For Enrico Rao (Questrom’28), business and music go hand in hand. The marketing and business analytics student has been making waves at Questrom and in the Boston music scene, from winning Battle of the Bands to opening for Zara Larsson, at RhettRockz, Boston University’s First Student-Built Festival. We had the chance to interview him before his May 3 performance—where he went on to absolutely deliver—about balancing school and creativity, building his brand, and navigating the industry as an independent artist.
How has your experience as a Questrom student influenced the way you approach your music career?
“Questrom has given me a very real world understanding of business, and to do well in today’s music industry, you have to have this understanding, and possess qualities of an entrepreneur. It’s unfortunately no longer enough to just make good music, you have to understand the power of marketing, the power of people and putting yourself in places you normally aren’t, and in communicating your value and brand to everyone around you. Being able to manage many deadlines, work in teams and navigate process and conflict have all proven to be extremely valuable skills in my music making, marketing and distribution. With the music industry being extremely competitive, the same level of hard work and commitment I find myself putting into school has helped build resilience and determination in my pursuit of a music career.”
What was going through your mind when you were announced as the Battle of the Bands winner?
“I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, to be able to share such a special moment on a stage with my close friends was an incredible accomplishment. I’m a big believer in speaking things into existence and having a level of confidence that almost makes others think you’re a little bit delusional, but to have it come true and hear my name announced as the winner rushed me with emotion. Moments before we went on stage one of my bandmates, Emi, reminded us that we had to treat it like all the practice sessions before, and that we all had a love for music and should focus on the enjoyment rather than the outcome.”
How do you manage the business side of your music as an independent artist?
“For the longest time I have been completely independent in my creative process, marketing and distribution. With my initial mindset being operating by spending the least amount of money, that was a good view to get me to get my music career started, but I have realized in the past year or so that investing in the right places whether it be in certain equipment, for additional production or mixing, I can really take my music to the next level. That meant for me bringing people on to my team as a manager and social media manager to help manage content, brand image and communications with different shows or opportunities. By separating these aspects of being an independent artist I have been able to devote a lot more to the creative process of making music that feels the most authentic, instead of rushing or trying to play to a certain algorithm.”
What are you most excited about when opening for Zara Larsson?
“I’m incredibly honored to perform alongside my friends on the same stage as THE Zara Larsson, in front of my fellow terriers and my mum, who is coming to Boston for the very first time all the way from Singapore. I think having such a big spotlight on myself in a school and greater city that has so much talent is an incredible opportunity, and I’m extremely excited to be able to share music that is mine and so close to me, on such a big stage for so many people!”
Have you applied any specific business concepts from Questrom to your music career?
“I can’t think of precise examples of when I’ve used direct concepts from Questrom, but my understandings from how to best work on a team, the understanding of value creation and brand messages in marketing are all key learning that has helped me in furthering my music career. Being a part of Delta Sigma Pi, a Business Fraternity in Questrom, has greatly helped me put myself out there, reaching out to alum, music professionals and others around Boston to help create opportunities for me to further my music career.”
What advice would you give to other Questrom students pursuing creative passions?
“If you have anything creative at all, there is no better time to pursue it than in university. Questrom may feel like a lot of work at times, but balancing your passions and school at the same time, hones your ability to balance everything, helps understand your strengths and your weaknesses and how to minimize them through working with others or creating systems for yourself. There are so many careers that have an overlap of what you love with what you are good at, and doing something creative outside of directly enriching your life definitely gives you more to talk about, setting you apart from competition. You only truly know once you do, so who knows where the exploration of a ‘passion project’ may take you.”
From the classroom to the stage, Enrico Rao is proving what it looks like to turn passion into progress. To stay connected with his latest music and upcoming performances, follow him on Instagram at @enrico.rao and find him on Spotify as Enrico.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.bu.edu ’
