← Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz
Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz
From 11-Year-Old Hustler to Forbes 30 Under 30: The Rise of Stephanie Agathis
01:07:16
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- [00:00]
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- [00:36]
Stephanie Agathis
It's now time for your weekly detox with Tom Schwartz.
- [00:44]
Tom Schwartz
Hello. How are you guys? Harmony check. How the f we feeling? You guys good? Yes. Last week if you listen to my episode with jt, which I did not anticipate on being so polarizing. He sold everything to retire in Indonesia. And while some people are off Ypres loving like JT and Bali, there are droves out there hustling, grinding it out, starting new jobs, new businesses, locked the fuck in, striving for greatness.
- [01:20]
Yeah.
- [01:20]
Today's guest, Stephanie Agatha, she's doing just that. She's absolutely dialed in and chasing the so called American dream, which I like to think is still alive and well. Although it seems a little bleak out there lately. I don't know, I just thought it'd be cool to zoom in to someone who is in hot pursuit of greatness. She's one of the lucky ones to know exactly what she wanted from a very young age. A one to kind. She's the embodiment of chutzpah, keeping the American dream alive in her very niche and alluring position in the music business which is changing rapidly. So yeah, this is like a little slice of her life. I thought you guys might, I don't know, like to hear a little bit about the music business too. Always been fascinated by that world. Seems pretty effing glamorous, at least on the surface. I know next to nothing about it. She's had some great mentors. Kenny Hamilton, who if you remember was foundational part of early jb, Justin Bieber's music career and he's worked with many other great artists. But yeah, she's thriving with purpose, Absolutely dialed in, undeterred by distractions, which is also a blessing for some like myself. At many points in my life I felt adrift. I didn't have a North Star. Innate true calling, many passions, lots of side quests. Or maybe you're just one of the millions of people with adhd you could only hope to match her flow state with something like a cup of Joe, triple espresso to go. Or maybe you just need something a little more hardcore. How about a zesty little sprinkle of amphetamines and Dexter Amphetamine salts? Ooh, now we are talking. How about something the DAA has listed as a Schedule 2 controlled substance. Ooh. Meaning it has a high potential for misuse and dependence, but also accepted as medical usage. Oh my God. Now we're talking. Maybe for this episode, let's try some Ambition tablets. A little CEO snack or CEO for this week's guest. You guys ever tried Adderall or Vyvanse, if you're not familiar? They boost two key brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine, which kind of help your brain stay alert, focused, organized. Think like Bradley Cooper and limitless. I personally am not prescribed, but I've dabbled a few times out of necessity. And listen, they work wonders, there's no doubt about it. But they can also lead to a dependency and sometimes you start young. A cascade of other psychotropic drugs to balance out. In my experience, there's a bit of a come down with Adderall. Kind of cranky towards the end, a little irritable, but yeah, they work. Listen, if you know, you know. Or maybe you want to try something a little more natural, a little more salt of the earth. Yeah, there's coffee, but it's just not doing the trick. Enter nootropics. I know you've heard this word. It's a buzzword. Very hot right now. They're essentially smart drugs or cognitive enhancers. They're substances that help you improve mental functions such as memory, attention, creativity, motivation. Yes, so there's homeopathic or this Rx, both considered neurotropics, which I guess is kind of an umbrella term for smart drugs. But yeah, I wanted to try some Vyvanse. I took a Vyvanse for my interview with Stephanie and while I'm recording this, I stumbled upon a random natural supplement on Instagram called Thesis, which is like an all natural neurotropic. And I said I'm not on any regularly scheduled ADHD medication. Probably have at least some version of it, but I took a Vyvanse. Yeah, before my interview with Stephanie and it was lovely. I was locked in, like laser focused.
- [05:39]
I don't know if you'll be able.
- [05:40]
To tell from the interview, but I wanted to try it and compare it against the Thesis, the natural supplement that I'm on right now, recording this. So it's been an hour and I took three tablets of thesis. It recommends two. I was on an empty stomach and yeah, I just feel kind of nice. I do feel a little bit more focused, but not like Adderall, which after you take it, you know you're on something. Like it's a cerebral and visceral uptake. The thesis was. Yeah, I just stumbled upon. It's like a nifty little nootropic. It has vitamin B6, Lion's mane, citicoline, panax, ginseng, 7, 8 dihydroxyflavone, which is like a naturally occurring molecule that acts as a brain booster by activating key neural survival pathways. Okay, that sounds pretty awesome.
- [06:34]
Yeah.
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Listen, I again, I feel pretty good, but I felt good when I woke up too. I mean, it's not as pronounced as our dear friends Adderall and Vyvanse, but it's still nice. I don't know how much is placebo effect, but I feel good. It's a decent little substitute for those looking for more of a natural boost to get focused. Anyways, Nootropics, there's a ton of them out there. Google it if you don't want to get a prescription for Adderall or Vyvanse. They're a decent substitute, but ain't nothing like the real thing, baby. At least so far. But yeah, I'll stop yapping. Let's have our chat with Stephanie Agathis. A youngblood, absolutely dialed in. She may be young, but she is professional in every way. She's only 22, but she's already a veteran in the music industry. She's a trailblazer. Let's get into it, do a little Vyvanse and get inspired by someone who's just crushing their career right now. Okay, here we go. Picking up with Stephanie in the music business.
- [07:56]
Stephanie Agathis
You guys, it's the most wonderful time of year.
- [07:58]
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- [09:26]
Tom Schwartz
A better way to unwind.
- [09:28]
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Enjoy responsibly. And thanks, indicloud, for making the reset part easy and a little more refreshing.
- [09:39]
Tom Schwartz
We're here with my friend Stephanie. I call her Steph Agathis. Did I pronounce it right?
- [09:46]
Stephanie Agathis
Yes, you did, Tom.
- [09:48]
Tom Schwartz
Okay. I said Agatha is the first time. How are you? Thank you for joining us on this episode of Detox Retox. You're live in Jersey right now, right?
- [09:56]
Stephanie Agathis
I am live in Jersey. And thank you for having me.
- [09:59]
Tom Schwartz
It's an absolute pleasure. The last episode I did was about an acquaintance of mine. He used to be on Southern Charm, and he sort of. He sort of hit pause on the American dream. He sold everything. And he moved to Bali for a little Eat, Pray, Love. And it was fascinating. But to me, you are living the American dream. And I know you worked your ass off to get where you are. You have such a cool career. And I want to hear all about the current state of the music business and how you got to where you're at in life. But first, can you introduce yourself to the listeners, to the audience? Tell us what you do, who you are, and don't be modest. You can name drop. Don't be modest, Steph.
- [10:39]
Stephanie Agathis
Okay. All right, fine, fine. I won't. I won't. Yeah. So my name is Steph Agathis. I'm the founder of Vitalized Projects, which is a music management company. I'm 22 years old, and I've been doing this ever since I was literally 11 years old. There hasn't been a day that I have not been grinding to where I am right now. I'm super grateful and honored that a couple of days ago, myself and my company were listed in the Forbes 30 under 30 for the music column. And, yeah, I mean, I represent a lot of awesome people like Asher Angel Zevi, Juan Rosari, and. Yeah, you know, that's a little brief on me.
