Conversations with Olga Fouche

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olga Fouche.

Hi Olga, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was working for an outfit out of Athens, GA in 2020 called Shadebeast Presents. I loved Athens so much- the metal community, small rooms, all of my friends. I thought I was going to be there a great deal longer, then COVID-19 hit. It was without a doubt filled with the darkest moments of my adult life. Live music came to a halt, which was unimaginable hard. Then, my favorite music venue closed permanently – The Caledonia Lounge. I have spent every single one of my favorite nights in that space. At that point, I knew it was time to move on from Athens. My plan was to go to grad school in Tennessee, then I saw that this new brewery in Atlanta was hiring. All of my experiences have been in either live metal music or breweries; this place seemed like it was tailored to everything I loved. I applied immediately and heard nothing back. I hit up the owner several times on every outlet I could find until he FINALLY interviewed me. Now, I truly cannot imagine being anywhere else.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been so many hurdles in coming to Atlanta and getting this venue going. The owner had the space for over three years until he was finally able to open (due to city planning and permitting). He spent so much time, effort, and money getting his business up and running. I am honored that he brought me along. Since opening, we have fought very hard to stay in EAV. It was difficult when we were trying to have more and more shows- organizing bands, figuring out how to have the best experience for bands, patrons, and the business itself, and trying to have a platform for every single person with a voice. It has taken a while, but we have definitely hit our stride and have made a name for ourselves in such a competitive, established market.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the talent buyer/booker at Sabbath Brewing. I like to think I specialize in enjoying live music. Since I started going to shows, I immediately fell in love. In love with the music, the strangers, the feeling. There is nothing else on the planet like it, and it is one of the few things that can never be replaced. When I knew that all I ever wanted was this feeling forever, I knew I had to facilitate live music in some way. I am so happy to be able to do this every day. My proudest moment at Sabbath Brewing was our the festival I booked in September, Sabbath’s Bloody Sabbath. Up until that point, we were not sure what we, or the space, were capable of. My favorite band played as I stood stage-side, singing along every word. To this day, people still talk about how that festival was their best concert of 2022. It was one of the most breathtaking and encouraging moments.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice for anyone starting out is to create demand for yourself. The most valuable thing I ever learned in school was “You have to be present to win.” At first in doing all of this, I was written off. Written off by men, people with more experience, people who are “more hip,” those who have money backing them. But I kept showing up and enjoying every second of the music. I kept making myself involved no matter what. Eventually, my efforts were noticed by bands, promoters, bookers, etc. I think people realized how truly passionate I was and that is really what has brought me to where I am now. The only thing I wish I knew when starting out is that nothing is going to fall into my lap, I have to make opportunities for myself. It sounds hard, but you have to get out there and grab a piece for yourself. When someone slams a door in your face, then build a bigger and better house than them and invite them over for tea (Souther Hospitality). If someone tells you no, make them see you why are a yes.

Contact Info:

• Website: sabbathbrewing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olga_nole/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olganoel.fouche/

Image Credits:
Jeffrey Oparnica, Josh Lamar, Tyler Ortel