Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dawn Wisner-Johnson, owner of A Matter Of Music, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My sister, Beth Wisner-Jahnsen (yes, the spelling is different for our last names!), and I started our business in 2007 as Take 2 Productions. We worked with artists through management, production, and sync licensing, helping them navigate the business side of their art. Though we enjoyed working in that capacity, we parted ways in 2013 to pursue other sides of the music industry. We came back together during Covid, as we knew so many artists were struggling with how they would continue to do their craft of songwriting and performing. Our new business, "A Matter Of Music" was born, and we started teaching online, releasing podcasts, and holding online live zoom meetings to help the community thrive. It's been so rewarding to utilize our experience and knowledge in this way. We love advocating for artists as we started working in the industry that way. Our personal consultations are really where it's at. We meet with clients and help them with personal advice and ideas to get their art, music, and business where it needs to be.

Tell us about yourself

I started out in bands.  My first band, Crumbacher, released four albums and toured.  The experience was so rewarding for me.  My next band, Almost Ugly began getting television placement for our music and a whole new world opened up to me.  I began to realize that songwriters could make money through sync licensing their music.  In 2003, I started working at ABC Television for the in-house music library.  My passion for the music industry began there as I learned the business side.

When I left ABC Television in 2017, I wasn't sure what I would do next.  Within a few months, I secured my current position as a publishing administrator for RedOne (international producer and recording artist).  I've learned so much in the past five years working in the international publishing and royalty world.  Digital content has really changed our world, and musicians must be VERY proactive to be sure they are tracking everywhere their music is played - so they can get paid!  I decided to start giving back through our business, A Matter Of Music, so Beth and I could share what we had learned with others.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of my favorite things that I do is my listening sessions every Friday. We ask artists to bring a song. We listen for "syncability" for television and film. We help with production notes and ideas about where their music may fit in the world. I also enjoy keeping up with the newest ways artists can get paid for their music. I love to share this knowledge through our monthly Q&A session and see artists go forward with their music and careers. It's very rewarding. We've recently started music supervising for film/tv. Our first project is an indie film, "Move Me No Mountain" that will be released very soon! This film addresses homelessness in Las Vegas and has already won awards. What a rewarding accomplishment. Our next project is a documentary called "Shaken and Stirred" on flair bartending. We are excited to see where this new journey leads us.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Being a business owner means working twice as hard as everyone else. When you own your own business, you must keep up with everything. There's nobody else to turn to. It can be a lot of work, but it also brings much satisfaction. Our clients tell us we are honest and trustworthy, and it is so important to us to bring that to artists. In a business where so many take advantage of songwriters and musicians, we know it's important to treat them with respect and dignity.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Know what you're getting into. Do your research before you start. You must know what you are getting into before you start.
  2. Be committed for the long haul. Running a business with present many obstacles. Be ready to stay in the game and see it through.
  3. Honesty is the best policy. Be transparent and honest about who you are. If you share with others, tell them about your journey, and build community, you will be respected and honored.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.amatterofmusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amatterofmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amatterofdawn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amatterofmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amatterofdawn
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnwisnerjohnson/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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