- [11:20]
Tom Schwartz
Yes. And by the Way, if I can flex for you. I know you worked with Kenny Hamilton. For people who don't know, he. He was kind of like your mentor, and he. He. He was there for the beginning of Bieber Scooter Braun era, right?
- [11:33]
Stephanie Agathis
Yes. Yeah, he was. For all the Beliebers out there, he's part of the OG Bieber crew, and he's been, you know, doing the whole Bieber thing since day one. And in the industry, he is. Yeah, I mean, he's an awesome person, and he's a really just notorious music executive in that scene.
- [11:51]
Tom Schwartz
Yeah, he's an OG an original gangster, by the way. Before we get too deep, I got to ask you, are you a Belieber?
- [11:57]
Stephanie Agathis
You know what? Like, okay, I love the Justin Bieber music, but I have to pay tribute. I've always been a directioner. Like Niall Horan. Like, that. That. Because I was so young when Justin Bieber came out. So, like, a lot of, like, the, you know, my older friends, like, remember, like, the. The baby days and everything where I grew up on, like, what makes you beautiful? But I, you know, I love his music and I respect him so much as a person. I think he's a really sick person. Like, I think his style and his new company, Skyler, it's so dope. And so I definitely see him as more of, like, a really cool guy and, like, a really cool creative. But I do have to pay tribute. I really was a directioner from day one, and, like, Niall Horan was just. That was my end game. Like, that One Direction, Harry Styles and Al Horn. Like, that was my thing.
- [12:56]
Tom Schwartz
No, I get starstruck around Harry Styles. I saw him once in L. A. But what's your favorite One Direction song? I got to know before we dive in.
- [13:05]
Stephanie Agathis
Okay, so some niche ones I love. Nobody compares. That one is great. I love Kiss you. I love Live while we're young. I mean, I could just go down the rabbit hole. Literally every single one of them, one thing. I mean.
- [13:20]
I could literally go on for hours on One Direction. Like, I was the kid when they came out with, like, their. I think it was, like, staples, and they did, like, each member had their own, like, journal of, like, it was, like, different quotes. And, like, I was there at, like, six in the morning taking photos with, like, the printout versions of them. Like, I was the kid that, like, when I was younger, I used to, like, write down, like, for Christmas. I was like, I just want to meet One Direction. Santa's real. Like, let me meet One Direction. Like, I was so Just such a directioner. Wait.
- [13:53]
Tom Schwartz
I love the transparency and the. In the candor.
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I was a late adopter.
- [13:58]
Bieber. Katie, who I used to be married.
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To, she was a Belieber.
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And around 2016, during his purpose tour, I fell hard and fast for Justin Bieber, and it's been love ever since. I loved his blonde era.
- [14:12]
Stephanie Agathis
Yes. Yes. Yeah, that was like a really. Just cool, like. Like, aesthetic and everything. That was just. Yeah, that was definitely a moment, for sure.
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Tom Schwartz
We could go. I know we could go deep in a tangent, but wait, can you. Can we talk a little bit about Juan, Missouri A little bit?
- [14:28]
Stephanie Agathis
Yes. Yeah, yeah, absolutely. Yeah. So he is an engineer. He actually won a Grammy in 2025. This year, earlier this year with Dochi's work for best Rap Album with Alligator Bites Never Heal. And now he's nominated next year for record of the year with Anxiety by Dochi. And he is so young. He's 23. He, like, literally straight out of college, he started working on all the Dochi projects. I mean, when I tell you a hustler, like, any time, whatever project it is, he's like, I am there. I'm ready to work. Like, that guy is so talented beyond belief. And like, he's just so. It's such an intro for his career and to see him achieve all these, like, major milestones. And like, when you talk to him, like the most humble and normal guy, like, he's like, you know, how can we keep this going? Like, I just want to work and work and work and just get in rooms with different artists. And he is just such. He's just amazing. And he's only 23, and it's just wild to see how. Just how hard working he is. Like, for, you know, for his age and everything. He's just no sleep and go, go, go.
- [15:37]
Tom Schwartz
You guys are beasts. I cannot believe you're 22 years old and all you've accomplished. You are good at surrounding yourself by aspirational, driven, passionate people. I think you told me that at 15 you met the pres of RCA Records and. Wait, no, you met the SVP of A and R and Public Records, right?
- [15:57]
Stephanie Agathis
Well, no. So When I was 13, I met the SVP of A and R at Republic Records. And then When I was 15, I met the president of RCA Records, Stephanie.
- [16:05]
Tom Schwartz
Do you know what I was doing at 13?
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I was playing baseball, spitting out sunflower seeds and catching turtles in the local ponds nearby. So, like, we've. I am so impressed at how much you've accomplished at such an early Age, obviously precocious. And. Yeah, I'm just. I'm fascinated. How would you describe the current state of the music business? Because times are a changing. Yes.
- [16:32]
Stephanie Agathis
Yeah. I mean, no, they, they. They definitely are. Like, I'm still so young, but I remember, like, even throughout, you know, when I was a teenager and like, you know, even in middle school, I mean, I know it's like, so funny to say, but like, you know, there was just different eras. There was Soundcloud. Like, there wasn't, like, playlisting when I was a teenager. Like, it's just such a different. Such a different game now. You know, I will say what I do love about what the industry is doing now is that because of social media, like, there always was this thing of, like, if you wanted to be in the industry, like, you had to know the power players and, like, it almost was like the power players had to accept you into their world. And now it's kind of like you can do and be whoever you want. You curate your fan base and your audience through social media. Like, playlisting will totally pick it up. Of course, if it's moving on socials and you don't have to, like, you know, be timid and, you know, be scared to meet these power players and to be like, you know, oh, give me a chance now. It's like the artists have so much control, which I love, because, you know, for once in the industry, it's actually like balancing out, where it's not like everyone has to, you know, like, everyone has to do what, like, essentially their bosses are telling them. Like, artists now have more control and they can say no to things and they can really, you know, dictate where they want their career to go. How many artists signed to labels in such an early, you know, an early career move, and the labels will say, well, you're not selling in this genre, so we want to change you. And, you know, the labels then had the power and, you know, obviously that stuff still happens now, but, you know, now the artist really has the chance to be like, no. Like, this is the creative that I want to do and now I'm able to really build it out. And, you know, even with independent labels, there's so many new independent labels as well. So I think there's so much. There's just so many new people and there's so many new perspectives and I am just living for it because I love when artists can be like, no, I don't want to do that. And, like, I don't need to explain myself. To you and I can still pursue my career and, you know, do whatever genre I really want to do.
- [18:40]
Tom Schwartz
Yes, I love that. Would you say the primary way artists make money now is touring? Obviously streaming revenue, but is the primary income from, from touring?
- [18:50]
Stephanie Agathis
You know, I would say. Now, I would say a huge part is touring, but I would say a lot of it is through, like, monetizing on social media like TikTok, Snapchat, like the amount of times I hear artists like, where that's getting there, you know, paying their rent and everything, you know, through that, the social media, there's brand deals and everything. So I would say honestly, like, socials is kind of really coming up. I mean, touring will always number one. But like, there's a lot of artists who also don't want to do touring because it's really tiring on their body. And they'll really heavily focus on, you know, like doing Instagram lives and like partnering with different, you know, companies and doing it that way.
