Interview : Pat Campbell General Manager Warner/Chappell Music Canada

Pat Campbell is General Manager of Warner/Chappell Music Canada whose parent company, Los Angeles-headquartered Warner/Chappell Music Inc. now ranks as the premiere music publishing company in the world.

Along with her staff of 9 including the Creative Director; Royalty Manager, Copyright Manager and their respective department staff, Pat Campbell oversees the signing of writers and performing artists, the registration of copyrights, music clearance functions (sync/ commercial rights) and the preparation of royalty statements.

On being the only Black female head of a major Canadian label, Pat humbly states: “There are always “trailblazers” in any given situation - I would like to think that my abilities propelled me into this position and the fact that I am a Black woman only sweetened the pie.”

dm: How long have you been in this position?

PC: A bit shy of 4 years.

dm: How did you get your current job?

PC: I joined W/C as Manager of the Royalty Dept. in December 1989 and continued in that capacity until April 1997. I was then approached by the CFO/COO and offered the position of GM.

dm: Describe a ‘day in the life of a General Manager’

PC: A typical day is varied and allows for flexibility. Initiating writer contracts requires contacts or meetings with lawyers and/or artist managers. Along with the general administration within the office, part of my mandate is to represent the other Warner/Chappell worldwide affiliate offices in Canada and we do so by representing their published copyrights.

dm: Who do you report to?

PC: CFO/COO (Chief Financial Officer/ Chief Operating Officer) in Los Angeles.

dm: List the previous experiences that prepared you for your current position

PC: I observed at an early age the unique manner in which my mother handled trying situations and through her examples, I adopted some of these characteristics, which have proved to be successful.

dm: how did you get into the music industry?

PC: I fell into it - literally. In 1972 I responded to an ad for a Copyright Clerk at RCA Records (now BMG). I later became assistant to the Royalty Manager and after 17 years with RCA/BMG was approached by W/C as the position of Royalty Manager became available.

Warner Bros. had recently merged with Chappell Music and they were looking for someone to head up the Royalty Department of the combined companies, and as the combined entities had introduced Warner’s Computer System, I had to undergo training which required me to fly down to the Head Office in Los Angeles for on sight training.

dm: Describe your career in terms of the level of stress

PC: It is expected that with any administrative position, there is a degree of stress. Stress Management is the key to functionality and it is not unusual for me to apply some of my Yoga techniques in a timely manner.

dm: What were your milestones of 2000?

PC: I was elected as a Director on the Board of SOCAN Foundation which is dedicated to fostering musical creativity and promoting a better understanding of the role of music creators in today’s society.

dm: What are the goals and objectives for 2001?

PC: Continue to maintain a positive outlook and remain focussed on the task at hand to compete effectively within the music industry.

dm: Who are your mentors?

PC: My Sister. Currently she is the Mother Superior at a Convent in Kingston Jamaica. A humble individual, she exudes quiet confidence and strength in her undertakings.

I also admire women worldwide who have made significant contributions in various roles, whether it is in Government, or CEO’s of Corporations. It is also gratifying to know that there are women in various areas of the music industry who continue to contribute to the advancement of the Industry. It provides a level of comfort and assurance for me.

dm: What gets you out of bed each day?

PC: I have a job; I look forward to the challenges (the good ones) and hope that I have made a small difference in other people’s lives.

dm: What do you do to assist other women in the Industry?

PC: If I am called on for suggestions, ideas - I offer advice. If I can assist someone to get to the next level, I will gladly do so; knowing that this industry, like any other, is about reciprocating and we all benefit from collaboration.