Making A Sound Living: Dorothy Carvello’s Book “Anything For A Hit

The Music Industry . . . The Madness And The Rules

By Lori Baldassi

The biography “Anything for a Hit” is written about surviving the music industry by the first woman A&R Executive in the history of Atlantic Records. However, don’t get too excited!

Atlantic Records was founded in 1947 and it wasn’t until well into the ‘90s that Dorothy Carvello held that title. Born into a middle-class, tough Italian family in Brooklyn, New York, she was the first woman at Atlantic to move in the circles of the most powerful movers and shakers in the music industry.

Sounds glamorous, doesn’t it? Read on.

I recently spoke withCarvello from her home in New York about her experience chasing the bullet to number one. So let’s reflect now on how her career began.

Carvello started as an assistant to Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. Imagine sitting in on the most monumental meetings shaping the music and the talent of the label, only to be smacked down, humiliated, overlooked and punished for being female.

A woman who could run the company but, in a room full of men, was subjected to numerous scenarios and situations that today you would be arrested for. Fighting the misogynistic, self-indulgent egomaniacs of all-male executives around her was one thing, but on more than one occasion she had to physically defend herself.

For all her hard work and dedication, she was labelled with the nickname “Bossy Bebe” by her coworkers. Women were seen only as accruements even though she was producing results.

The old boys’ thick as thieves network pretended to let her in, but never did.

Proving her team spirit, Carvello brought the attention of the label to a young band that Atlantic signed and out of the gate became multi-platinum selling rock stars.

The male co-worker, whom she worked with on the deal, received a brand-new, high-end car from the label as a bonus for signing the act and her . . . a cheque for $1,200.

Work friendships forged through the years always came to a ‘me or you’ situation that never worked in her favour.

As Carvello clearly puts it: “the betrayal to me was of monumental proportions.”

Make no mistake — Carvello was a sharp female executive producing milliondollar results, but to them, she was invisible and should have known her place.

Holding up her hands for mistakes and lessons learned, she had a few cringe-worthy forgivable moments; however, this was nothing compared to what was done to her by executives and socalled “friends”.

Not to make excuses, but when you’re neckdeep in the rarefied air of rock star egos, Released in 2018 Author Dorothy Carvello’s book “Anything For A Hit” struck a nerve in the testosterone, money music industry board rooms that went deep. entitled, powerful men According to a review by Homeland actor Maury — mixed in with a lot Sterling, it is “an amazing testament to her experience of free drugs, alcohol and a group you’re as a woman in the complicated, fast-moving abusive and compelling world of business and rock n’roll.” Front cover photo from the book courtesy of marginally part of — Mia McDonald. well, ya’ make mistakes.

After a particularly ugly incident, Carvello said enough is enough and went to human resources where she was guaranteed she would not lose her job nor be punished for speaking up.

Both happened.

She writes how time and time again she was subjected to sexist racists, homophobic and toxic workplaces, no matter what record label she was at.

How brave is she to write this book? She names, names!

Many of those people are still prominent in the industry, yet not one has come after her.

Carvello sadly reveals that female coworkers didn’t help her or each other. Some even went out of their way to sabotage her success out of jealousy.

“Anything for a Hit” came out at the height of the “Me Too” movement. You would think the general media, especially women’s groups, would be lauding her book, but few have taken an interest. It’s called closing ranks in the executive circles.

To their credit, Atlantic Records, now owned by Time Warner, supported Carvello’s book. They wanted people to know they are not that kind of company anymore.

When the book came out, Carvello did hit a nerve though as she received numerous emails and had a lot of conversations with, not only women, but also men who said they experienced the same situations.

Carvello holds no grudges and pays it forward with simple street-smart guidelines, for a better work-life balance that no one ever told her. Luckily, she shares them with her readers and they are listed here . . .

Carvello’s Rules

1. Don’t be a smart ass unless you’re already a millionaire, as it most likely won’t work in your favour. 2. Always put the max in your 401(k) and pension plans. The bastards can fire you, but that doesn’t mean you have to be out on your butt. 3. Take criticism and don’t be defensive, sometimes people are just trying to help. 4. If you make a mistake own it and move on unless you are very rich. You’ll probably have to pay for your mistakes, but if you do it honourably, people will take note of that.