- [19:29]
Tom Schwartz
Steph. Oh my God. On that note, like, have artists become content creators first, musicians second, or. I mean, I'm half joking, but half serious.
- [19:39]
Stephanie Agathis
Yeah, I mean, I think it's such, you know, I think it honestly just really goes to where society is now and where this generation is now. Where, like, I think back then, like, you know, when YouTube was the big thing and it was like Logan, Paul and Jake, Paul and Tana and Emma Chamberlain, like, I think there was, I mean, there still is, but I think there was always the stigma of, like, if you're in one, you know, career, you can't really move over to the other one. And I think now, like, especially these new artists like Alex Warren and Addison Wright, I think they're really giving people a run for their money where they're like, I can do both and like, I can do both successfully. And like, I love that these people are like, why not? Like, why can't I do both? And so I think like, a lot of labels will also sign artists who have a built in TikTok following because they're like, we, we know that there's, I mean, nothing's guaranteed, but they're like, we know that there's somewhat of a guarantee that these people are going to go by to see you, you know, perform and everything. So I think honestly, like, you really can do it both ways.
- [20:41]
Tom Schwartz
Totally. And I know some artists who just, they kind of loathe it, but they know it's kind of a necessity. And would you say, I mean, whether artists like it or not, like TikTok insta reels, YouTube shorts are. They're kind of like the A and R departments now, aren't they? A little bit, yeah.
- [20:59]
Stephanie Agathis
Oh my God. The amount of A and R label meetings where they will just go through.
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Tom Schwartz
What's A R by the way? Just for the audience.
- [21:05]
Stephanie Agathis
Yeah, yeah. So it's artisan repertoire. So basically the ANRs will scout out talent and they'll kind of sign them to the label with their supervision so they can help them, you know, studio sessions and kind of just help guide the whole creative element and putting the artists really in just like the, you know, best situations to get their artistry to grow.
- [21:25]
Tom Schwartz
Yes, yes. I love that by the way. Like there's a lot of independent artists that are thriving right now without management or labels. How do you feel about an independent artist? You're a champion for them. Does it give you any existential dread or anything? No.
- [21:38]
Stephanie Agathis
What? Honestly? No, it doesn't. Like I've actually spoken to so many artists where I'm like, you should go as far as you can without like anyone on your team to the point where like you can hand pick people on your team. Like, I actually, I really love it and like I champion all these artists who are like really doing it themselves because I'm like, do it like, you know, like you're being in control of it is the best thing. And like a lot of artists, if they find the wrong team and the fight and they find the wrong manager, like they really are, you know, part of my language, but they're really like, you can find the wrong team and it will just, you know, it can be a nightmare. And so I think a lot of artists now, especially indie artists, are really taking their time for management and for like, you know, really whoever they want around them because they want to make sure. And this is where I love, where the, where the industry is going. Artists now want genuine people around their team. I think so many artists are sick of like these high profile people who have done everything and more where they're like, we want people that we can actually trust and rely on. And there's been so many horror stories in the industry where now, you know, artists are really being very careful and selective and I think they're really picking people off of, you know, who they really are.
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Tom Schwartz
Yeah, yeah. And like, of course there are benefits to onboarding at a label or a management company such as your own. Right? You get, you get, you guys obviously have the, the internal PR machines, tour support you, you provide infrastructure, A and R development, you got the connections. So, I mean there are obviously a ton of benefits, but I've just been seeing a lot of independent artists breakthrough.
- [23:17]
Lately and I was just curious what you thought about that.
- [23:22]
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- [24:03]
And by the way, I want to hear more about you before we do. By the way, I know you're on a little. A little cup of joe. You. A little caffeine. Yes. That's your go to.
- [24:13]
Stephanie Agathis
Yes, yes, yes.
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Tom Schwartz
The theme for this episode, obviously it's all about you, Steph. It's aspirational, it's uplifting, it's about the American dream, chasing your dream. Also, women thriving in male dominated fields. So shout out to you for that, by the way.
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Stephanie Agathis
Thank you, Tom.
- [24:30]
Tom Schwartz
And neurotropics, which we talked about in the intro, which are like smart drugs and cognitive enhancers. I'm actually doing a prescribed one even though I don't have a prescription today. Just before we really go into it, I'm taking Vyvanse, which is very similar to Adderall. It's an ADH medication. I guess it comes on smoother.
- [24:51]
And it's more of a calmer. I would guess you would call it a high. I'm new to this. This is for science. By the way, Stephen, this is for the sake of the episode as a baseline and I'm going to compare it to the homeopathic one which I take at the end of this episode. Anyways, you've always stuck to the classics. You like a cup of caffeine? Yes, yes.
- [25:10]
Stephanie Agathis
Yep.
- [25:11]
Tom Schwartz
It's classic, it's iconic. We all love caffeine. But anyways, I just was curious if you use any other PEDs along the way. I don't know if you ever were a fan of Adderall or Vyvanse or if you have any other homeopathic ones you want to plug or anything.
- [25:27]
Stephanie Agathis
You know, honestly, I have. I don't know if this really kind of goes on board, but there's this new. Okay, so obviously a huge caffeine. I'm not a huge drinker because it always kills my stomach. But I will put you on this new drink that I am obsessed with. It's called Midnight Cowboy, and it is an espresso martini premade in a can. They have them all the time at msg. And actually recently I was at the Sabrina Carpenter concert and. And I went to go get one. And let me tell you, Tom, there was nothing more aesthetic and like, just so, like, like, there was just nothing better than sitting, drinking an espresso martini, knowing that it's not going to spill all over me. Like, you know, I can put it in my cup holder.
- [26:14]
Tom Schwartz
Yes.
- [26:14]
Stephanie Agathis
While Sabrina Carpenter saying espresso. Let me tell you, it was a.
- [26:19]
Tom Schwartz
Moment I love that started the Sabrina Carpenter. She's crushing it. For people listening who maybe just got out of college or are fascinated with your career, the music industry, because it's kind of glamorous, at least on the surface, you know. Okay, say, say someone listening just graduated college and they want to get into the business. How do you start? How would you. What would you tell them right now?
- [26:42]
Stephanie Agathis
You know, I would say, first and foremost, I'm. I'm pretty. You know, my story when it came to music came at a really young age. And I always, like, when I was 10 years old, I basically went to a Disney Camp Rock concert. And I remember I was a very old soul as a kid, though also, keep in mind too, like, I was a very, like, always just overanalyzing things. And so when I was 10 years old, I realized at this concert, like, the impact that music itself, a song, an artist, their merch. I just realized at such a young age what an impact it had on society, but more importantly, what it had on people individually. And I always wanted to do something that could reach that sort of almost like that vulnerable impact, something that really meant something to people that they could really take on forever in their life. And like, you know, there are songs that you probably hear now that you're like, oh, my God, that brings you back to this moment. And I always thought, like, that was the dream for me was just to impact people's lives in a way that, like, I could just be a part of. Like, I did not want to be the artist because I couldn't not be the artist. I did not want to be, you know, the person behind the track. I just wanted to help that. And I. And, and, you know, being also able to connect with really amazing artists who. They're like, this is my dream to, you know, change people's lives. And everything. For me, that's what it was all about. So, like, I always am, like, because I, you know, I always had that hustle and grinding me for so long. I'm always like, oh, I wish, like, it was like, you know, I was like studying marketing and this is really cool. And it fell into my lap. But like, you know, I would say for anyone who just graduated college and really wants to get into it, I would say, number one would be honestly, like, the passion behind it. Because it is such a long, hard.
