Matthew McLean wasted no time when he started searching for the best of the best, while booking his first major music festival in Portland MusicFestNW.
He was even lucky enough to land indie rock legends Modest Mouse, who just happen to be among McLeans favorite bands of all time.
That was pretty special for me and a big priority of mine to get Modest Mouse. I have always been a huge fan of their work, McLean says. Theyre easily one of my favorite bands, and it made sense with their new album coming out (Strangers to Ourselves) to get them for MusicFestNW.
MFNW is headed back to Waterfront Park, Aug. 21-23, with the help of headlining acts, which includes the likes of Foster the People, Beirut, Belle and Sebastian, The Tallest Man on Earth, Twin Shadow and plenty of
others from around the globe.
McLean, 39, is in his first year as the festivals booker, after years of MFNW being run by Trevor Solomon, who left for a new job booking the twice annual Boston Calling festival.
McLean, who took over in October 2014, knew he had big shoes to fill. But with the 22-band lineup he booked this year, fans should leave as happy as ever. And McLean couldnt be any more excited to watch his first major music festival unfold.
This year we went pretty heavy on the top bands, says McLean, who is a native of Detroit. Plus most of the bands playing have new albums, which was important to me, minus Foster the People.
When McLean took over his new position with MFNW after parting ways with Monqui Presents, where he worked since 2009, he left with no regrets and was excited for this new chapter and opportunity in his professional career.
I loved working for Monqui and wouldnt change a thing about my time there, he says. I made some great relationships and did tons of networking. Thats why it was a fairly smooth transition, since I have worked with a lot of these bands before.
Before the lineup was announced, McLean became a little nervous and was ready to move forward and to see the reaction of the public and his fellow peers.
I was definitely nervous as the announcement neared, McLean recalls. After spending months of creating this thing ... you always become your toughest critic.
Asked what one of the hardest parts of his job was, McLean says it comes down to budget of what it takes to run a major music festival, but also trying to put my own stamp on it, which I think I did this year.
Not many would argue otherwise.
When asked about the budget the festival provides, McLean was quick to put an end to that conversation before it even began.
Thankfully, after years of working in the music industry behind the scenes, McLean was ready for the task at hand, but says its more difficult to book a festival, compared to booking individual concerts like he was once used to.
There is a lot that goes into this, and I have to keep up on all the music and the bands, he says. So much planning and building relationships goes into creating a successful MFNW.
As for the networking, Its all about building relationships with agents and managers. And building a reputation that youre going to take care of their bands and put them in the right room, space and venue, which is always a huge priority for me. If the band is happy, that usually translates into a better show for the customer.
McLean says being a talent buyer takes years of experience. And its something he takes pride in.
What does it take to be a talent buyer? Thats a good question. Certainly having an ear for good music helps a ton (and) working in radio for all those years was a huge help. We would preview hundreds of albums a week and determine what was good, what was bad. You are sort of taste-making when you do that. And this job requires a good amount of that. Also having a firm grasp of budgets helps a ton as well.
McLean admits he likes being behind the scenes and not on stage, though.
I dabbled for a bit, he says. But I like being off the main stage.
McLean understands that he might have one of the sweetest gigs in town, especially when it comes to music.
Its hard not to think this is one of the coolest jobs in town, but at the end of the day, its still a job that has its ups and downs.
When does planning begin for next year?
For next year, Ill start right away, McLean adds. Ideally, right after this festival.
One of the most daunting parts of the job is trying to please the masses, but to also book the best show possible given his budget, which he hopes to expand in the years to come, while still trying to book good and long-lasting bands. Perhaps well be able to add a third and fourth stage eventually down the road.
Im going to enjoy this festival, he adds. Hopefully everyone else hops on board.
Six of the bands in this years lineup are from, or now reside in, Portland, including fan favorite Pure Bathing Culture.
That was important to get some bands from our own backyard, McLean says. And we did a killer job of getting some of the best bands in Portland at this festival. It means a lot to me.