Meet Rachel Philip | Project Manager for a Music Media & Discovery platform – GRRRL MUSIC, Photographer, & Creative Freelancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Philip and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe sacrifices and risk-taking go hand in hand. I do not come from a background in music or entertainment, nor did I know anyone personally pursuing a career in a creative space. I am taking a risk on myself—a risk that I may fail time and time again, that nobody may take a chance on me. Putting out my ideas, art, and time to pursue something that many people may not understand is both a risk and a sacrifice. I take a risk every time I decide I am not growing in a particular area and choose to move on to new things.

My ideas behind my business and creative projects have started and stopped so many times, encountering many dead ends. But finding a new solution is rewarding. Seeing people happy with what I have created for them reignites my passion.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
(I wrote this for my last interview and I hope it is ok to reuse this!)

My journey hasn’t been a smooth road; it’s been filled with doubt, late nights, loneliness, and insecurity. As a woman of color and someone younger in the industry, I’ve encountered challenges in being taken seriously and treated with respect by certain individuals throughout my time working in music. The battle with depression and anxiety has been a lifelong companion, and I’ve learned to accept that it will be a part of me forever. Advocating for myself has become an essential skill in navigating the complexities of this realm. The fear of not being able to sustain this journey lingers, but I am determined to persevere, hoping to connect with the right people along the way and make a lasting impact in an industry that I am deeply passionate about. Despite the privilege of working within my dream career from an early start, imposter syndrome often creeps in, making it difficult to believe I am good enough.

Especially during the late nights, I found myself tirelessly working to improve my concert photography skills and striving to make an impact. The journey to get management teams and artists to appreciate my work has been a challenging process. These late-night endeavors have been crucial in shaping not just my technical abilities but also my resilience and determination. Despite the uncertainties, I am committed to pushing through, continuously learning, and hoping to make a lasting impact in an industry that I am deeply passionate about.

The landscape of music entertainment undergoes constant transformation. Every day introduces new trends, shifts in distribution methods, and a myriad of intricacies that often go unspoken. Navigating this dynamic environment requires dedicated research to stay updated on industry trends, understand evolving distribution mechanisms, and delve into the nuanced details that aren’t always readily shared. It’s a continuous learning process, demanding a commitment to staying informed and adapting to the multifaceted nature of the music industry.

I am currently working with GRRRL Music and thoroughly enjoying my time with my team. I am incredibly proud of my teams and myself for venturing into the world of event planning and cultivating experiences for others. Creating meaningful experiences has always been a significant goal of mine, and it brings me immense joy to see it come to fruition. I had initially envisioned finding my community, but here I am, grateful for the opportunity to be the person creating it. It’s a fulfilling journey, and I look forward to continuing to build connections and craft memorable experiences for those we engage with Looking ahead, I have a vision for the next 5 years where I aspire to establish my own music management service (RAGE PROD.). The goal is to cultivate a diverse, close-knit creative team that shares my passion for music and working with artists. I hope the platform of RAGE.PROD allows me to work intimately with artists I deeply connect with, assisting them in securing tours and providing the right resources to propel their careers forward. While some might view artist management and tour managing as challenging aspects of the music industry, I see it as an exciting opportunity. I am ready and enthusiastic about taking on the challenges that come with these roles. My aim is to contribute to the growth and success of artists I believe in, ultimately creating a positive and supportive environment within the industry. I am determined to continually improve my concert photography skills expand the reach of my work to wider audiences, and hopefully create a name for myself within that realm. One of the aspects I cherish most about music is its unique ability to bring together a diverse array of individuals. In a world filled with differences, music stands out as a universal language that transcends boundaries. No two stories are the same, and every track is a meticulously crafted piece of art. It’s this unparalleled ability of music to resonate with people from all walks of life that makes it a truly special and unifying force in our world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Places we would visit & hang out!
– Sunset Cliffs
– Mission Bay
– Shelter Island
– Kate Sessions Park

Activites:
– Winyl Wednesday @ Balboa Park
– Skate Jazz on Thursday
– Concerts at Soda Bar, Observatory North Park, The Rady Shell
– Thrifting at Speakeasy Clothing Company in North Park
– Park and Rec Bar in Normal Heights

Food & Drinks:
– Cafe Medeline in North Park
– Sunshine Company Saloon, The Holding Company, & NOVA in Ocean Beach
– North Park Beer Co
– Part Time Lover in North Park
– Teso Becho Downtown San Diego
– Underbelly Ramen in North Park
– Coffee Shops: Holsem, Lovesong, Influx

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I really want to thank my San Diego Creatives and Music family. I never knew I would meet lifelong friends and mentors through the music industry. The creatives here in San Diego have made me feel seen and heard. Many have offered so much guidance and support, lending me gear, sharing tips and tricks, and just being a listening ear when I felt lost. They are so inspiring, and I feel so blessed to have found such a beautiful network of people.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelmphilip/ & https://www.instagram.com/rage.prod/

Image Credits
BOTH PHOTOS OF ME (in green outfit) – Mackenzie Childress, @mackfocusphoto

all concert images: @rage.prod