Stacey, you founded and run The S Collective, what does your day-to-day entail?
Coffee first! A daily walk then a nutritious breakfast, then I start on emails, working on advancing tours and logistics, could be on a show which would consist of me flying around. Some days I am also teaching yoga, some nights I DJ, so it just depends on my schedule.
How did you get your start in the music industry? Did you choose to work in music or did it choose you?
Oooh, I think it chose me for sure. I started dancing and acting from the age of seven, so the music side came much later on in life. My first festival was Big Day Out when I was 15 and I remember thinking from that day on, I wanted to experience more and how I could be included in it somehow.
What is your favourite thing about the music industry? The most fun part for you?
For me, my favourite thing would have to be community. Surrounding yourself around like minded people to bounce ideas off and to have as your support network is priceless. Also, the flying around part is fun too.
“Don’t expect the community to support you, when you don’t support the community”
Do you feel that higher education is a necessary step to enter the music industry?
After looking at my HECS debt last week, I don’t think it’s the be all and and all. I started interning first at a few different companies to decide what area I enjoyed the most, from then I landed my first job in artist management.
Do you have a single piece of advice that you can share that has helped you in your career?
It’s more of a note within our group of friends and it’s “don’t expect the community to support you, when you don’t support the community”. I love going to shows, connecting with people in different areas of the industry, seeing new artists, and supporting friends who perform.
Who are your top three artists to watch?
Royel Otis, MAY-A & Godlands (of course, I have to add my own artists)
What does the rest of 2023 hold for you? Anything exciting you can tell us about?
Yes, Splendour is coming up, then heading to Japan and South Korea to tour with BENEE, then Listen Out with Young Franco and Spilt Milk with MAY-A.
Then with the wellness side, working on some upcoming workshops and classes for the music community.
Let’s talk about the highs vs the lows of your career, what is your greatest achievement vs a moment you’d prefer to forget?
The low, previously getting let go from a job but then the high would be then launching my business four months ago! The Universe works in mysterious ways.
Who has been your greatest champion in your career, who has helped you along the way?
To be honest, can I say myself? It’s really me versus me out here, haha. This goes back to the importance of community I mentioned before, it can be very isolating and you need to seek out those that will have your back and build you up when the inevitable hits come your way.
Do you have any activities that you do for self-care that are non-negotiable?
Yes, all my wellness! I teach but also go to classes, anywhere from yoga, pilates, mobility and mediation.
How firm are you with boundaries between work/life balance and how do you try to enforce them?
Pretty firm, having the wellness sector within the business makes me so much more accountable to myself. Especially on tour, I have a pre-tour and after tour rituals.
Any tips for a quick ‘pick me up’ if you’re having a shitty day?
It involves a lot of self care. I would pour myself a chamomile tea, take a walk outside or hit the gym or take a yoga class and then journal about whatever the situation might be. It always passes!
What inspires you?
Seeing people achieve things that they probably thought they wouldn’t be able to do, and being a small part of that push out of their safety zone.
What is your go-to Karaoke song?
The Verve – Bitter Sweet Symphony