LAUREL STEARNS – Manager

Before venturing off oh her own Laurel Stearns for a year and a half, built a small roster at Prospect Park(The Firm) with Red Fang, Jenny O. and Father John Misty aka J. Tillman (Fleet Foxes) as well as day to day for Danzig, spent 8 years at Capitol Records, 3 years at Red Light Management and 6 years as an independent manager. Last she had partnered with Dilettante and together Dilettante is fast becoming a hub of creativity for artist management, events, fine art, film, etc. Enter 2013 , Dilettante has just signed a joint venture with Primary Wave to help build out their rock and alternative management division.

During her tenure at Capitol Records, Laurel brought in bands such as: Interpol, The Decemberists, Shout Out Louds, Fischerspooner, Sparklehorse and LCD Soundsystem. While working at Capitol Laurel realized there were many bands that she was passionate about that belonged no where near a major label. With two partners, launched Cold Sweat Records/Caroline. From that label ,No Age, Battles, Devendra Banhart , Health and many others were discovered and released.

Laurel also brought The Decemberists and Alberta Cross to Red Light Management.

She conceived of the idea to arrange a tour for The Decemberists with the philharmonics/orchestras in major markets across the US – and it was the band’s largest grossing tour to date. Every step of the way the band and management worked together to build and create a world that was wholly The Decemeberists own.

As an independent manager, Laurel managed: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band (Mammoth), The descendents, ALL(Epitaph), GWAR(Metal Blade), The Paladins (4AD) Plastilina Mosh (Capitol). Laurel helped develop fan bases for these bands with branded tours & creative marketing ideas (ie: comic book instores for GWAR, shows on cruise ships for Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Descendent’s “Caffeine Nation Tour” - which did not allow any beer sponsors or corporate posters in the venue, etc.). Her fiercely independent ‘can do’ attitude has remained with her through every step of her career – and has taught her to never rely solely on record labels or radio.

Earlier in her career, Laurel also scouted for The Sony WORK group, where she was involved in the album set up for artists such as Fiona Apple, Jennifer Lopez, Jamaroquai & Eagle Eye Cherry. She was also editor for a Los Angeles based magazine where she interviewed everyone from Joey Ramone to Shel Talmy. And she also worked at Cherokee Recording Studio and Studio 55 where she worked on sessions for The Pixies, Rod Stewart, Phil Spector and more

In a decade of revivals and reimagination, Franki Chan holds close the ideals and vision that has brought him to the forefront of his craft, seamlessly merging music and art by way of DJing, live events, and illustrations; all of which contribute to creating a pop-renegade aesthetic that defines the energy and unpredictability of the artist himself. This post-digital Renaissance man has created an empire of all the things he loves and is.
As Godfather of IHEARTCOMIX, Franki Chan spends his time refining all aspects of a culture he helped create. For over five years, IHEARTCOMIX has provided markets around the world with some of the most original production concepts to come to fruition, and his personal influence with booking and curating unique lineups further establishes himself as one of the premiere tastemakers around. Developed initially to specify in event production, IHC later evolved into a record label with an interest in introducing the world to some of the best unheard or underground sounds. Artists such as Matt & Kim, Designer Drugs, Toxic Avenger, and HEARTSREVOLUTION all reflect the energy of Chan’s personality, and it’s his ability to recognize and cultivate this talent that has enabled these artists to grow; helping him to plant the seeds not just for their future, but a whole new generation.
While known for his signature fedora and thick-rimmed glasses, the true testament to Franki Chan’s character lies in his illustrations and music. As a child growing up in Bloomington, IN; Chan’s affinity for drawing and punk rock led to an explosion across a number of artistic mediums, most of which has been captured through years and years of Polaroids that now occupy an ever growing number of shoeboxes. After spending high school living in Japan, and touring America playing drums for Operation: Cliff Clavin, Chan made the jump to Bellingham, WA. There he took over the reins of the infamous Showoff Gallery before relocating to Seattle where he developed his talents side-by-side, expanding on his growing passion for music of all types and creating a place for it to develop. Whether that meant djing an underground warehouse, illustrating flyers, booking the perfect lineup, or combining all three, Chan has always succeeded in creating some of the best nights ever.
Franki Chan’s DIY dedication to shape and evolve culture as it happens continues to be ever present in his work. Today, he resides in Los Angeles where he has established himself as a prominent figure in LA nightlife for almost a decade; with a notable past that includes Fucking Awesome, Cinespace Tuesdays, and the recently returned Check Yo Ponytail series. It is here that Chan works diligently to create the elements of his own modern universe and his most recent projects are a testament to years of hard work and perseverance. While providing a consistent avenue for his newer productions and remixes through a series of mixtapes, Chan does something truly unique by creating original artwork for all his releases, not to mention the incredible flyers for Check Yo Ponytail in which he also resides as resident DJ. As an Electro pioneer, Chan and his taste-making sensibilities have appeared in Spin, Rolling Stone, Dazed & Confused, Pitckfork, and URB to name a few. His ability to discover new and exciting talent has defined Chan’s taste as one that you can trust and it is apparent through the legions of successful artists who have performed at any one of Chan’s iconic events.
No one may know the true path of their future; those who succeed choose to create one for themselves. In a time where most are afraid to design the template for their success, Franki Chan has created an entire empire that continues to expand and challenge what we think we’ve all seen or heard. As the future unfolds, prepare for Franki Chan to stay on the frontline again, with innovative concepts to define a sound and aesthetic for the future to catch up with. Just like he always has.