This week a brief chat with Missi Callazzo VP of Megaforce Records (home to early Metallica, Anthrax to name a couple, and one of the longest running indie labels), MRI Entertainment a distribution company, as well as the manager for Third Eye Blind.  She has been in the industry for over 30 years and worked with some of most well known bands out there today.

I wish I could have had the chance to really spend some time talking with Missi and diving deeper into some of these questions, as she’s definitely a role model of mine. Being in the industry as long as she has and working with the various types of music that she been involved with is really inspiring.  That said, it is a strange time right now and I’m thankful she participated as I work to continue to share some positivity and inspiration in a time that is very uncertain.

How did you get into your industry / What motivated you?

In 1986 I started working at my college radio station, which is still going strong, WSOU (from the campus of Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey). I was asked to intern at Megaforce in 1989 and have been here ever since.

What is a day in the life like?

Pretty much a lot of work and then trying to disconnect on the weekends.

What has been your favorite / the coolest thing you’ve worked on?

I have been lucky enough to do a lot of great things. Getting Anthrax booked on Married with Children was really special and we got to spend a week on the set. It was when the show was the biggest sitcom in the country and it was a fun moment for Anthrax.

What has been / is the most difficult part of your job?

Watching people behave badly or in an unappreciative manner.

What advice do you have for someone wanting to get into pursuing what you’re doing?

Based on how we hire people here, it all comes from networking. Find people who will help recommend you for positions that you will be perfect for. Also, don’t do this job because it seems glamorous. 30 years in and I am still waiting for the glamour. It is a lot of hard work- fulfilling, but still hard.

In my younger days I was a big collector, but since moving to a NYC apartment, I have really have had to limit my collections to what really must be had. I say that as there is a GIANT shelf of vinyl behind me in my office.

What types of things are happening in your industry / with vinyl that you’re excited or worried about? i.e. innovation, or trends you’re seeing.

Right now, the concern is beyond just this industry and goes nationwide. It is going to be a very trying time for people of the country and the rest of the world.

Finally, tell me what you’re listening to right now:

I seem to get caught up in the records that we are currently releasing and making. Right now, there seems to be lots of great blues artist bubbling up and based on the state of the world, they are likely ready for another breakout moment.

Find Missi:

Instagram: @megaforcerecords

Facebook: @OfficialMegaforceRecords

Website: www.megaforcerecords.com