Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeline Jackson.
Hi Madeline, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Madeline Jackson and I live in Atlanta, GA and music is my life! I have always been interested in the entertainment field since I was young. Once I entered college, I decided music was the route I wanted to take. At that time I briefly lived in the small town of Brunswick, Georgia. I started throwing events and concerts with my friends in Brunswick. Once I graduated with my Associates Degree, I decided to move back to Atlanta to further pursue my passion for the Music Business. I attended Kennesaw State University for my bachelor’s and enrolled in the Joel A. Katz Music and Entertainment Business Program. This program taught me important industry skills I still use today and assisted in me getting all 4 of my internships in music. Through this program, I interned for The Recording Academy (The GRAMMYs), PlayPro Media, SESAC, and Live Nation. These internships laid the groundwork for my career and taught me so much about how hard working and diligent you have to be in this industry. I went on to work at two of the organizations I interned for (SESAC and Live Nation) and became a Professional Recording Academy Member. Later I attained a Music and Entertainment Business Certificate from the Tisch School of Arts at NYU. Now that I have been in the industry as a professional for over 10 years, I have worked at SESAC, Live Nation, BMI, and now Rival Entertainment. My current title is Director of Events Programming for Rival Entertainment at Center Stage, The Loft and Vinyl in Midtown Atlanta.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road, but very rewarding. It took a long time to get to the role I am in, but the hard work and dedication is worth it. I am not done yet! I have many more levels and goals I would like to achieve in this industry! This biggest take away is never give up and always work hard, you never know who’s paying attention. Make connections with everyone you can and always be a positive force. People you meet along the way will remember you and you will cross paths with them again.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Rival Entertainment?
Rival Entertainment operates Center Stage, The Loft and Vinyl and promotes/produces events and festivals outside of these walls throughout the country. These are the three historical venues located in Midtown Atlanta that Rival Entertainment runs and books. Center Stage opened its doors in 1966 as Theatre Atlanta, later becoming Center Stage. Center Stage has always been a space for performing arts since its start 58 years ago. I am the Director of Events Programming for Rival Entertainment. I handle all of our third-party programming and special/private events at Center Stage, the Loft, and Vinyl. Essentially, I book and manage all of the shows that outside promoters, artists, and companies do at our spaces. We are known for being a staple in Atlanta and do some of the best shows Atlanta has to offer. Our three spaces range in capacity from 300 to 1,050. Some of my favorite events I have had the pleasure to book: MTV Unplugged with JID, Marlon Wayans ‘God Loves Me’ HBO special, The General Insurance Commercial with Shaq, Commercial for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 x Wild ‘n out, Ultimate Rap League with Caffeine TV, TIDAL Rising, GRAMMY Nominees 2024 for the Recording Academy, AJC ‘The South Got Something to Say’ and many more. I have had the pleasure of working with artists such as André 3000, JID, KCAMP, Sonny Digital, India.Arie, Pastor Troy and Money Man just to name a few. We love to make events legendary and have the pleasure of doing some of the best underplays in the city.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My very first supporter/cheerleader was my mother. She taught me to always believe in my dreams and work hard to achieve them! She has been a constant support and someone who I turn to for advice on everything. Both of my parents instilled the love of music in me from the time I was a child and this made me want to pursue music as an adult. My first mentor in the music industry was Erin Baxter from my very first internship with the Recording Academy 10 years ago. To this day, I still turn to her for advice and guidance. I also have the pleasure of seeing her often at events now that I am a professional member of the Recording Academy. My next music industry mentor is Greggory Smith. He gave me my first job in the music industry at SESAC and has been a constant supporter since. Last but not least, my boyfriend Brandon Garrett aka Trubb. He and I have been working together on all things music since we met over 15 years ago. He is a huge inspiration and influence to me and the very first person I started throwing events with many years ago. We both inspire and uplift each other’s careers and share the same passion for music. I am very blessed to have many amazing influences in this industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.centerstage-atlanta.com/venue-rental/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss_madelinefaye/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-jackson-94759893/
