Metal Bassist Climbs Corporate Ladder While Touring

For Jason Myers, the roar of a heavy metal crowd and the quiet hum of a laptop are not mutually exclusive. At 53, he has successfully navigated two demanding worlds: the high-energy life of a touring musician and the strategic pressures of a corporate executive. His story challenges the romanticized notion that artists must choose between their passion and financial stability.

As the bass player for the Pittsburgh-based heavy metal band Icarus Witch, Myers has performed on stages across the globe. Simultaneously, he has built a thriving career in marketing, rising from a junior role to a senior leadership position. This is the story of how he learned to plan for the future without sacrificing the rock-and-roll life he loves.

Myers' journey into the music world began in junior high, where he first picked up a bass guitar in heavy metal bands. His ambition was clear: he wanted to become a professional musician. However, practicality set in immediately after he graduated from college in 1993. To support his musical dreams, he started a side hustle doing publicity for concert promoters and record labels.

What began as a safety net quickly evolved into a full-time career. This day job presented significant challenges for managing a serious band. Myers often booked studio time late at night, working until sunrise, and could only play shows on weekends unless he took time off from his corporate role. The dual demands required immense discipline and sacrifice.

Despite the grind, the band's trajectory began to shift in 2003 when Icarus Witch signed a record deal. The momentum continued with their first album release in 2005, which garnered radio play. As the band's popularity grew, Myers faced a critical financial reality: touring money is essentially a loan against future royalties, making it necessary to maintain his day job to sustain himself.

The turning point arrived in 2010. Myers was invited to join a marketing and PR startup called The Content Factory, which was an early adopter of remote work. He had previously collaborated with the founder, Kari DePhillips, at another startup. Despite his background being exclusively in music publicity, DePhillips hired him, seeing the value in his unique experience.

Shortly after joining the company, Myers' band embarked on a tour with the veteran group Y&T. The tour provided the perfect testing ground for his new hybrid lifestyle. The veteran band graciously allowed Myers to work from their tour bus, while Icarus Witch followed in a smaller van. This arrangement allowed him to fulfill his professional obligations while traveling from city to city.

The logistics required a disciplined routine. While his bandmates explored local bars and met with fans after shows, Myers would retreat to his hotel room to work. He recognized that the music industry was shrinking due to digital downloads, and he needed to fill the wasted time spent traveling, waiting, and sleeping. The rise of WiFi capabilities made this new way of working possible.

Over the last decade, Myers has remained with The Content Factory, proving his value through dedication and skill. He successfully navigated a path from an account representative to the role of Senior Vice President of PR and social media marketing. This promotion reflects a significant shift in his priorities; while he still loves playing music, the well-being of the company is now constantly on his mind.

His perspective on the music industry has also matured. Myers notes that Icarus Witch is now more selective about the shows they play. Touring no longer makes as much financial sense as it once did, a reality that contributes to the exorbitant ticket prices fans see when bands do decide to hit the road. The economics of the industry have forced a more strategic approach to performance.

When you're in a band on the rise, it's easy to feel invincible, like this is going to last forever. But you have to look out for yourself. No one is going to save you.

Myers admits he used to believe that having a 'Plan B' would jinx his chances of making it big in music. Looking back, he views that mindset as foolish. He now understands that protecting oneself financially is not a lack of faith in one's art, but a necessary step for long-term security.

Today, Jason Myers represents a modern archetype: the professional who refuses to be defined by a single label. His life is a testament to the idea that passion and pragmatism can coexist. By leveraging technology and embracing remote work, he has managed to keep his musical career alive while climbing the corporate ladder.

The key to his success lies in time management and a willingness to work during hours when others are relaxing. The band is only on stage for about an hour out of a 24-hour day; Myers simply uses the remaining hours more efficiently. This discipline has allowed him to thrive in both arenas without burning out.

Myers' journey offers a blueprint for others trying to balance creative pursuits with professional ambitions. He emphasizes that planning for the future does not diminish the joy of living the 'wild life.' In fact, financial security can provide the freedom to pursue art on one's own terms, without the desperation that often plagues struggling musicians.

You can plan for your future and live the wild life at the same time. The two aren't mutually exclusive.

Jason Myers' story is a compelling counter-narrative to the 'starving artist' trope. He has demonstrated that with the right mindset and work ethic, it is possible to build a stable career while keeping a creative dream alive. His success in both fields highlights the importance of adaptability in a changing economy.

As the music industry continues to evolve, professionals like Myers may become the norm rather than the exception. By diversifying their skills and income streams, artists can ensure they are not at the mercy of a volatile market. Myers' journey proves that a safety net does not have to be a trap; it can be a launchpad.