Today we’d like to introduce you to Henry Kunz
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always had a huge appreciation and love for music, especially live music. This collided with an interest in the music industry when I started managing a band of my friends called By George over the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. I was a business student at NC State and thought it would be a fun project to work on to gain some experience and be around a scene that I love! Over time and as the band grew, I gained experience in a ton of different areas from booking to marketing, even picking up some experience in live production (sound and lighting). Eventually, I looked to expand beyond one band and started my company, Southend Entertainment in 2023. The company started in both live event production and booking, but quickly expended to full promotion and event logistics for charity events and local Carolina artist showcases. In the last year, I have moved the company away from booking and live event production as money became less of a priority. Today, Southend Entertainment is 100% focused on showcasing bands from the Southeast through local showcases and organizing benefit concerts for various local charities. I am also talent buying for a live local music series at a historic bar and beer garden in Chapel Hill called He’s Not Here.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not! The local music scene is an absolute meat grinder with little monetary incentive to continue. It really forces you to consider why you are doing what you are doing. For example, it was commonplace for me to be loading up a UHaul truck at 1am after working a 12 hour day at an event knowing that there was little to no pay coming my way. However, I stuck with it because of the people and the music. Some of the musicians and other creatives that I have met and worked with have become some of my best friends in the world. In addition, being able to watch the growth and excitement of local bands and music fans at an event that you helped to create is one of the more gratifying feelings in the world.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Southend Entertainment is a niche local promoter and talent buyer specializing in indie and jam events in the Carolinas. The company’s mission is to spread love through music and accomplishes this through local showcases and charity events. I am extremely proud of the community first aspect of the company and the reputation Southend Entertainment has built locally and even up and down the east coast with regionally touring bands.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My best advise for fostering a network is to continually push yourself to engage in the types of events or activities that you want to be a part of. Whether that is as a fan, volunteer, etc, try to become an active member of the community. With the passage of time, you will slowly start to find the people who’s communication style and energy matches with yours!
However, it does take time and patience. Try not to feel discouraged and continue to actively support the connections that make you feel connected and positive. Eventually, opportunities will start to open for you, especially if you keep an open mind and try to say yes to anything that could help create a connection.
So next time one of you favorite bands is in town: Go to the concert! Email asking for a press/photo pass! Stay after the show to meet them of their manager! It might be the connection that changes everything 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southendentertains.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southendentertainment/
