to concentrate on furthering the careers of acts we really enjoy; spreading ourselves too thinly during the first 12 months of a project would be unproductive.
I’ve also recently begun interning at theAudience which is proving to be an incredible experience. Everyone at the company has made me feel extremely welcome and there is a great level of autonomy in the role considering it is an internship. I believe they’ve nailed it in terms of internship structure, the opportunity is creative and I’m constantly learning and honing my social media skills. I’m at theAudience for three months, which should take me up to the beginning of November; I’ll be disappointed if I’m not working full-time in the music industry by the New Year, at the latest.
What’s been your proudest moment/career highlights so far?
If I’m honest, it’s difficult to talk about a ‘career highlight’ as so far I’m still to achieve what I plan to in my career. I’m happy with the process of how I finished the degree course and seeing my band’s debut album on store shelves was, at the time, a great moment but I feel if I dwell on current or past achievements then I’m not going to get anywhere in life.
Do you have any advice or tips for our current ACM students?
If I was to give any advice to current students it would be to get to know your tutors and the Industry Link / BDC team. If you know your tutors well enough you will understand what they want from you in terms of commitment and end product. You can never do too much work at ACM and the opportunities that can arise from getting to know people are endless; more importantly they’re a FREE add-on. In my opinion, if you’re not putting yourself into your lecturers’ and the Industry Link’s consciousness, then you’re wasting some of the considerable opportunities that ACM offers.
ACM would like to thank Alumnus Joe Battimelli for getting back in touch to update us on his recent work and wish him the very best for the future.
For more information about Joe Battimelli follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
