Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Fleshner.
Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My first experience in the studio was when I was thirteen years old. My sister was taking voice lessons, and I was taking piano lessons. We decided to record a small four song project with my piano teacher for our family as a Christmas present. My grandmother was battling Alzheimer’s at the time and listening to us play and sing would calm her down and make her smile.
My piano teacher, who was also producing the small project, invited me into the mixing room to help him out. He knew that I am 90% auditory and that I learn almost completely by hearing. I sat behind the board and had a moment that I will never forget. It was an AH-HA moment of knowing that was what I was created to do. Immediately I jumped into being in the studio as much as possible.
Just about a year after that, my grandmother passed away from her battle with Alzheimer’s. She and I used to sit and watch classic 1950’s films together and laugh for hours. After she passed, I was sitting watching Singing In The Rain, and the scene where Donald O’Connor sings “Make Them Laugh” came on. I laughed and smiled for the entire scene! I realized at that moment what the power of music can do! I was sad and grieving the loss of my grandmother, and that song transported me away from all of that and made me smile. That was the second AH-HA moment and what really drove me into the music industry. I wanted to somehow be part of making that moment happen for someone else!
Not long after that, my sister started playing a few shows locally in our hometown. She let me try my hand at running sound for her and again, I was hooked! By the time I turned eighteen, we were playing between seventy and eighty shows per year. She then needed a manager to help keep the business side in line. Because of my experience with her on the road, I jumped at the opportunity to pursue that side of the business. From there, we were on the road playing around 120 shows per year until she got out of music in early 2019.
I wasn’t ready to get out of the industry when she stopped touring. I freelanced for about a year and then in April of 2020, we started 362 Entertainment. Since opening, we have signed two management artists and worked with countless studios and Indie artists helping them navigate the business side of the music industry. 362 Entertainment offers a wide variety of Indie label services from social media management and graphic design to project management and managing releases. I am thankful for everything that led me to this point, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As with any business or dream, there are always bumps in the road! Being a woman in the male-dominated live audio world is always challenging! Another major challenge was that 362 Entertainment was started a few days before the world shut down due to covid. The LLC paperwork came in the mail as the news was announcing shutdowns. However, I am very thankful that the business side of music continued to grow in the middle of the pandemic. With touring being brought to a halt, musicians were making and releasing more music than ever before.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about 362 Entertainment?
At 362 Entertainment, we love being a small part of the creative process it takes to get music out to the public. As music lovers ourselves, we understand the power of a simple song and how it can make all the difference to the person listening.
We are passionate about helping independent artists take an idea for a song from paper to releasing to their fans and are here for the entire process! With over ten years of experience in almost every part of the industry, we are dedicated to keeping independent artists and their songs alive.
We offer services including: Brand and social media management, Web design and management, Project management, Graphic design, Consulting, Live sound, Tour management, Event management.
We manage these artists: Mark Jones – https://www.markjonesofficial.com, https://open.spotify.com/artist/36RSMY5KaK2Bk8HwFrOq04?si=OHh1JjwMTgWJ-DVPu223Wg&dl_branch=1
Hanny and the Heartthrobs – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5xGmHmnvczSvBtvEsJi0qW?si=FPUtwfs9RcGfFdq1NhaB9g&dl_branch=1
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am an artist that does custom leatherwork on the side! I ran a successful custom leather shop out of my home while touring for many years. Now I only take on special projects for my friends but still love the artistry of it!
Contact Info:
- Email: sarah@362entertainment.com
- Website: https://www.362entertainment.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/362entertainment/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/362entertainment
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDvao2mlm_FlS04zpSBIbLw
Image Credits
Brooke Lott Photography Annette McNamara Photography
