Meet Chris Cary: Manager of Jeris Johnson

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Cary and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Throughout my career in the music industry, there are three habits I have implemented into my work that have become the cornerstone of my road to success as a manager. The first habit, which I consider to be the most significant, is to always conduct myself and make my business decisions with honesty and integrity. I believe making principled and ethical choices while maintaining fair and conscientious business practices is the primary reason I have developed a positive and trustworthy reputation in the industry, which, in turn, has led to signing excellent talent. The second habit that has been an integral part of my success is never getting complacent. It is easy to become satisfied with mediocrity in this industry. Implementing a set of morning habits, such as waking up early, making tomorrow’s list, exercising, reading empowering affirmations, and strategizing my daily schedule before beginning a workday, has enhanced my drive and fed my ambition. Starting each day with small and incremental wins has been proven to boost motivation and self-confidence. Lastly, the third and final habit that has helped advance my career in the music industry is goal setting. Goal setting helps trigger new behaviors, guides focus and helps sustain momentum. Pablo Picasso once said that “our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” In closing, I truly believe that implementing these three habits into one’s business and personal life, as well, will only result in a more fortuitous, more optimal outcome.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My name is Chris Cary, and I run LA-based music management, licensing, and production company called LiveYoung.LA. My organization’s capabilities include a broad expertise in artist development, strategic branding, licensing, marketing, and more. My approach to music management comes from a belief in the music I promote, attention to the needs of both my clients and their fans, and an absolute willingness to try anything. My business practices incorporate the successful methods of the past and the evolving possibilities of the future. I started LiveYoung.LA in the summer of 2015 after leaving a job at Warner Bros. Records. Having received a degree and partial master’s in leadership & management from the University of Oklahoma and Pepperdine Business School, I wanted to put my leadership and management capabilities to the test by starting my own entertainment company. Currently, I am managing singer, songwriter, and social media star Jeris Johnson who’s signed with 300 Entertainment. Having established a strong reputation throughout the music industry over the last nine years, I have found that building a wide network of lasting relationships is one of the key ingredients to success in the entertainment business. In order to succeed as a manager, you need to constantly network and always conduct yourself and make your business decisions with honesty and integrity.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Let’s assume covid is over and the world is back to normal. A typical night out would usually start with dinner and drinks with a group of friends at a restaurant with a good scene like Katana, EP/LP, Soho House, or Catch. After that, we would head out to see a showcase in Hollywood or on the Sunset Strip like School Night, We Found New Music, or see what’s up at the Roxy or Troubadour. Then we would most likely finish the night with a few drinks at the studio or a late-night bar like On The Rox (above the Roxy Theatre). If there wasn’t a showcase that night, there’s a good chance we would be eating at a Korean BBQ spot like Park or having Lychee Martinis at TAO.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Behind every successful artist is a hard-working team. For my artist Jeris Johnson (300 Entertainment), there is a group of dedicated team members that work tirelessly to keep the wheels spinning. On the creative side, we have Alex Sacco (producer), Brendan Barone (director, content manager), Chris Shelley (creative director), Matthew Bonder (DOP/Editor), and Anastasia Larae (Stylist). On the record label side, our team at 300 Entertainment has been incredible every step of the way. Jeff Fenster, Lallie Jones, Koko Black, Freddie Morris, Shaw Miseyko, Mikaela Wardrick, Aimie Vaughan, Rob Stevenson, and Selim Bouab have been integral parts of the success of this project. Also, major shoutout to the artist himself, Jeris Johnson, who is paving the future of rock music.

Website: liveyoung.la

Instagram: @chriscary

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscarymusic/

Twitter: @chriscary

Other: Jeris Johnson links: @jerisjohnson