ep24 Joelle May is on the Scene
released October 9, 2025
1:44:35

Summary:

Joelle May delves into her unique career transition from the oil and gas industry to becoming a prominent figure in the music business. She recounts her journey, starting with her work as a publicist and the creation of her company, Mod May Productions. Throughout her career, Joelle has worn many hats, including roles in management, grant writing, and festival organization. Now, as the GM of New Motor Records, Joelle explains the label's rebranding and future plans. She shares insights on enduring industry challenges, highlights the importance of networking, and reflects on the evolving landscape of live music venues.

Key Topics & Highlights:

• Her unexpected start in the oil and gas industry and the skills she transferred to music business.
• The leap from corporate life to founding her own publicity company, Mod May Productions
• The evolution of music publicity: from mailing CDs and calling local newspapers to navigating blogs, digital platforms, and playlist curators.
• The challenges and rewards of running a label, including the transition from Sakamoto Music to New Motor Records
• Insights into building authentic industry relationships, the realities of “friendships of convenience,” and the impact of the pandemic on social and professional connections.
• Joelle’s experiences as a woman in the music industry, the support of organizations like Women in Music Canada

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:46 Catching Up with Joelle

05:44 Joelle's Musical Journey

13:42 Transition from Oil and Gas to Music

15:43 Starting a Publicity Business

37:52 The Riskiest Roles in the Music Industry

38:39 Taking the Leap with Sakamoto

39:33 Rebranding and Relaunching the Label

43:41 Memorable Moments in the Music Industry

45:19 The Hustle and Challenges of Publicity

48:53 Navigating Relationships in the Music Business

01:09:47 Current Projects and Future Plans

01:14:37 Industry Role Models and Sexism

01:15:39 Experiences with Misogyny

01:17:36 Supportive Women in Music

01:19:07 Leadership and Decision Making

01:20:06 Career Reflections and Skills 01:25:13 Future Plans and New Signings

01:28:27 Podcasting and Networking

01:30:25 Post-Fame with Alexi

Links & Mentions:

Guest website: https://newmotorrecords.com/who-we-are/

Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modmayjoelle/

Connect with the Show:

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson

Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com

AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough

Almost Famous Enough Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

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