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A lot of tears, a lot of blood, a lot of, you know, crying and everything. And really, honestly, if you don't, like, really, really love it, like, you're gonna be like, why am I doing this? Like, you're not, you're not gonna want to stay into it. And like, you know, for me it was just. It's really weird because it was just something like when I was 10 years old, that was it. Like, I was instantly like, boom, that's it. Like, this is what I'm gonna do for the rest of my life. And I never once stopped and was, yeah.
- [29:01]
Tom Schwartz
So fascinating to me. And by the way, I'm sure you know this, but you're so lucky because so many people, including myself, I'm kind of a professional side quester, but so many people I know in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, don't. They never really had that. They, they never had like a true calling. And they work, you know, they're entrepreneurs, they're hustlers, but they never had a true calling. And I think it's a blessing to have that from a young age.
- [29:25]
Stephanie Agathis
Yeah, yeah, absolutely, for sure.
- [29:28]
Tom Schwartz
Wait, can we talk a little bit about some, like, cool formative connections we did earlier on a little bit? Like some, some key formative people you met early on in your career?
- [29:38]
Stephanie Agathis
Yes. Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. Yeah. So, okay, so a little context. So When I was 11, social media was like, kind of a thing. And I realized, like, okay, like, I'm 11 years old, New York's like an hour away from me. Like, this is going to be. This is the tool I need to learn how to use to really get in contact with people. So I decided to create my own little agency out of my bedroom and started networking with like, it was five different artists. Three were all like, they were like in this like, little boy band. It was like a trio and. And then it was one female and then one guy. And they had like, over like a combined total of like 5 million. Like one guy had 4 million followers. One of the girls had like 300,000 and then like the other two had like, you know, 400,000 and 500,000. So it really started with just like, I did not know what I was doing, but like, let's see, like, let's try, like, let's see what people are going to ask me. And so I started networking with these artists and. And so I started going, you know, I started calling them and doing facetimes and everything because like, Zoom wasn't, you know, a thing back then. And so I started going through each and every one of them. Well, if you're a boy band, you know, these are the types of steps and you should really hone in on, you know, the touring and these types of venues and blah, blah, blah. And like, you know, for the female, I was like, you should focus on remixes with these DJs. And I started building out all these different just like career plans from like marketing. These are the labels you should aim for and why you should aim for. And these are the ANRs and blah, blah, blah. And so they ended up all wanting to sign with me until they were like, oh, you know, send us a contract. And, you know, at 11 years old, I'm newly learning how to use a Google Slides presentation in school. So I'm like, damn, I'm ahead of the game. I'm sending them a Google Slides. And yeah, they were like, what? Like, you're either really young or like, this is a scam. So I started you. So those were like the first people that like, were pretty notable and like, you know, were actually taking me serious. And I was like, holy shit. Like, I can like actually like talk to these people and they're actually going to take me serious. And it was awesome. And so from there I started networking with a lot of different label executives and managers, especially in New York. And so, you know, two years later, I ended up getting messaging the senior vice president of ANR at Republic Records, which is a part of Universal Music Group. And keep in mind, I was not a school person at all. So like, I kind of use school as like my, my little personal office time. Like I would always put like a to do list of like, who to reach out to and like, you know, what ideas and what interviews of managers and you know, just all this types of stuff. Like I was like sneaking into the teachers lounge, like getting coffee and everything. So anytime I could get out of school, like, count me in, I was there. And so I ended up messaging him on Instagram. I told him a little about, you know, my agency and these artists, you know, I really wanted to work with. And he was like, well, I have a flight tomorrow morning. Like, you know, I can meet you when I'm back. It'll be, like, in a couple of weeks. And I was just so headstrong. I was like, no. Like, no, that's not gonna happen. Like, you have to meet with me today because I'm not gonna have time in the couple of weeks. And, like, he really thought I was, like, you know, 18. Like, he really thought I was, like, this ballsy person. He was like, no. Like, you know, whatever. But, like, I was just this really immature kid that was like, you know, I need to get this done today. And, like, you know, wouldn't kill me to also miss school today and go into the city. And so he ended up being, like, fine, coming in an hour. And, like, you know, you better have this all listed and everything. And so I remember thinking I was like, this shit. And I called my mom, and I was like, mom, like, you need to bring me my Nike air forces and, like, my jean shorts and my antisocial social hoodie. Going over public records. And, like, my parents were like, what? Like, you're not skipping school. This is so weird. This could be a scam. And I was like, I'm telling you, just, like, trust me. And so I went into that meeting just, like, really honestly. Like, there was. There was really no purpose. I just really wanted to pick his brains and be like, look, like, this is what I can do. And, like, you know, let me work for you. And so he was like, all right. Like, you know, I'm interested in, like, what you're building and everything. You know, maybe you can apply for the internship, and that can be kind of, you know, how we work together. And I was like, for the internship? Like, you know, just out of curiosity, like, do you need to go to high school? Like, do you need your high school degree? Like, you know, how old does that look? Is that? Like, 15? And he was like. His face just dropped, and he's like, how old are you? And I was like, well, like, you know, I'm almost like, you know, I'm about to be, like, in the eighth grade. Like, I'm gonna be in high school soon. And he was like, oh, my God. Like, how am I even meeting with you right now? Like, what in the world is happening? And so that was, like, the first business guy I ever met. And he was just awesome. Like, he was so nice. He was like, listen, like, I really admire your hustle, you know, keep Me posted on the side and, like, start scouting artists and send it to me and we can connect. And so, yeah, and then I. You know, two years after that, I ended up doing the same thing to the president of rca. And I was like, listen, I just gotta meet with you. And I remember going into his office being like, listen, like, where you are is the goal. Just tell me the blueprint. Tell me if I need to be here, if I need to be in la, and I just gotta do it. And so, I mean, I think those were probably the really cool two people I first met, because I was so starstruck walking into both of those offices, especially being so young. I remember with. With rca, like, he had his own separate area. There was this own walkway. I was like, oh, my God. Like, this is the dream, to have your own office, like, on your own side, in your own hallway. This is crazy. But, you know, with artists and everything, kind of throughout my teenage years, I would say, really, honestly, the first person I was, like, truly, truly starstruck was Kenny.
- [35:31]
Tom Schwartz
Yeah.
- [35:32]
Stephanie Agathis
Yeah. Because I was such a fan of him and, like, the whole OG crew. And it's really funny because, like, even meeting celebrities and everything, I'm always like, whoa, this is so weird. Like, I listen to your music and, like, you know, if it's an after, I'm like, I watch you on tv. But, like, I truly only get starstruck when it comes to the executives. It's, like, so weird. Like, I can, like, we were in. We were in Nashville recently for Asher to walk the Country Music Awards at the red carpet.
- [35:59]
Tom Schwartz
Shout out to Asher, by the way.
