Brandon Pascua, CAMD'17, performed and recorded “Jingle Bells” with Ellen McNeill, DMSB'18, for the 2016 D'Amore-McKim holiday video (watch below). Pascua shares his insights in pursuing his passion while also gaining key business skills to build a career in the music industry.

Q:What are you studying?

I'm a fifth year Music Industry major with minors in Entrepreneurship and Music Recording.

Q:Where are you currently on co-op and what's your day-to-day like?

I'm currently on co-op at Republic Records in New York City, and I'm an Artist & Repertoire (A&R) intern as well as the intern for the President & COO. My day-to-day consists of assisting the A&R team in discovering future talent, which involves analyzation of unsigned artists using metrics like sales, streams, and airplay while also using instinct and gut to back up that data. Being part of the number one record label in the business puts me in the heat of a very competitive landscape. I couldn't ask for a better co-op.

Q:Why did you decide to minor in entrepreneurship?

After attending a few Entrepreneurship Club meetings, I knew I had to learn as much as I could. The creativity in forming, implementing, and managing your own venture really interested me. The music industry is currently in a resurgence with the revenue potential of streaming services, and this means that there are plenty of opportunities for innovation. Since I'm also a songwriter/artist, having the mindset of an entrepreneur is key because my music is essentially the venture. My latest project, with fellow Husky Camille Frazier, is a songwriting duo called Be Cool. Having an entrepreneurship background is really helping move the project forward.

Q:What would you say to a prospective or current student who is considering a minor in business?

I'd 100% recommend a minor in business. From personal experience, I've had amazing professors who really care and push you to not just learn concepts, but also apply them in real scenarios. Knowing that I've taken advantage of an opportunity to round out my skillset has made me appreciate my time here at Northeastern.

Q:Where do you see yourself after graduation?

After graduation, I could see myself in either New York City or Los Angeles working in the music industry on the record label side.

Q:Any advice to our younger Huskies?

Networking is one of the most important skills that I've learned at Northeastern, although I didn't really learn it in the classroom. The connections you make can make an impact when you least expect it, so don't hesitate to meet a vast amount of students and professionals while at school or on co-op.

For more of Brandon Pascua's music visit his Soundcloud page.

Read our Q&A with Ellen McNeill, DMSB'18, here.