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5. Be loyal to the pay cheque, not the corporation. You don’t have to be a jerk about it, but the corporate bosses are rarely your friends. 6. Don’t gossip, people will hate you. 7. Play golf — all the men do. 8. Be a team player. Don’t be petty or jealous of someone else’s success. 9. Be honest. In a dishonest world people will notice. 10. Deliver bad news immediately. 11. Don’t invite someone to a concert the night before you plan on firing her! (Read the book, I’m telling you) 12. Don’t %^&* (sleep with), date, or marry anyone you work with. If you do, be prepared for one of you to get fired. If you’re a woman you’ll get the short end of that stick. 13. Never break the girl code. Another woman’s husband is just that! 14. Stay home from work when you’re sick as coming into the office makes everyone sick. 15. Don’t confuse your work family with your real family — only one is tied by blood and love.

Are you intrigued and want to read more?

Find further details about Carvello and how to order her book on: AnythingForAHitBook.com. From working backstage production to the radio airwaves, Lori Baldassi has been involved in the music industry on a number of professional levels for many years. Baldassi has spoken in front of the CRTC, holds a certificate in Adjudication from York University Toronto, and is a graduate of St. Clair College’s Media Convergence program. If you have any questions for her, please send an email to: editorial@bizxmagazine.com.

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TECH BYTES Esports & Gaming Industry On The RISE During Pandemic

By Dean Hayes

Esports is a term we’ve seen lots of during this pandemic, but one not always understood.

So . . . what is it? Esports or Electronic Sports, is the newest form of sport to hit the mainstream, and put in simpler terms, is organized, competitive video gaming.

It is a rapidly growing industry with an expected global market revenue on track for almost $1.6 Billion USD in 2023 according to Statista (bit.ly/3dshH56).

With companies like Riot Games and their wildly successful free-to-play games like League of Legends and Valorant, or Epic Games’ popular Fortnite title, gamers have been practicing hard for the big wins, bringing home as much as $3 million USD.

Ok, but how does the pandemic play into all this?

While global revenue has decreased for esports in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has only pushed esports and gaming further into the limelight, as traditional sports have had to turn to their video game counterparts to keep their audiences.

Great examples of this movement are Formula One moving to launch a Virtual Grand Prix Series with F1 drivers competing online in the game F1 2019, as well as NASCAR, NBA, and NHL teams offering to finish their seasons online. See this Esports Insider article (bit.ly/2A2Brys) for a more in-depth read.

Large sports organizations aren’t the only ones hopping on board lately either.

With both St. Clair College and now, recently, the University of Windsor having started a varsity esports program, it has been increasingly harder to ignore the value of adding esports to their sports programs. We see it all the time at EZY Mode esports lounge, young individuals coming in to train on their favourite video game, hoping to be the next collegiate (and maybe global) star, with the full support of their parents to make their dreams come true.

What does all this mean for the future of esports?

Well, as stated previously, esports and the gaming industry have already been rapidly growing, with streaming sites like Twitch.tv helping build the concept of watching players do what they do best.

Coupled with massive full-production events like OverWatch League (OWL), Call of Duty League (CDL), and Dota 2 Internationals, the concept of making a living playing video games now doesn’t seem like the silly dream it was before.

Mix in the adoption of esports by traditional sports due to COVID-19 shoving it further into the spotlight, and you have a cocktail for massive worldwide growth. “Tech Bytes” is powered by WEtech Alliance (WEtech-Alliance.com). The guest columnist for this issue, Dean Hayes, is Co-Founder and Head of Technology at EZY Mode esports lounge (EZYmode.ca). As an alumni of St. Clair College’s Computer Systems — Technology program and past President of the Information Technology Club, he has been dedicated to growth of the tech/gaming industry in Windsor Essex for over six years.