- [36:01]
Stephanie Agathis
Yes, he's the best. And, like, we were, like, literally passing by, like. Like, in the same area as, like, Megan Moroney and, like, Bailey Zimmerman, like, all these legends. And I'm like, oh, my God, this is sick. And, like, Asher's like, yo, this is sick. And I'm like, holy shit. Like, that's the president of Sony Nashville. Like, I was, like, freaking out about that. I'm like, oh, my God. Or, like, there was one of the heads of this management company range he was, like, right next to. And I was like, holy shit, there's that guy. Like, I remember emailing him, like, two months ago. So it's really funny because, like, I really only get starstruck by those, like, music executives. And it's. It's just really funny because everyone is always like, what? Like, it's like, you're standing next to Megan Maroney and you're freaking out over, like, her team, like, it doesn't make any sense.
- [36:47]
Tom Schwartz
What's inspiring, and it's almost, like, intoxicating. And. And those old school guys who have been in the game for 20, 30, 40 years, they. They have, like a. A lore, don't they? Like an aura about them. They really do. They just reek of. Of old school. I don't know.
- [37:04]
They.
- [37:04]
Something about them, the way they carry themselves. And they have the best stories ever, always, by the way. They really.
- [37:10]
Stephanie Agathis
And some of the best advice, too.
- [37:12]
Tom Schwartz
Yeah, you're. You know what you are, Steph? You're a wonder kind. You've been crushing it since you were 10 years old. Okay.
- [37:20]
Let's just say.
- [37:21]
Can I do a hypothetical right now?
- [37:23]
Say it.
- [37:23]
Okay. All right, Steph. I am a new artist straight out of Minnesota. I'm a mumble core rapper. I'm gonna say my name is woodbush. I have 2 million followers across all my platforms. High engagement. Like, I want to take it to the next level. I come to you, I meet with you in your office. Can you take us through, like, the plight of a new artist onboarding?
- [37:50]
Stephanie Agathis
Yeah, yeah, absolutely. So, you know, with each artist, it's so different. I always like to start off with, okay, where are you? Where are you crushing it? Like, whatever that is, Whether it's touring, whether it's socials, whether you're just, you know, you know, producer and really good at, you know, being in sessions with other people and writing with different people, I always like to start there, and then I like to go, okay, where do you think you're. You. You're not killing it. Where do you think your biggest weakness is? And I like to start there, and then, you know, kind of just say, all right, well, you know, what's the story? Like, what. What are you trying to tell people about yourself? Are you. Is it around a new single? Are you going through something personal? Are you going through a heartbreak? Or is there no story and you're just a killer rapper and, like, you need to be, like, on the radar, and you need to be on, like, color stuff studios. Like, what is your story? And that's kind of where I go around. And I always like to start with wherever the artist feels like one is their, like, weak spot or where they feel like they're just not thriving at all. Because, you know, if someone's killing it in the socials game, like, that's great. We double down. We do press, whatever it is, but, like, wherever you feel like, you're just not there yet. That's where I always like to Start with. Because I'm like, okay, if you're feeling like that area, whether it's touring or whether it's like, you know, some artists are actually really afraid to get into studio sessions with other writers. Like, I've seen that a lot where they're like, I'm really scared that they're going to judge me and whatever. And I'm like, listen, the only way we can get over this is if we start just scaling it. We get you in, you know, a session with, you know, someone you feel comfortable with, and then from there we move it to, you know, maybe two or three writers. So it really just depends on the story, you know, what's really around it, if there's a release tied to it and what you want your fans to know and then where you. Where you don't feel like you're thriving. And that's where I start with.
- [39:41]
Tom Schwartz
Cool. So, but to reiterate, you're a management company. You're not a music label. So you wouldn't be signing up and coming artists like me, Woodbush, for like a million dollars or something.
- [39:52]
Stephanie Agathis
No, no, no. I would be helping, you know, build out your releases and everything to get you to the right label and then get those offers coming in.
- [40:01]
Tom Schwartz
That's so cool, by the way. And just for people who don't. Who have no. Are not familiar with the business, like, say I say you say I did. So you say you, you know, hook me up with a great label.
- [40:15]
And they offer me a million dollars for. For people who don't know it's an advance. Right. And. And you have to pay. The artist has to pay the label back, but not out of, like, their own pocket. You pay it back through, like, you know, your share of the music revenue or touring or however you start earning money for the label until you pay it back.
- [40:34]
Isn't that right?
- [40:35]
Stephanie Agathis
Yeah, yeah, yeah. So advancements are like, you know, the free money and basically how they tailor it is like, all right, if we want to sign you for, like, one album or two albums, this is the cost of you living. And, like, we have to now get you out in L. A Or, like, a different, you know, it could be a different state, a different country. And this is kind of the money you have to use to, like, honestly live while we're still developing you and while, you know, we're getting you new music and new sounds and everything.
- [40:59]
Tom Schwartz
Yeah, and I've heard some, you know, I've met a lot of aspiring artists and. And I've met a lot of musicians out here who have got big breaks and signed, you know, with major labels and got a fat cash advance and kind of just blew through it and fizzled out. Just a cautionary tale. I don't want to. I don't want to name names here, but. Yeah, I mean, it's. It's like. It's not like you just. It's not like they're handing you over a million dollars, right?
- [41:28]
Stephanie Agathis
No. Yeah, you always. No. And you always want to be careful because you always want to read in those contracts of how much of, you know, the royalties are they, you know, owning. The more advanced. You want to really look into that contract and realize how much the label is really owning of you and of your masters. Because some artists get a huge advancement, they could be killing it on socials, and then they realize, oh, my God, their song hit like a billion streams and they make absolutely nothing. And the label's like, well, we gave you a million dollars in the beginning to sign with us, and, you know, you could have ended up making double that from your single. So, you know, it's always definitely something to, you know, definitely be cautious of and read in between the lines, for sure.
- [42:06]
Tom Schwartz
Yes, yes. Any musicians or, like, artists you caught early on that you're proud of before they blew up are currently blowing up. I know you're. You're. Well, you've been in the game a long time at the age of 22.
- [42:19]
But any ones you want to name drop.
- [42:22]
Stephanie Agathis
Oh, boy. I mean, I don't want to take credit for any of them because I feel like some of them, I definitely. I mean, it's really funny actually, because there's this one kid, his name is Freud, and he was one of the kids when I was 11 who was, like, really interested in and my company and everything. And actually I just recently started watching. I don't know if you guys seen at the new HBO show. I love L. A. It's so funny. I love it. And he's actually one of the new leads in it. And I was like, holy shit, that is so fucking wild to see that. Like, it's so weird. There's been a lot of different artists that, like, I've definitely helped, you know, bring to different managers attentions and everything that I've been like, shit, like, why did I bring that? There's been. Yeah, there's been a couple of different artists that I've seen, you know, get signed later on. There was this one girl named Ali Salor. I hope I'm saying her last name right. And she I saw her on socials maybe a couple years ago and I was like, wow, she's so talented. And I ended up pitching her to one of the management companies I was interning for. And now she's like, absolutely killing it. She's like playing the troubadour, she's touring, her music is like charting. She's insane. There's been like a lot of different, like, you know, random like hiccups where I'm like, oh my God, I remember that person. I like DM'd them or like I had a meeting with them. So it's definitely been really fun to just like be like, oh my God, I wonder if they remember like that 11 year old that was like annoying harassing them.
