JUSTIN SHUKAT
Music Publisher and Entrepreneur
Primary Wave Music
New York City
What music do you listen to at home?
Top 40 hits with my kids.
What is your morning ritual?
No alarm clock necessary, even when I travel the internal clock has yet to let me down. It's all the years of waking up in the am with two kids. The morning ritual surrounds the kids; it is the time of the day that I get to spend the most time with them during the week. I do a quick morning check of emails from overnight, then the morning headlines and then get them ready for school. We do last minute homework, breakfasts, make lunches and talk about what's going on with everyone.
Why New York?
The weather (laughs) - couldn't resist after the year we have had. Pace and access are two things that come to mind.
What is your hustle?
Paying attention to what people say, and always finding the time to talk or meet with someone who reaches out to me.
What topic do you love to debate?
I love to talk! It could be about music, sports, food or my kids. If it is a party, I’ve been known to grab a microphone and make sure everyone is dancing!
What is art to you?
Something that makes you react, think, laugh, cry or question what you are consuming.
What lesson did you learn the hard way?
Be very careful what you write in emails, tone never transcends.
Favourite career memory?
My first day on the job at Arista records. I was answering the phone for my boss at the time and being yelled at, by the manager Michael Lippman, because his client Rob Thomas's name was not a large enough FONT on the CD pro for the Santana single "Smooth". I’d say the font didn't effect the song or album success (laughs).
What advice would you give yourself 12 months ago?
Trust your instincts.
Your greatest achievement so far?
Creating a company, with my partner Larry Mestel, from nothing.
Who do you consider a mentor in your life?
My father, Peter Shukat, who is a top industry entertainment attorney and inspires me daily. I’m proud to carry on the family name and I love every time that I talk with someone new, who has nothing but nice things to say about him and the way he conducts business.
If you could provoke change in any area of the music business, what would it be?
A universal licensing system
In your life right now, what is one thing that baffles you?
How expensive the world has become, but the super rich can afford anything.
Describe which are your favourite shoes from your wardrobe?
It’s impossible to pick a favourite, I wear sneakers to work everyday and have a lot of pairs. I do love my AJ 11’s.
What technology do you carry?
iPhone, iPad, and a Nike Fuel Band.
Photography by Phil Knott