Interview with Gary Fortune — Regional Director for North America, KEA
Gary is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in the global music industry. He currently serves as the Regional Director for North America at Kea. In this role, he works with businesses from New Zealand, connecting them to networks in the USA. He nurtures a vibrant and diverse community that shares a strong passion for New Zealand and the success of its people and businesses.
He works in the local community as a Board Member and Advisor to the Founders of Kids Rock for Kids (KRFK), a Brooklyn, NY-based non-profit that enables rising star musicians to make a difference through their performing talents by producing fantastic concerts that raise money for children in dire need.
Gary was the Executive Director of Mondo nyc, a New York-focused music, arts, and technology business summit and music festival. He developed international business relationships, oversaw and managed the company’s stakeholders, and directed event content for the global B2B summit. Gary curated and organized the showcasing artist program until 2018, developing showcase programming, marketing, and PR strategies.
Gary also served as the Head of Outward Sound at the New Zealand Music Commission (NZMC), a government-funded music agency committed to growing the New Zealand music business domestically and internationally. In this role, he created the Outward Sound business development program from inception, undertaking projects and partnerships aimed at the economic and cultural advancement of music from New Zealand.
Gary’s career in the music industry also includes time at NZs biggest music retail chain and serving as the Manager of Label/Marketing at BMG NZ (ltd), a division of German media company Bertelsmann managing label rosters that included RCA Records and the Zomba Group of companies.
“To me, success in the music industry is not just about achieving fame and fortune but about creating opportunities for people in music to be seen and heard”
Q: What impressed you the most about the participants of The Port Authority Music Export Academy?
Diversity. The group represented a good cross-section of the music business, from those looking to establish their identity and formulate a plan and those with a clear vision of who they are but seeking to expand their network and knowledge.
Q: What crucial piece of advice would you give to anyone pursuing a career in the music industry?
The US is a vast country, think fifty small ones, and anyone considering this market should have some clear goals around what part of it they will target. Finding a local scene and networking in that can undoubtedly help, as well as conferences and regional festivals. The music industry is highly competitive but very collaborative and welcoming, so being genuine, honest, and not a pain in the ass is also an important start.
Because the music business is built around music, personal taste is a big part; make sure you find and work with people who get what you are doing and want to be part of your journey. Find your tribe, and contribute to it. You will find people in the US are open to a conversation and finding out more about who you are and what you are doing, don't mistake this for a willingness to work with you. Follow up on any meetings and interactions, and if someone hooks you up, say thank you and then send them an update on the connection and outcome. I know this is some basic stuff, but you would be surprised how many people do not do this.
I think the last bit of advice would be to have fun. This is the music business, and if you are not enjoying yourself at least most of the time or nodding your head with your headphones on, air drumming, or looking forward to seeing your favorite band with the feeling of a kid with the giddy excitement of their first theme park, you are not in it for the right reasons.
Q: What did you learn or gain from being a speaker for The Port Authority Music Export Academy?
As much as the music business is evolving quickly technologically, it also has some foundational challenges, as any other business.
The group represented a cross-section of people working to make a living in the music business, and all had a similar reason for being there: connection and community. Even someone with a successful business needs to continue to grow, and you only do that through building a network of trusted people that you can help and can help you.
I have only had one person reach out to me following the sessions. If the program is about building a network and developing market intelligence, then this action should be part of it. This action will not result in everyone wanting to help but is a good exercise in presenting themselves by talking one-on-one, and this could be good to do before the final presentation.
Curating the musicians and music businesses is also essential because it will increase your chances of success and build credibility for the program.
Q: What was your biggest motivation to pursue a career in the music industry?
I was always drawn to music and knew that pursuing a career in this field was my true calling. The idea of working with music and being around people who share my passion was the biggest motivation for me to enter the industry.
To me, success in the music industry is not just about achieving fame and fortune but about creating opportunities for people in music to be seen and heard; that's where the magic happens. By using my passion for bringing the best out of people, creative brainstorming, and building valuable relationships, I am committed to supporting and uplifting independent managers, artists, and labels to be their best.
Over the years, my love for music has taken me on some incredible journeys all around the world, and it's been a fantastic experience. By sharing my extensive knowledge and personal relationships in the industry, I remain committed and engaged in my work, and I'm excited to continue contributing my leadership and passion for driving success for our music community.
Q: How do you approach growing your network of connections in the music industry? Who have been your mentors as you’ve grown your own career?
Listen and learn from everyone you meet and treat them all as equals.
Q: What causes or initiatives do you advocate for as a music industry professional, and why?
As a board member of Kids Rock for Kids, I'm proud of the impact we've had on youth charities and the music community. By providing a platform for talented teen musicians, we're not only entertaining audiences but also teaching social responsibility through giving back to those in need. It's inspiring to see the next generation using their passion for music to make a positive impact in the world. I encourage you to visit our website at https://www.kidsrockforkids.com/ to learn more about our mission and upcoming events.