- [43:50]
Tom Schwartz
This is so insane. To me, it's. At 22, you are literally a veteran of the industry and. But like you like, like we talked about in private, not without trials and tribulations. You mentioned to me that there was. You've had to overcome some pretty intense obstacles. Like you were telling me between the ages of 16, 20, you were being stalked.
- [44:10]
Stephanie Agathis
Yes.
- [44:10]
Tom Schwartz
Like, if you're comfortable talking with that. I was. That blew my mind. Because it wasn't your casual garden variety stalker. It was very intense. Right?
- [44:20]
Stephanie Agathis
Yeah, yeah, yeah, absolutely. Yeah. So basically it was one of my really good hometown friends. And I had known this person my whole life. Like we grew up together, our families knew each other, like, we really, really, really close. And she ended up starting to date this older guy who's around like five years older than us. And so at the time, you know, I'm 16, I'm best friends with her. And you know, when your best friend's dating someone, of course, like you've known someone for so long, you, you just have like that sisterly bond. Almost like you, you really know them. And so, you know, they started dating and you know, while they were, you know, dating and everything, you know, he started making weird comments to me throughout their relationship and started, you know, first it started off with, you know, she would invite him to my house and they would stay over until like 2 in the morning. And I thought nothing of it. Cause I'm like, okay, she's my best friend, whatever, she's been in my house countless times, you know, whatever. But then it, you know, then that escalated to, you know, I would go to bed and then, you know, the. They would be in my room and he would be in my room and I don't know, I didn't know this guy from a hole in the wall. Right. So Now I'm like, you know, that's a little weird to be in my bedroom while I'm sleeping. Like, you know, he was around, like, 22, so I'm just like, you know, I feel like this is weird, but, like, whatever, I'm not going to say anything. And so basically this kept starting where, you know, I would tell my really good friend, I would say, you know, certain things. I just felt like, you know, really uneasy around, like, him being in my room or, like, you know, he would pick us up from high school. I mean, thinking back to it, it's so fucking deranged. Like, you know, and so I was just like this, you know, certain things, whatever, weren't, you know, sitting right with me. And so basically she started getting very antagonistic towards me and she was like, you know, she knew my dreams of, you know, being in the industry and just working towards it. So, you know, her and him started kind of teaming up and would be like, you know, you have an issue with my boyfriend, but, you know, like, he's going to take me to la. You're never going to go to la. We're going to go to la. And I would be like, all right, like, I don't own la, so, like, fine, whatever. And so it started getting very aggressive very fast where I would start being like, okay, you know what I need, I really need a step back. Like, this is. Is. This is really getting out of hand. And so, you know, throughout that, he started making inappropriate comments to me. He would, you know, say things about my appearance. He would say things about my weight. You know, you should lose weight. You're not this enough. You're not that enough. And I'm like, I'm not dating you. I don't know why the fuck you care about me.
- [47:01]
Tom Schwartz
And, like, even if I was, fuck you, right?
- [47:04]
Stephanie Agathis
And I'm like, I'm 16. And like, you know, I didn't really grasp the age difference then, you know, and now when I look back at it, I'm like, that's so vile. And so he would start saying things like, you know, you're not pretty, you're not this, you're not that, blah, blah, blah. And every time I would say it to my friend, I'd be like, this is just out of hand. They would show up at my house unannounced and I would be like, no. Like, the doors are locked, whatever, this is weird. So he started calling my house line at midnight and, like, my parents would get frank freaked out if a call came in at midnight on the house line. Because they were like, that's an emergency. Like that, you know, your friends don't call your house line. We would pick up the phone, and all you would hear is someone breathing, you know, And I had the. On this. On the house line, there was, like, a callback number so you can hear who was calling. And so this stuff started happening, and I told my friend, and, you know, one night, she was like, listen, you know, why don't you come over to my house? You know, we're gonna apologize, whatever, blah, blah, blah. So I get there, and it's him and it's her. I get in the room, they lock the door, and they're like, you're a piece of shit. And we're gonna tell you exactly why you're a piece of shit. And, you know, like, you literally can't even make this up. I want to say for, like, two solid hours, I remember there was something so off, because I remember when I walked in, she locked the door, and he, like, pulled the shades down. And, like, the friends were outside. Like, there was other people outside. So I was just like, we white. And so all of a sudden, you're never going to go to L. A? You like watching the Kardashians. Those people would never, like, you. Let me tell you something. Like, you should die. Like, you should never do this. Like, I mean, when I tell you, like, berated to the max, I mean, berated.
- [48:47]
Tom Schwartz
Like psychological warfare. Yes.
- [48:49]
Stephanie Agathis
Oh, my God. No, it was horrible. They were like, you're not talented. You're not talented. You're going to get nowhere. Your little dream of going to L. A, you're going to go nowhere. If we can stop you from doing it, we're going to do everything to stop you from doing it. We're going to tell you exactly for two hours. And I remember being like. Like, I. Like, in my mind, I blacked out. I was like, wait, this is someone I considered blood. And you're taking this stranger side, and you're doing this to me. I remember being like, what the. Like, I remember being like, oh, my God. And after that, I blocked them on everything. And I really thought that that was the worst of the worst. Oh, boy. The next morning, I wake up. My debit card is in debt of, like, hundreds of dollars at stores that they told me that they would shop at. Okay? So I have to go to the bank, and I'm like, I know who this is. Like, this is insane. Then the next day, my Instagram gets deactivated. I get a bunch of Emails from, you know, Instagram saying, sorry, your account is disabled. There have been suspicious login requests, whatever, blah, blah, blah. Then it was my Snapchat, then it was my emails. Then all of a sudden I started seeing that I'm getting calls from, like, these sports, like these sports betting websites and like, these casinos on, like, these online casinos. And they're like, so we're. We're calling you because you're creating an account and you're information. And like, it was my personal information. And I'm like, what in the fuck is happening? All of this happening at the same time. And I'm like, wait, what in the fuck is going on? I was like, oh, my God. Like, what is happening? I remember it was so out of hand that, like, my guidance counselor from high school was like, please tell me now if this guy has the address to our school. And, like, if we need to make a note of it for, like, protocol. Like, it was so, so crazy. And so, you know, I remember my older sister Sophia, and she actually works with me now because, like, I mean, after that, like, you can't even trust anyone anymore. And so I remember her being like, she was a, you know, I want to say, like five or six years older than me. And I remember her because she was in college. She's like, what the fuck is happening? And, like, I would just stay in my room for days. I was, yes.
- [51:07]
Tom Schwartz
Like, for people listening, like, okay, that doesn't sound like that. Like, you. If you've never been stalked, I have friends who have. It kind of shrinks, your world, and you become. You live in not terror, but you're like. As your world shrinks, your kind of fear expands, and it, like, you feel your. Your. Your. Your peace slowly eroding your privacy, and you just. You become, like, paranoid, right? At least this is from accounts of my friends. Like, your world kind of starts to revolve around your stalker, and it's terrifying.
- [51:40]
Stephanie Agathis
Oh, it was. It was horrifying. And the thing was with this person was he was known to have a temper, to get violent. So, like, when he's sitting there telling me certain, you know, certain comments that are, you know, really making me feel unsafe. Like, it wasn't like, you know, it was only social media and like, whatever. Like, it was truly petrifying. I remember one time he came over and he put me in a chokehold to the point where my face was bright red, and I was like. I was like, tapping on his arm. I'm like, okay, whatever, whatever, whatever. And I literally could not Breathe. And the girl was just laughing, and she was like, see what he can do?
