Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Proctor.
Julia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started out with a huge passion for music that I knew was unique. I had a hard time pinpointing and explaining to others why I had such a passion because I didn’t grow up playing any instruments. Also, because it seemed like everyone said they loved music. To prove my passion, I decided to start a music blog when I was in college to make it tangible. I spent countless nights listening to music, going to live shows and trying to put into words what really drew me to a specific song or artist.
My goal was to really tap into why specific songs moved me and not others. After four years of pouring my heart and soul into my blog and working a few gigs as a ticket taker to get my foot in the door, I got my first job in the industry as an Executive Assistant to Amy Corbin, who is the head Promoter of the Concerts Division at C3 Presents and who is responsible for booking several music festivals including Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo Music Festival, Music Midtown Festival, Voodoo Music Festival, and more.
I served closely as her assistant for four years and took in as much knowledge as I could which eventually led me to get promoted to the position where I am today: Talent Buyer for the Historic Scoot Inn, a live outdoor music venue that holds 1050 people on the East side of Austin that’s been open since 1871!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of the biggest challenges has been being persistent as a female in a male-dominated and tough industry. As a female, it’s not always first-nature to speak up and stand your ground, but I’ve learned that it’s especially important in this industry to have your voice heard and to show that you can handle obstacles that get thrown your way.
I’ve also learned that it’s difficult to accomplish your goals without making them known. One of the most important pieces of advice that was given to me was that if you don’t speak up about what you want in life, you’ll never get it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Historic Scoot Inn – what should we know?
Historic Scoot Inn specializes in live outdoor music performances and events and also serves as your every-day neighborhood bar from Wednesday through Saturday. Its history dates back to 1871 when Sam & Nancy Wilson opened the space as a grocery & mercantile store for all things legal or otherwise for those who were traveling to and from the new railroad track that had just come to Austin. The name Scoot Inn is derived from a nickname of one of the later owners in 1955, Aubrey Ivy. Maintaining the charm and history of the space and serving our community is one of our biggest goals as new owners.
My role is to book the talent and program the events in the space. Whether that be booking a live outdoor music performance, planning a wedding reception, or coordinating yoga with rosé, I’m your girl. One of the things I’m most proud of is to be serving the community with events at one of the most historic and iconic venues that help makes Austin the live music capital of the world.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I wouldn’t be able to do this role without the support and encouragement of my friends and family. They get to hear the struggles and dramas of the industry that can at times be challenging and they always find a way to bring me back up.
I’m also lucky to have a lot of badass female co-workers and role-models to look up to at C3 who have paved the way before me and who make me feel like I’m not alone. Any time I feel like there is a challenge ahead, it’s likely they have already overcome the same thing.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1308 E. 4th St. Austin, TX 78702
- Website: https://www.scootinnaustin.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scootinn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scoot.inn/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/scootinn
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/scoot-inn-austin
- Other: https://www.c3concerts.com/
Image Credit:
Kaley From Kansas, Katrina Barber
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