Tell others where you go to school, and often the first thing they ask about is “that work program.” Northeastern University is often a good fit for students who desire hands-on education. Co-op, the school’s big selling point, the potential to give students the actual experience of a future career, rather than only having the opportunity to hear in class what it is going to be like.
Although NU boasts many students who are out in the “real world,” taking advantage of Boston and making things happen, few are as motivated as Keith DeCoons. The middler marketing and music industry major has self-started both an artist management and production company, Saurus Entertainment, as well as his newest venture, Rock Rock Records, during his time at college.
DeCoons’ Saurus Entertainment had its beginnings in Speare Hall, when, as a freshman, a band called Granian sent him an e-mail letting him know they were available for living room shows. Being that a living room was not at his disposal at the time, DeCoons instead set the show up in the Speare lobby. It had a large turnout, and RSA then began funding the shows.
“I would focus on preparing the contracts, as well as promoting the show,” said DeCoons.
That summer, DeCoons spent time in New York City, interning with the manager of singer-songwriter Ari Hest, as well as appearing regularly on an MTV show entitled “MTV Hits.”
Back at Northeastern, DeCoons continues to bring artists to campus, which resulted in one of his favorite experiences with his company, having singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson play in the Stetson East Lobby, right before he signed with Universal Records.
“To have [such a successful artist] come play in a dorm lobby, as well as taking him to eat in the cafeteria, meant a lot to me, and it really led me to believe that this is what I wanted to be doing for the rest of my life,” said DeCoons.
DeCoons next set his eye on artist management, and bringing this service to Saurus Entertainment. The company’s main client is The Laura Glyda Band, who has garnered a large following on campus, and quite a buzz in Boston, playing local venues. Their album will be released next month on Rock Rock Records, the indie label that DeCoons has started to create a home for the band’s record.
DeCoons said that his company “currently is all about exposing the Laura Glyda Band to new fans and to people whose job it is to say ‘no.’ One of my bosses taught me that the music industry is a ‘no’ business. They want to say no to you because if they say yes, it’s more work for them. But at the same time, they are looking for great music.”
Balancing school and work has been no easy task for DeCoons, and he often finds himself making phone calls and sending e-mails for work between classes. He also tries to use lessons from class, and apply them to his business. He has used the co-op program to his advantage, working for Black Wolf Records.
“I have learned more from my co-op than any text book could ever teach me, because it is such a hands on business that you can’t apply what you read until you actually see it happen,” Dacoons said.
He advises others aspiring to get into the music business to seek out any internship they can find.
“From artist management companies to promotional companies to record labels, they are always looking for help. Even though a job may involve getting coffee and making copies, just be the best at it and others will take note,” said DeCoons.
DeCoons continues to work on Saurus Entertainment and Rock Rock Records, and is currently gearing up for promotion of The Laura Glyda Band’s new album, including seeking airplay for their single.
Saurus Entertainment gained its name from a friend with a thick Boston accent who referred to DeCoon as the “source” when it came to finding out about upcoming music events in Boston, and DeCoons hopes to continue that tradition, as a “source to other people for new music and bands.”
Fellow students who would like to help out with Saurus Entertainment or Rock Rock Records can contact DeCoons at [email protected]