- [52:17]
Tom Schwartz
Oh, my God.
- [52:18]
Stephanie Agathis
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Like, it was. Why, yo, like, for. For a really long time, I actually, like, you know, I. I drove when I got my license. I actually was a lot, like, a lot more active driving when I got my license. But, you know, when I was driving, all of a sudden he would be there and, like, tailgating me. Like, aggressively tailgating me. And I. You know, it happened really slowly, but I ended up stopped driving, you know, all in, all together, because I was like, what am I gonna do if this person, like, hits my car? Or, like, you know, like, I mean, like, puts me in an accident. Like, it was. It was wild. And, like, he lived, you know, fairly close to me. He knew where I lived. He knew my family. Like, it was really, really crazy. And, like, you know, the. The wild part of that was, like, while all of this was going on, like, I was completely shut out from everything. Like, all of my emails, all the hard work I did through, you know, networking, social media, it was just, like, gone like that. And I remember being like, no. Like, no one's gonna take, you know, no one's gonna take what I've been building away. And, like, you know, the crazy thing about life is like, yeah. I mean, it was very, very paralyzing. Like, I'm not gonna sit here and lie and be like, oh, you know, like, it was what. It was. Like. There was a. There was a good moment where I was like, what am I gonna do? Like, do I move to a different state? Like, you know, do I. Like, I was really like, you know, what is it, like, Princess Protection or something? Like, I really was like, for a second, I was like, do I change my hair? Like, this is wild. And it's like a haunting.
- [54:00]
Tom Schwartz
It's like a haunting. And it's like, yeah, it's a fear that it doesn't really go away even when, like, the. The perceived danger.
- [54:11]
Maybe it's faded away. It's like a haunting, right?
- [54:14]
Stephanie Agathis
Oh. Oh, 100%. And it's like those. You know, those reassuring things of those phone calls or, like, you know, when someone. You know, it could be anyone of any age, but when someone, you know, one gets, you know, physically violent with you, and then they also say things, too, to kind of affirm those actions. And then all of a sudden, like, everything you've worked for is just, like, deleted. There is a sense of, like, holy. Like, this person is, like, trying to show me, like, I have the power and like being a young little 16 year old timid kid, like I was really much like, you know, what the am I gonna do? And you know, I started, you know, there was like, I would say there was a good moment where I was like really letting it get to me. Where I was like I would, you know, I would not leave like my bed, like I wouldn't get out of my pajamas. I was like, what? You know, like what am I gonna do today? Like walk downstairs, make myself breakfast and go back upstairs and like see him driving around in my neighborhood like this is wild. And like there really wasn't anything I can do until you know, the police got involved in everything. But so, you know, once the police got involved and like I felt, you know, a little more easy because it was like there's legal, you know, there's like authorities being involved in everything. That was the moment where I like literally disassociated from like who I was. And I was like, what, where do I want to be in a year? Like where do I envision myself? What do I imagine? Like the art, like I'm telling you, like it was, it was wild. Like instantaneously I went back to like that 10 year old self where I was like, where do I want to be? Am I going to let, like, am I going to let this, you know, asshole win? Or I'm like, am I going to keep going for it? Am I going to have to, you know, this was a moment where I'm like, I'm going to have to start all over again. I'm going to have to get all new social media. No one's going to remember me but like, is this what I want to do? And I was like, you know what, I'm going to disassociate. I'm going to let whoever needs to, you know, the please take care of it. I'm going to disassociate and I'm going to start back up from square one. And you know, where was I, you know, what was I last, you know, last doing before all this happened and I had to start back from square one all over again. And you know, all new emails, all new everything. 90% of the people did not remember me because they were like, you haven't been active on socials, whatever. And for years I actually was not active on any social media because I was petrified. And it wasn't until I was 19 and you know, by that time I disassociated from everything. And I said, okay, this is, you know, I Can't let myself, you know, be my own worst enemy and let myself, you know, really let this person get the best of me. I, you know, now I need to start back from square one. And I kept just thinking, all I can think about is work. All I can think about is what is my passion, what is my drive, what is, you know, this person can try to take these things away from me, but I can't let that happen for myself. I have to regain that back for myself. And so, you know, I ended up just cold calling people again. And I never told anyone in the industry the story because I was like, oh, my God, this is so shameful. Until. Until I ended up connecting with Kenny, which, you know, talk about, talk about when, like, I don't really know what the saying is, but, like, when everything is falling apart, like, the universe will put certain people in your life at certain places. And, like, I remember that was when I first connected with Kenny and I was like, holy shit. Like, I'm emailing with Kenny Hamilton and I'm sending him my resume, whatever. And I was, like, so stoked. And I remember when I first met him and I first started interning for him, I remember being like, fudge it. Like, this is what it is. And, like, you know, I can't control it and whatever. And I remember when I met him for the first time, I told him everything that had happened because it was. It was pretty, you know, close in age. I was 18, 19, interning for him. And I remember being like, you know, at the end of the day, this is my story. And if, you know, I can't really control it, I can't really change it. And if someone's going to judge me for it, then, you know, maybe they're just not supposed to be in my life. And I remember, like, he was the first one. And, like, this was the first meeting he could have been like, you're batshit crazy. And I remember he was like, nah. Like, you know, giving me the best advice ever and was like, all right, now we're, you know, now we have to go to SiriusXM because my artist is playing there, and was like, literally from that day on, I was like, wow. Like, this is someone who, like, I can tell, is gonna be a genuine. A genuine person in my life because you can just, like. You can just tell that, like, he was coming from a place of, like, don't be ashamed of it. Like, I'm actually happy you told me. And, like, it was. It was super, super eye opening. And he was the first person I ever told. And ever since then, you know, him and I are so close, and, like, anytime I can, I can shout him out and say what a great person he is. I will always do that. And so, like, you know, even this year and everything, last year, launching my company, I didn't post anything about it on my socials because I was like, you know, what if it does start happening again? What if the hacking does start again? And.
- [59:29]
And then earlier this year, I was like, fuck it. You know, like, I can't let the asshole win. At the end of the day, I can't let this person win, and I can't let them take any, you know, anything more than me. Like, they took what was probably the most valuable and the most important thing, which was my mental health and my sanity. And, you know, after really realizing, like, you know, when I was little, I would have anxiety here and there, but realizing, like, what real anxiety and, like, paranoia and all that was, I was like, no, no, no, no, no. I can't let anyone ever take that away from me again. And so this year was, like, you know, super monumental. Like, you know, being recognized in Forbes and being recognized on Hit Staley Double, and like, you know, more importantly, like, being able to post it on my social media and be public, I was like, shit. Like, you know, that was a. That was a really pivotal moment for me. It wasn't like, these achievements are amazing, and I'm so proud of what we're building, but I think for me, it was really taking back my piece and taking back my power.
- [60:32]
Tom Schwartz
And Power.
- [60:33]
Stephanie Agathis
Yeah. And being like, you know what? Like, I can do it. And you know what? Like, I just have to keep going, you know?
- [60:40]
Tom Schwartz
Yeah.
