Quinn Slattery, AMD ’16, is a Music Industry senior who has a special mission in the coming weeks — to represent Northeastern at one of the largest music events in the country, SXSW in Austin, Texas. He and 3 other CAMD students will be headed to Austin for the music festival on March 15. We sat down and asked him a few questions about SXSW as well as his experience at Northeastern.

1. What made you decide to major in (Music Industry)?

When I was younger I was obsessed with my neighbors punk band (RIP Casual Wish) and would spend countless hours sticking my ear up to his garage door to hear the band practice. Ultimately I decided that rather than just creep on them I could form my own band in order to weasel my way into working with them one day. This led to two pivotal findings; first and foremost, my band sucked, however, what I found was that I really enjoyed working behind the scenes, thus spawning my interest in the industry side of things.

When it came to applying to colleges I convinced myself that finance was a safer bet and that I could maneuver my way into the music industry following school. That delusion didn’t last long. Thankfully with the support of my parents, I made the jump to Music Industry at Northeastern and the rest is history.

2. Describe Northeastern in three words.

Engaging. Resourceful. Expensive.

3. What has been your favorite experience at Northeastern?

Meeting incredibly motivated and passionate people who share a common passion for music through student groups such as WRBB and Green Line Records. I’ve met most of my friends here through music in some form or another and those relationships have been and will continue to be invaluable to me moving forward. Special shoutout to everyone who gave the SXSW team the resources and assistance to make this entire project possible, I promise the 2 AM emails are almost over.

4. What’s your dream job?

Working in A&R within a major label and being able to sign artists that move the needle on an international scale would without a doubt be the dream. Listening to music for a living and never having to wear a suit and tie is an added bonus as well.

5. What are you looking forward to most at SXSW?

The opportunity to catch smaller artists perform intimate sets before they blow up. Bumping into industry professionals I idolize at the bar. Weather warmer than 25 degrees. Staying up until 3 AM to hear new music without having to worry about missing my morning classes. Austin’s finest tacos. Spending an insanely hectic yet rewarding week with three of my favorite people in one of my favorite cities.

6. What celebrity chef would you want to cook you a meal? What dish?

Without a doubt I would select world renowned chef, Tim Heidecker, to cook me up some of his infamous mustard chili.