NAME: Michelle Rakshys
MARKET AREA(S): NYC (Brooklyn represent)
AGE: 25

PERSONAL FAVORITES

Venue for a show: 358 Johnson Ave
Show you’ve seen recently (or ever): Gorilla Biscuits reunion in 2005 at CBGB’s/
Music store: Generation Records
Current website: www.getxfresh.com
Radio station: don’t listen to the radio
Television show: Antiques Roadshow
Cable network: History Channel
Movie from this past summer: American Hardcore
DVD you own: Bad Brains Live 1982
Item of clothing: my grey Right Brigade hoodie, which I officially retired.
Street Syndicate Campaign you’ve been a part of: Strawberry Shortcake in the Christmas parade in NYC.

NITTY-GRITTY

How long have you been a Synner? Did my first campaign in 2002 when I interned at the Syndicate.
How did you find out about becoming a Synner? Being an intern!
What are you studying in school? Music Business M.A.
What are your interests / professions outside of school and Synner work? I teach Music Business at King’s College, run www.getxfresh.com, book local hardcore shows, go to Mensa lectures, dedicated to the Brunch Crew, and when I have time and cash I go shopping for shoes. I also recently started turning into a tea snob.

DIGGIN’ DEEP

You’re no doubt into a lot of different types of music, but what are 2
different sounds you’re most attracted to right now and why? Other than hardcore, I’m getting very much into alt-country/Americana like Lucero and The Weight. I’m also into more indie leaning hip-hop (like everything Def Jux puts out.)
If you took a road trip cross-country with only 3 CDs, which would they be
and why? Cro-Mags’ Age of Quarrel (one of the best records ever made, I can’t get sick of it), Lucero’s Tennessee (my favorite Lucero record and good chill out music when you get stuck in traffic), Gorilla Biscuits(I can’t not sing along, good to keep me awake on late night drives.)
You have the ability to blend 2 or 3 movies together to currently describe
your life. What movies and why? Memento (because I have no memory at all) + American Hardcore (obviously, my life revolves around the hardcore scene) + Good Will Hunting (per: my friend Tom, because I’m a nerd. Thanks Tom.)

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Why would you recommend students to get involved with The Street Syndicate?
You know, it IS a great way to make music industry contacts, and a good way to make cash, and learn about new music and get free records and concert tickets. But I think the best thing is learning about the marketing aspects of the music industry. We’re a small enough team, that every Synner can ask us office folk about what we do and why, and learn how marketing works without having to pay tuition for marketing classes in school!

Anything else you’d like to add about anything at all to everyone and anyone
reading this?
As the lady of the office, I can honestly say I work with the best dudes in the music business.

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