Herrick Swirbalus

Alumni Spotlight: Herrick Swirbalus

Campus Bound alumnus Herrick Swirbalus, a 2024 graduate of Medfield (MA) High School, is pursuing a unique degree as a recording and entertainment industries major at Syracuse University’s Bandier Program, part of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

How did you know you wanted to go into the music industry?

I’ve always been into music and concerts and knew I wanted to work in music. I asked myself, is this what I want to be doing in life? How can I get a job in it? I just love it! In high school I had some industry experience including summer work in music production and songwriting. My friend and I started a music podcast, talking about what interested us. And I worked at Bellforge Arts Center in Medfield senior summer. Music was the focus of my personal statement when I applied to college.

Was Syracuse your first choice?

Yes, I had researched Bandier, applied Early Decision and was admitted. I looked at University of Southern California and Belmont University as well but Syracuse was my first choice. The program has been around for 20 years and the cohort is about 30 students a year, so it’s a tight-knit group.

What has the program been like so far?

It’s incredible! Students have the resources they need to meet the people they want to meet in the music industry. Newhouse itself is very connected. Our professors are serious people; the program director was the editorial director at Billboard magazine for many years, and the whole faculty understand how to relay an artistic message. It’s okay coming into Bandier not knowing what you want to do because you learn the basics the first couple years. Then if you want to do something specific, reach out to a professor or alum and see what happens. Professors work with each student individually to create their own path. There’s so much personalized attention.

We pride ourselves on our network—I could reach out to anyone who’s ever attended Bandier and they’d be very willing to help. The music industry is small so those connections are invaluable. There’s a guest speaker every week. The head agent at UTA came to speak with us last week which was amazing.

Does A.I. play a role in your studies?

The recording and entertainment industries major is embracing A.I. because it’s not going anywhere. You need to know how to productively use AI at your job. I use it for research for a project, or inspiration. It’s good for getting metrics or as a starting place.

What is on your radar for the next two years at Syracuse?

I’m applying to study in London next semester and hoping to intern there. And next summer I’d like to work in Nashville. Syracuse offers great study abroad opportunities in general but Newhouse can offer a bit more, especially in an industrial city like London. Many Newhouse students go to Los Angeles the fall of senior year but it really depends on where your music industry interest lies and what agency you’ll be working at.

What advice would you give someone who wants to work in the music industry?

For kids graduating high school, it’s not always clear how to get a job in the music business. If you’re majoring in something other than music, you have to be the loudest one in the room and willing to ask questions that other people aren’t. Follow through, follow up, if you don’t have persistence it’s not going to work. Make sure you leave a good impression and get after it.

Know the three big labels: Sony, Warner, Universal. Know the players in the industry. Follow Instagram accounts that are interesting. Be curious. Most importantly, don’t ever stop listening to music. The spark can be gone if you’re not a real music fan. I play music from the moment I wake up! If you’re truly passionate, don’t ever lose your love for music and the people around it. Open your ears to many different genres. I used to listen to two new albums a week and write reviews, which helped inspire me to start the podcast.

Tell us about your career plans. What might you be doing after graduation?

There are so many pathways I didn’t know existed: A&R [Artists & Repertoire], agency, management… it’s been helpful learning about all these potential areas. Booking and agency is of interest, but my dream is to work at a live music venue. Live music is my passion. I’ve always known I want to be able to replicate the feeling of being at a concert. How can I put an incredible event together that both the artist and fans are going to love? I’m enthusiastic about putting on actual events and executing an artist’s vision for what a performance should be.

Ideally in 10 years I’ll be in New York or maybe Nashville, working in an agency or at a venue. I’ll be doing bookings or working at a venue on the East Coast.

Pop quiz: favorite artist?

Phish. And King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, out of Australia. This may come as a surprise to some, but my second favorite genre is metal, like Iron Maiden.

Favorite venue?

Roadrunner in Brighton [Massachusetts]. It’s got the perfect layout for a venue—one ticket, small, access to everything.

Favorite social media account?

@pollstar_official. It’s a trade publication for live music, and they post really interesting statistics about the highest grossing shows or rundown of a tour, who the biggest artists are, the latest touring trends, etc. Worth following.