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THE WAY IT WAS Fostering A 100 Year Tradition Of Benevolent Advocacy By Andrea Grimes

History shows that service organizations play an essential role, not only orchestrating humanitarian relief for Canadians from all walks of life — they also contribute to Canada’s economic growth across a number of sectors.

These collaborative relationships serve to identify what drives a service organization to generate a vision (as a catalyst) that will bring that vision to the stage and provide continued leadership to its membership. Collectively, these priorities serve to recognize the organization’s capacity to achieve successful outcomes for all the right reasons!

Gene Lotz, Freemasons Historian notes in his book entitled “In The Beginning” (1995): “Seventy-five years ago a group of men decided to band together and form a new Masonic Craft Lodge. They came from all walks of life with a common goal of brotherhood, charity and benevolence, virtues personified in a Masonic Lodge.”

According to Lodge archives, the 63rd annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Canada took place at Patterson Collegiate on July 17, 1918.

During the Grand Lodge Officers’ dinner at the Essex Golf and Country Club that evening, Windsor’s Mayor Charles Roger Tuson said, “Masonry might lead the world out of its present chaotic conditions and reestablish the principle of brotherhood of man serving God as men should. Masonry has become a dominating influence in the affairs of the world, promoting the best interests of manhood and democracy in the true sense of the word.”

As Windsor was rebounding from the Great War, a group of Masons gathered in St. John’s Church Parish Hall in Sandwich on June 18, 1919, where the conversation to establish a new Masonic Craft Lodge took root.

Archives further note that the meeting of July 18, 1919 would be held at the Masonic Hall in the Davis Building (which, according to the 1924 edition of Vernon’s City Directory) was located at 25 Sandwich Street east adjacent to Oak Hall located at 31 Sandwich Street, east.

Border Cities Lodge No. 554 AF & AM

Worshipful Master Robert Truscott says, “Our Lodge was granted its Charter on July 21, 1920.”

With the dawn of the 20th century, a wave of optimism spread throughout our community. Archives confirm that Lodge Brothers embarked on an ambitious campaign in 1920 to sell stock in order to build a Masonic Temple.

During the next decade, the Lodge experienced substantial membership growth; however, as the Great Depression cast its devastating pall throughout our community, membership rapidly declined. In spite of this hardship, the Lodge soldiered on with immense patriotism during the lean years!

As Hitler’s Jackboots marched across Europe, Lodge Brothers established a Service Committee making donations to the Red Cross and the VON.

To support the war effort, the Masonic Temple served as scrap salvage depot and, most importantly, Lodge Brothers provided rehabilitation programs for returning Veterans suffering from the stains and strains of WWII.

Pictured are Charter Members of the Border Cities Lodge No. 554, A.F. & A.M., G.R.C. dated July 21, 1920. Photo courtesy of the Windsor Museum of Freemasonry collection.

Windsor experienced another chapter of the Lodge’s esteemed history when a Mason ceremonial silver trowel (used for laying the corner stone of St. John’s Church in Sandwich, Ontario on June 24, 1872) was presented by the Freemasons to the Churchon June 24, 2018.

In upholding the Freemasons philosophy of “Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth,” Lodge Brothers continue to play a central role, building upon the Lodge’s Charter granted 100 years ago!

Jim Chambers, Worshipful Brother, Border Cities Lodge No. 554, A.F. & A.M., G.R.C. says, “In recognizing the 100th anniversary of the founding of our Lodge in 2020, we will remember our Brothers for laying the foundation of benevolent advocacy, as well as recognizing the achievements of this generation of Freemasons who follow in their footsteps.”

The Masonic Temple is located at 986 Ouellette Avenue in Windsor and more information on this heritage site can be found on: MasonicTempleBallroom.com. As a civilian Veterans Advocate, Andrea Grimes was presented with the “Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal” and the “Governor General’s Medal” recognizing her volunteer service to Veterans and military families of our Canadian Armed Forces, as well as with military family service-support organizations to include, North Wall Riders Association, Windsor Veterans Memorial Service Committee, Military Institute of Windsor, the Royal Canadian Naval Association, the Korean War Veterans Association and the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association.

