EXPERT SPEAKER SESSION with LAUREL STEARNS
From Grit to Glory: The Teen Mortgage Case Study — Turning Punk Persistence into Strategy
In this 60-minute workshop, Laurel Stearns takes attendees behind the scenes of Teen Mortgage’s 15-year journey from scrappy DIY beginnings to major label success. Drawing on her decades of experience as a manager, A&R executive, and music strategist, Laurel explores how persistence, authenticity, and intentional strategy can turn independent artists into culturally resonant acts.
The workshop is structured in six acts, combining storytelling, visuals, and interactive exercises:
Opening: Laurel sets the stage with the story of discovering Teen Mortgage and highlights the importance of grit and longevity in today’s algorithm-driven music landscape.
Grit: The Long Road: Through a timeline of flyers, booking emails, and crowd shots, attendees learn how the band navigated early challenges, reinvented themselves, and recognized pivotal moments that shaped their trajectory.
Glory: Finding Momentum: Laurel illustrates how small wins compound over time, using press coverage, social media, and the Roadrunner deal to show how aligning with culture—and not just genre—drives success.
Strategy in Action: Attendees discover practical strategies for defining vision, connecting authentically with audiences, and translating identity into visuals, merchandise, and retail choices.
Interactive Break: Participants reflect on their own projects with guided exercises, receiving real-time feedback on audience alignment and aesthetic strategy.
Takeaways + Q&A: Laurel distills the session into actionable lessons on grit, strategy, and vision, followed by a moderated Q&A to address attendees’ questions about branding, timing, and creative decision-making.
This workshop is designed for independent artists, managers, and industry professionals eager to learn how to turn punk persistence into a deliberate, culture-driven strategy—showing that the long game, authenticity, and thoughtful execution are the keys to lasting impact in music.
About Laurel Stearns:
Laurel Stearns is a veteran artist manager and A&R executive whose roster has included Father John Misty, Red Fang, U.S. Girls, and Danny Elfman. She spent 10 years at Capitol Records, opened Red Light Management’s Los Angeles offices with Ron Laffitte, and has been with Primary Wave for the past 13 years. A champion of independent artists, she co-founded Cold Sweat Records, releasing acts
like No Age and Devendra Banhart, and has produced events such as the Adult Swim Festival. Laurel’s career blends creativity, strategy, and a deep belief in artist-driven culture.