Last year, students interested in pursuing music may have had to go off campus to find hands-on experience in music production. However, with the establishment of Greene Street Records in September 2024, students now have the opportunity to gain practical, real-world experience in the music industry through USC’s Music Industry Studies program.
According to Jeremy Polley, the associate professor of music industry studies, after a four-year process of getting the label established, the Music Industry Program now offers Greene Street Records as an integrative capstone course.
This is offered both fall and spring semesters for all students who have taken MUSC 305 and MUSC 588, according to USC's academic bulletin.
The mission of Greene Street Records is to provide students with real-world industry experience in marketing, production and artist management, Polley said.
Polley collaborated with many other staff and faculty at the USC campus including the School of Music and the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management to establish what is now the first student-led label course.
By running a fully operational label, students gain the skills and connections needed to succeed in the competitive world of music after graduation through professional equipment and professionally trained and experienced instructors, Polley said.
"We want them to succeed after they graduate, we want to see them earn jobs," Polley said. "And I think that these experiences are part of it."
Third-year marketing and music industry studies student Bella Veal said that the course gave her a deeper appreciation for music.
"We do a lot of case studies and listen to a lot of guest speakers who are in this field," Veal said. "Having that experience has really helped me inform what I'm going to do next with Katie (DeMartini) and what I'm going to talk with this team about."
Greene Streets Records made its inception onto USC's campus by debuting a new single on January 21st entitled, "Him, i guess" featuring student-artist Katie DeMartini.
David Baker, an instructor in the music industry studies program and engineer for the song, said that the creative process was very smooth.
"At the end of the day, you have to realize that the artist is the one that has to go out and perform the song hundreds of times," Baker said. "They're the one that puts their name on it when it goes out to all streaming services, so it's our job to serve them and the song first."
Baker said the team has big plans for future releases in place, live events and expanding opportunities for students.
Veal leads the marketing team, overseeing promotional strategies and branding efforts to ensure the label and its artists gain visibility both on and off campus.
Alongside Veal, a team of dedicated students handle everything from production to promotional strategies, ensuring that Greene Street Records operates at a professional level.
Some of these members consists of fourth-year public relations student, Chloe Grochowski who is head of public relations and communications and Dan Porcelli, a third-year music industry studies student and the head of Artist & Repertoire.
Artist & Repertoire serves as the bridge between artists and the label and Porcelli said he is responsible for scouting talent, overseeing the creative direction of projects and ensuring that each artist’s vision is brought to life.
"I was next in line to have the chance to go for it (head of Artist & Repertoire), and so I obviously submitted my interest and sent my application. And luckily, I was one of the people that were selected, so it was super exciting," Porcelli said.
Grochowski said that as the team lead for communications and public relations, it was a little bit challenging ensuring that local media outlets were aware of the label’s establishment.
"(We're) trying to get people familiar with what we're doing and what that actually entails," Grochowski said. "Pushing the message that we are actually putting music out into the world."
Jenny Reader, who oversees the Greene Street Records label, said it has been great to experience and watch the dynamics of the four student-leaders work together and hopes that future students gain authentic real-world experience — and not just from textbooks.
"Every success that you have, you can champion together. Any challenges you face, you're there together," Reader said.
Students interested in enrolling in the course can find more information through USC’s School of Music website. Additionally, Greene Street Records' social media shares updates on new releases, events and opportunities to get involved. Students can find Greene Street Records at @greenestreetrecords on Instagram to stay connected and learn more.