OF THE MONTH

Strike The Right Note With Brava Academy Of Music And The Performing Arts By Dave Hall

Less than two years after taking a major instruction time our students receive on their plunge and opening her own music chosen instrument,” Russell points out. school, Bethany Russell had to pivot and Brava’s teachers include: Amanda make changes in the face of a world-wide Hanson (piano, trumpet); Celina Bechard health crisis. (voice, beginner piano, Jingles4Juniors);

When COVID-19 forced the shutdown Philip Russo (guitar); Melissa Miner (violin, of businesses across the region, the owner piano, saxophone, clarinet); Jessica Veigli of Brava Academy of Music and the (piano, flute) and Katie Kerr (voice, acting). Performing Arts decided to continue All have degrees from either the University offering virtual lessons and is using of Windsor or Sheridan College. Eleven year old Rachael Ricketts (shown on tablet) Zoom Video Communication technology Along with her teaching responsibilities, has been taking piano lessons with Bethany Russell, to stay in touch with her school’s students. “We immediately made the switch so that Russell also performs and joined the Windsor Symphony Orchestra for a piano Owner and Director of Brava Academy of Music and the Performing Arts, for five years, and is currently studying at the Grade 5 Piano Level. Like many our students wouldn’t miss a lesson,” explains performance in January 2018, as well as the businesses now operating remotely, Russell uses Zoom Russell, a graduate of the School of Music at Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s string trio Video Communication technology to teach and stay the University of Windsor. “I wasn’t sure in March 2018. in touch with her students. The software works well, at first how it would work out, but all of our teachers have reported a huge jump in The academy was conducting a “Jingles4Juniors” group program for but she and her team can’t wait to reopen their newly renovated bricks and mortar location in the near future. Photo by Rod Denis. progression from all of their students.” students between the ages of two and

Russell says students have had more four until Russell was forced to close her All will be required to wear masks time to practice and that different styles of studio due to the shutdown. She had also during their lessons until provincial and learning can be beneficial to students of all been planning summer camp programs for local recommendations and rules change. ages. Both factors, she believes, contributed students, during which they would enjoy Voice lesson arrangements are still to to the growth of Brava’s students. a week of learning music, developing be determined.

She adds, “Learning online seems to friendships and participating in activities. “It’s been a challenge to not only start up a have resonated with all of our students and Hopefully, she can reinstitute summer business, but also run it during COVID-19,” I’m very happy and encouraged by what camps next year and the Jingles4Juniors Russell expresses. “However, I wouldn’t we’ve seen since we had to close down in lessons when COVID-19 protocols change. trade what I have learned about myself for mid-March.” “It’s been a struggle for everyone in anything.”

Russell started teaching music in her business and we’re adapting as well as we With triple the students she started parents’ basement in 2011 with about three can,” says Russell. with, Russell has made a success out of an dozen students, but decided to look around Students learning through Zoom, range individual venture proving that entrepreneurs for her own space and opened her school at from age four through 60-plus and all have with foresight and persistence are the 755 Tecumseh Road East in October 2018. embraced the concept of virtual learning. lifeblood of every community’s economy.

Now, she has 125 students taking individual Russell informs Biz X her students and “Once I found my own space, business lessons from the Royal Conservatory of teachers all hope to return to working out exploded and I’m very happy with the Music curriculum, in piano, voice, guitar of four lesson rooms in September (plus a decision I made,” says Russell. “I have no and violin. She also offers pop, jazz and move to a new location and an expansion to regrets and it’s helped me grow so much as improvisational music lessons as an elective. six classrooms). But, even then, lessons will a person because I’m responsible for other

“In addition to formal lessons, we also remain individual in nature with only a student people not just myself.” separate our music theory instruction from and a teacher allowed in each lesson room, For more information, visit the website: private instrument study to maximize the which will be fully sanitized after each lesson. BravaAcademyOfMusic.ca. Let 32 Years of Experience Work for You! HROVAT Mary Sales Representative Preferred Realty Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated Cell: 519-980-1734