Israeli music industry, and specifically behind-the-scenes management of working artists, is something we at Lemur came to know quite a bit about. In this area of town, real long-term-industry-savvy professionals are hard to find. Lucky for everybody, Mariah Mochiach exists. Mariah has 22 impressive years of experience in marketing, A&R and management (label, company, artist, projects). She is knowledgeable in working and developing strategies for international major labels (BMG, Warner Music, Beggars Group), publishing and copyright (Warner Chappell), music synchronization for commercial and TV/movie use, business affairs, licensing, digital marketing and more. In the past year, Mariah decided to gather her amazing abilities with her passion for music and love of people, and took a brave step starting her own business as an artist manager (Geva Alon, Victoria Hanna) and consultant for artists, music companies and labels. On top of all things – she managed to pull through our questions, and that is, dear friends, a real sign of character.
By Noa Faran
1. What was the last song you listened to? And what do you most expect listening to next?
Just now, while riding my bicycle, I listened to “Free” by Geva Alon, and a bunch of his new songs that will see light soon.
Regarding expectations, they are mainly related to songs that make me feel things and are meaningful in an artistic way. Therefore, it can be anything from any time or place.
2. What do you want to be when you grow up? How would your 10-year-old self react to what you do today?
I want to be a content human being and use this to empower the artists I work with and the people around me. My 10-year-old self is proud of what I became as a person, a professional and a mother.
3. What’s the career highlight you’re most proud of?
I had some beautiful stories from my 20 years working for Warner Music, but I kinda feel THE highlight is yet to come. That being said, the highlight so far has been making my way from the bottom to where I am today and being able to work in music for so many years and being quite good at it.
4. What is the one thing we should pay more attention to as human beings?
Really seeing each other. The way I manage my business and my everyday actions are mostly based on that.
5. For right now, What or who inspires you the most?
The people that surround me, I’ve been lucky to come across them and I am extremely happy I did because they are inspiring and beautiful.
6. What do you most enjoy spending money on?
Life experiences and good time: traveling, wine, good food, art.
7. If you could go back to anytime in history, where would you go?
I would like to time travel jumping on and off a couple of stations: Mexico World Cup 86, the house where RHCP recorded Blood Sugar Sex Magic, sometime before the idea of religion was forged, anytime before the industrial revolution and CBGB on 1977.
8. Currently, what is your biggest challenge?
Balancing properly my professional life and my personal life because I love both of them very much.
9. What is your most irrational fear?
Don’t think I have one, I’ve been working for years to get rid of the ones I had… I rather leave room for the rational ones.