Heather McDonald

Music Professional

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

Education

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Expertise

Music business

Introduction

  • Writer covering music business careers
  • Managed a record store and handled new release promotion
  • Managed manufacturing, distribution, and marketing for an indie record company
  • Handles public relations for bands and labels
  • Teaches music business courses 

Experience

Heather McDonald is a former writer for The Balance Careers covering music. She has worked in nearly all aspects of the music industry, including for independent record labels, serving as manager and buyer of a record store, and tour booking and show promotion. At the record store, McDonald worked closely with both major and indie labels on new release promotion and worked on in-store performances from artists across all genres.

Upon moving to Glasgow, Scotland, she worked at indie label Shoeshine Records. There, she performed a range of duties: dealing with manufacturing and distribution, securing international licensing agreements, artist management, tour booking, show promotion and album promotion.

McDonald now works as a freelance writer and does PR for various bands and labels. She serves as a consultant working with independent musicians, labels, and music managers. Emphasis is on promotion, campaign planning, touring and new release campaigns.

She also teaches music businesses courses at the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC.

 

Education

McDonald graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in international studies with a concentration in economics.

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