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The Big Jewcy: Mike Bigel, Founder, Green Arm Management

Mike Bigel is the guy behind the guy, a manager and label executive that has built a reputation for himself as a straight shooter that is passionate about the bands he works with and unrelenting in his efforts to further their careers.   Currently Mike runs the record label Gigantic and also recently started his own management company Green Arm. 

 

What got you into Music?

My father raised me on Bob Dylan and from there, oddly enough, went on to play in a bunch of hardcore-esque bands.  Then the older I got, I did play in more diverse bands, but eventually realized that the behind the scenes work was more for me.  After the last band I was in broke up, I woke up to find myself working at a record label (many of which I had interned in the past).  And in the end, I just adore music, so I feel I can do more good helping bands achieve their goals, rather than me living out my rock-star fantasy.

 

What caused you to found Green Arm Management?

I had worked at labels for years and when one of my friend’s band (Naam) needed a manager, I just made the switch.  Shortly after I picked up Liturgy and decided I needed a name.  At that time, my friend Tierney suggested Green Arm Management for the name (as my left forearm is tattooed green).  Then, a couple of months down the road, she was working with me at Green Arm.  Full circle man, full circle.

 

Any Favorite Memories from working in Music?

As cheesy as this sounds, I’m making my favorite memories as they go.  This years SXSW was really special to me as it was my first time primarily going for my own company, and all 3 of my bands that were down there did extremely well.  Even overcoming adversities like getting arrested.  But I’m a young guy, so I like to think the best is yet to come!

 

Anyone in the music industry you admire?

People I admire are the people doing what I’m doing now, but farther along the road.  The Foundations crew (Brian, Rich, Roach) are definitely a management company to look up to.  And I got a TON of advice and help from Aaron Romanello (Say Hey Records, White Rabbits, Shy Child) and Pat Egan (Relapse Records national sales and marketing guru).  And while he’s not in music, my pops is my biggest inspiration.  He took me to my first show ever (Bob Dylan) and his love for music completely shaped my life.

 

What is the significance of your Star of David Tattoo?

I actually also have "Arbeit Macht Frei" tattooed right above the Jewish Star. And the star is made to look like the patch the Nazi’s made the Jews wear.  I’m not a religious person at all, but I’m very attached to the Jewish culture.   The holocaust is one of the worlds worst atrocities ever, so this was my way of respect.  A Holocaust Museum on my upper arm, if you will. 

 

You’ve been named to the inaugural class of The Big Jewcy, what does that mean to you?

Hey I like being a Big Jewcy.  I guess it means I’m doing something right!!  It also is really cool to be recognized for something that I’ve worked for years to get to.

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