Today we’d like to introduce you to Franz Hilberath.
Hi Franz, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My Story
Character
My story, as I remember it, began in the passenger seat of my dad’s green Dodge Ram, driving through the Shenandoah Valley countryside. As he switched through radio stations, he stopped at Tim McGraw’s hit, “Where The Green Grass Grows.” At three years old, I idolized my dad, watching him silhouetted against the sun, and was instantly captivated by the power of music.
The Problem
Over the next 26 years, countless car rides soundtracked by CDs, terrestrial radio, mixtapes, and aux cords would shape me into the ‘music guy’ and a writer. I started writing short novels at seven, and music became the heartbeat of my life.
Fast forward to 2019, when I finally made the leap into the music industry. After graduating college, I started as an intern at Creative Loafing Tampa. Despite being recognized as an overachieving intern by Ray Roa, the then-music editor and now EIC, the newspaper’s workforce cutbacks left no opportunities for a permanent role when my internship concluded.
The Guide
In the years that followed, I worked various office jobs, ending up bussing and waiting tables at a rooftop beach bar in Florida. Despite the breathtaking views, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unfulfilled potential. At 25, I was a college graduate and a widely published journalist, with interviews of my favorite artists like Claude VonStroke and Zeds Dead, but no stable income or clear career path.
That summer, I confided in my roommate Jeff, also my manager, about my desire to pursue my dream. With less than $3,000 in the bank, I launched MP3 MAG. Initially, it was a college music outlet to help students earn internship credit and provide coverage for their local music scene—a platform to offer the mentorship I wished I’d had.
The Plan
A year into the venture, I decided to move to Colorado for greater career opportunities. I started freelancing, placing artists on blogs and playlists for $20 a pop. However, my timing was unfortunate; I arrived just as the COVID-19 pandemic triggered global shutdowns. My planned job at Red Rocks fell through, leaving me without a source of income.
Determined to make it work, I stayed with my great aunt Shawn, who encouraged me to pursue my plans. I organized SummerEyes, a two-day livestream event with over 30 artists, raising money for charity during the July 4th holiday in the pandemic.
The Progress
From that experience, I connected with Mindwarp Management in Colorado, taking on roles as an in-house PR and assistant manager. Working on Mersiv’s debut album, “Pretty Dark Loud,” was a pivotal experience, leading to a full-time position at the nationally recognized PR agency, INFAMOUS. There, I honed my skills, executing high-level campaigns and increasing my rates to industry standards.
The Success
After a year, I founded my own PR company, MP3 PR, representing major artists and labels like Zeds Dead, DIESEL (Shaquille O’Neal), Monstercat, Of The Trees, Mersiv, Lettuce, SunSquabi, AEG, EMPIRE, Ultra, and more. Transitioning from an underground reporter to a globally impactful publicist, I secured placements with Billboard, FORBES, and SPIN, as well as high-profile opportunities like the Bobbi Althoff podcast and terrestrial news/radio features.
The Avoided Failure
Rather than remaining the ‘music guy’ who only partied and worked local jobs, I became the ‘music guy’ who collaborates with top artists, travels the world, and shapes public perception of their art and tours.
The Character Transformation
Today, I run MP3 PR and MP3 MAG, representing a diverse array of artists, festivals, promoters, brands, and labels. My journey, rooted in passion and perseverance, continues to shape the conversation around underground art, forging meaningful connections and moments along the way.
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?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the earliest challenges I faced was the lack of stability after my internship at Creative Loafing Tampa. Despite being recognized as an outstanding intern, the newspaper’s cutbacks left no room for a permanent role, forcing me to take various office jobs and eventually bus tables at a rooftop beach bar.
The most significant struggle came when I decided to move to Colorado to pursue a career in music PR. Just as I arrived, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the job I had lined up at Red Rocks fell through due to the cancellation of all events. This unexpected turn left me without a job and uncertain about my future.
Despite these setbacks, I remained determined. I organized the SummerEyes livestream event during the pandemic, which not only provided entertainment but also raised money for charity. This initiative helped me gain visibility and eventually led to an opportunity with Mindwarp Management, where I further honed my PR skills.
Another challenge was establishing my own PR company, MP3 PR, in a competitive industry. Building a reputation and securing major clients like Zeds Dead and Monstercat required relentless effort and strategic networking. The journey from an underground reporter to a globally recognized publicist involved navigating financial uncertainties, industry politics, and the constant need to innovate and adapt.
Through these challenges, I’ve learned resilience and the importance of staying true to my passion for music. Each obstacle has been a stepping stone, shaping my career and allowing me to make a meaningful impact in the music industry.
As you know, we’re big fans of MP3 PR. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
MP3 PR is a premier independent music and entertainment public relations firm that excels in telling authentic stories about music, people, and experiences. We pride ourselves on our comprehensive, personalized approach, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to amplifying our clients’ unique visions. At MP3 PR, we offer a full suite of PR services that go beyond the traditional. Our expertise includes press release writing and distribution, blog and local press coverage, branding and marketing conceptualization, pitching premieres, interviews, and features, as well as social media engagement and takeovers. We also specialize in securing radio interviews and guest mixes for our clients.
What sets MP3 PR apart is our commitment to providing an in-house feel with personalized attention to each client. We collaborate closely with artists, labels, and event organizers on short and long-term goals, projects, and brand growth through public perception. This hands-on approach ensures that we align with our clients’ visions and objectives, delivering exceptional results.
We are most proud of our ability to elevate the profiles of iconic artists and labels through innovative activations, extensive coverage, and strategic content placements. Our success stories include campaigns for high-profile albums such as DIESEL’s (Shaquille O’Neal’s DJ project) “Gorilla Warfare,” Eprom’s “Syntheism,” PEEKABOO’s “Eyes Wide Open,” KOAN Sound’s “Led by Ancient Light,” and Mersiv’s “Pretty Dark Loud.”
At MP3 PR, we are dedicated to empowering our clients with access to a network of industry resources, contacts, and consulting services. We work internally with teams to amplify authentic storylines for brands, projects, and artists. Our commitment to conveying genuine and compelling narratives has positioned us as a trusted partner in the music industry.
Our client roster includes renowned names such as Zeds Dead, Monstercat, and Of The Trees, among others. We have also managed successful campaigns for major festivals and events like Cinco de Mersiv, The FriendShip Cruise Festival, and Hangout Music Festival.
By choosing MP3 PR, clients gain a strategic partner focused on driving brand growth, enhancing public perception, and forging meaningful connections and moments within the music industry. We invite you to join us on this journey and experience the unparalleled dedication and expertise that define MP3 PR.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My journey and the success of MP3 PR wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support and belief of several key people. First and foremost, my great aunt Shawn deserves immense credit. During a pivotal time in my career, she offered me the opportunity to stay with her in Colorado, providing not just a roof over my head but unwavering belief in my potential. Her encouragement and support allowed me the space and stability to pursue my dreams during the uncertain early stages of my career, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my initial plans.
Another significant figure in my journey is Mersiv’s manager. He saw my talent and provided me with the opportunity to grow by entrusting me with the launch of Mersiv’s debut album, “Pretty Dark Loud.” This project was a turning point for me, allowing me to demonstrate my capabilities on a larger scale. His confidence in my abilities and his willingness to empower me to take on such a significant project played a crucial role in my professional development. The success of that album’s launch opened doors for me and solidified my reputation in the music industry.
These mentors and supporters have been instrumental in my journey, offering not only opportunities but also the belief and encouragement that have fueled my drive to succeed. Their roles have been pivotal in shaping both my personal growth and the success of MP3 PR.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mp3pr.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mp3publicrelations/
