Seattle Music Commissioner Jennifer Czeisler currently runs Rogue Octopus, a sync licensing company focused on Northwest artists and labels, and previously served as Vice President of Licensing at Sup Pop Records for 16 years. A Seattle native and graduate from the University of Washington School of Law, Jen left her position at Sub Pop in 2012 to create Rogue Octopus. Over her years as a music industry attorney, Jen has negotiated and drafted hundreds of recording contracts, licensing agreements and foreign distribution agreements. Jen’s abilities have showcased themselves in music placements for Sub Pop bands The Shins, The Postal Service, Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses, as well as local indie artists on Rogue Octopus such as Tangerine, Smokey Brights, Hot Bodies In Motion, J. Pinder, Sweet Water and more.
We spoke with Jen about how she got into her career, her perspective on the local industry and her advice for artists who are just starting out. [Read more…]