- [60:40]
I'm so happy you persevered and you overcame and you're thriving now. And, yeah, man, I'm happy to see you just crushing it at such a young age. You've accomplished so much. And by the way, on a lighter.
- [60:52]
Note, like, can we talk about some of the cool fringe benefits of the business?
- [60:56]
Cool concerts.
- [60:59]
Free tickets, schmoozing. Like, what? Just for people that don't really know that much about it, can we talk.
- [61:06]
A little fringe benefits?
- [61:07]
Stephanie Agathis
Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. So, I mean, it's awesome because a lot of good friends of mine, like, work in the. Work in the tour managing scene. And so, like, whenever they come to New York, they're like, oh, my God, come by. We'll hook you up with tickets. I actually have to give a shout out to Garrett Cagney. He's awesome. He is like, Heavy in the hip hop scene. And he actually just invited me out. Thank you. I think it was like two months ago to the Little Teca. The Little Teca concert in New York. Oh, my God. It was insane. And, you know, it was definitely, it was definitely, it was definitely princess treatment, I will say. Like, we got in there and it was like VIP and like, you could walk and, like, I was like, oh, my God. Like, this is so nice. Like, no lines, no nothing. So that's awesome. It's always, like, really sick to go to a show and just like, kind of hang out with, like, you know, the artist's crew, crew and everything and see, like, see them how they're like, enjoying the show and, like, how their fans are. I will say, like, whenever there's interviews or radio stations, like, I remember one time I went to Series XM and like, as we walked in in New York, they have, like, this huge. I don't know if you've, like, seen it, but, like, they have this huge glass. It's like almost like a glass square where, like, they have, like, the big celebrity coming in and interviewing and, like, people can watch from the outside. And I remember actually, and I was like, kenny. We walked up and it was Megan, thee stallion. And, like, I was freaking out and, like, everyone was, like, saying hey to each other and I'm like, that's Megan the stallion. Like, why is no one freaking out? So, like, there's always these, always these moments where, like, there I see these people, like, bypassing and I'm like, oh, my God. Oh, my God. But yeah, I would say, like, it always happens in, like, the most random ways. Honestly, like, especially when it comes to press and like, people, people just like, coming out of an interview and radio and everything, it's. It's always like, just so funny because it's like, it's so weird. Like, I don't think it's ever something you can be like, oh, my God. Like, there's Nick Jon. It's like, I think it's always like, oh, my God, this is so weird.
- [62:59]
Tom Schwartz
Yeah, no, it's cool. Yeah, I love that you do get starstruck. And it's such a. It's such a fascinating industry. I have a few friends that have worked in it and.
- [63:08]
Yeah, man, I, I.
- [63:10]
Are you out?
- [63:11]
Are you out scouting?
- [63:12]
Are you hitting, like, the Troubadour? Are you scouting for new talent?
- [63:17]
Stephanie Agathis
You know, I always am, like, open to it, like, genuinely. It always comes from a place of, like, do I really vibe with what this, like, the Artist's sound and like, you know, then I'll have a conversation with them. So I'm never like, oh, no, I'm not looking at artists. I will say it happens, like, in the most random ways. I will say with social media, it typically happens where, like, I hear something on my for you page, unfortunately, and I'll be like, shit, that's really good. And I'll save it and I'll like DM them and stuff. But like, a lot of the new openers though, I've been seeing, it's like a lot of, like a lot of artists that are coming out. It's a lot of like their managers, like, other roster that's like kind of opening up for them. So it's a lot of really cool, like, familiar faces, like with the artist. Like a lot of labels will have like, their new up and coming artists were like, even if I do think they're sick, like, they're already taken with a different team. So I'm like, all right, fine, whatever, I'll enjoy the show. But I'm always like, I'm, I'm definitely always open to just like really, really cool people and like people who are willing to put the work in and just like really, really awesome people. Honestly, that, that's really it.
- [64:23]
Tom Schwartz
I love that. Yeah. Going back to what we talked about earlier, it's like with, with all these different platforms now, it's like maybe someone who's, I don't know if listening that's in your 30s or your 40s and you used to play the trombone, the piano or used to DJ or something. Just like start posting, start posting on Tik Tok again and building and you never know what could happen. I, I, it's crazy. I've seen some people blow up later in life on TikTok, you know, in their, like late 30s, 40s, post a few videos and next thing you know they've become a sensation. And yeah, just a little motivation for anybody out there who's looking to rekindle a lost art or a lost hobby or passion.
- [65:04]
Stephanie Agathis
Absolutely. Why, Tom, is this, is this you saying you want me to come to you play at the Troubadour?
- [65:11]
Tom Schwartz
Maybe. Maybe, Steph, maybe for you I will come out of retirement and start DJing again. I retired after.
- [65:17]
Stephanie Agathis
I think you got to come back to Harrah's pool. I think that's what's gotta have to happen.
- [65:22]
We used to have it that live.
- [65:24]
Tom Schwartz
Me and Sandoval used to have a residency at Harrah's After Dark. We didn't dj, but we would sometimes hop on the decks and stuff and, like. Anyways, we were talking about that earlier, but, Steph, you have such a cool career and I just wanted to give you a shout out and. Yeah, man. Give you your flowers because you've accomplished so much and you're just getting started. So I'm excited to see you thrive and grow in the business and. Yeah, thanks for joining us. This has been so fun and fascinating. I cannot believe you're doing the damn thing.
- [65:57]
Stephanie Agathis
Thank you so much, Tom. I appreciate you and thank you for having me on. You're. You're absolutely killing. You're always killing, Tom. Are you kidding me?
- [66:03]
Tom Schwartz
I'm just fascinated. I thought this was such a cool, unique little slice of life that not a lot of people know about. And it's just. It's, it's, it's.
- [66:12]
It's.
- [66:12]
It's a groovy business to be in and I'm happy for you.
- [66:16]
Stephanie Agathis
Thank you so much. Time. I really appreciate that.
- [66:18]
Tom Schwartz
Well, cool. Next time you're in la, hit me up. Me and you and Asher will grab a drink. We'll go back to Saddle Ranch.
- [66:25]
Stephanie Agathis
Yes.
- [66:26]
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- [66:27]
Tom Schwartz
All right. I appreciate you and yeah, we'll chat soon.
- [66:32]
Stephanie Agathis
Thank you so much, Tom.
- [66:33]
Tom Schwartz
Thank you. Bye.
- [66:34]
Stephanie Agathis
Bye.
- [66:37]
Detoxification complete.
- [66:39]
Adam Rippon
Hi, I'm Adam Rippon, and this is Intrusive Thoughts, the podcast where I finally say the stuff out loud that's been living rent free in my head for years. From dumb decisions to awkward moments I probably should have kept to myself. Nothing's off limits. Yes, I'm talking about the time I lost my phone mid flight and still haven't truly emotionally recovered from that. There might be too many sound effects. I've been told to chill. Will I? Unclear. But if you've ever laid awake at night cringing at something you said five years ago, congratulations, you found your people. Intrusive Thoughts with Adam Rippon is available now. Wherever you get your podcasts this November.
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Tom Schwartz
Every suspect was a train killer.
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Stephanie Agathis
Every human being we save.
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Stephanie Agathis
Damn, I hate to fly.
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