In the #PYNKGirloftheDay series, we highlight women in various industries who are not only movers and shakers but game changers in their respective fields. They exude PYNK mag’s “Pretty, Powerful, Provocative” motto taking on life and their careers with style, grace, and a fearless attitude. Courtni Asbury, Director of West Coast Publicity at Island Def Jam Music Group, fits this definition to a T. We recently sat down with her to chat with her about Def Jam, how she got her start in the industry, and the challenges she has faced along the way.
PYNK: What inspired you to pursue a career in the music industry?
CA: “I’ve always loved music. So, for me it was just kind of turning a passion into a career. When I was young, I didn’t know what publicity was but I would say that I wanted to ‘do advertising but for people’ [laughs].“
PYNK: How did you get your start in the music business?
CA: “I started as an intern for Def Jam. I was a junior in college at the time. I posted my resume on the Universal website. I was living in New York and expressed interest in Interscope and Def Jam. I kept getting asked to come back and intern and I did. Shortly after graduation, I was hired.”
PYNK: Is there one career goal you have yet to accomplish that you’ve been dreaming of?
CA: “I’ve always wanted to make Billboard Magazine’s ‘40 under 40’ list. That would be a really great accomplishment.”
PYNK: What is the toughest challenge you have faced being a woman working in a male-dominated industry?
CA: “In publicity, it’s predominantly female. Everyday I’m surrounded by strong women. It’s very reassuring and motivational. So, for me it’s not really a challenge. The key is to always stay focused and let your work speak for itself because there are a lot of distractions.”
PYNK: If you could go back in time and speak to your younger self what tip would you give yourself in regards to working in the music industry?
CA: “Save every business card you receive because you just never know. You never know how someone can help you later on in your career or if you might need a certain contact later. So much of public relations is your relationships. So, I would send an intro email and just keep in touch with everyone I come across.”
PYNK: What is a typical workday like for you?
CA: “ I get to work early. I read up on everything going on. Check Google alerts for our artists, organize press clips for management, get interviews confirmed, and secure press for shows.”
PYNK: What do you consider the best aspect of your job?
CA: “The best part of my job is that I am able to work with the caliber of talent that we have at Def Jam. Being apart of a label with so much history is incredible. This is the House that Russell [Simmons] built!”
PYNK: Do you believe that there is a glass ceiling in the music industry for women?
CA: “These days, no. Nowadays, there are so many female executives. There are so many women in the industry in positions of power.”
PYNK: To what do you attribute your success in the industry?
CA: “I still feel like I’m trying to achieve success. I’ve had some amazing boss’s that have mentored me and that’s something that drives me.”