Melissa Dragich, Music Publicist
Mad Ink PR
A publicist for rock bands is part storyteller, part chaos whisperer—and Melissa Dragich has built her career mastering both.
Melissa takes us behind the scenes of the music industry, where she shapes artists’ public images, navigates a rapidly changing press landscape, and manages the unexpected moments that come with live music and media cycles.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
- How music journalism and publicity have evolved post-COVID
- Why record reviews matter less—and digital platforms matter more
- The role of TikTok and social media in music promotion today
- How publicists balance storytelling, strategy, and crisis management
- The realities of building long-term client relationships in PR
- How AI may change press materials—but not human relationships
From backstage to boardrooms, Melissa explains how publicists keep narratives sharp, headlines clean, and artists focused on the music.
MBTI vibe: ENFJ / ENTJ / ESFJ / ENFP – emotionally intelligent, strategic thinker, comfortable with chaos
Need to Know Facts*
Salary Range:
Entry-Level Education:
Work Experience in Related
Occupation:
Type of companies to work for:
Job Outlook:
Resources:
* Bureau of Labor Statistics
$26,000 – $88,000+ annually
(median: $61,822)
Bachelor’s degree
Internships
Networking in industry
conferences
Public relations firms
Record Labels
Concert Venues
Music-related organizations
280,590 PR Specialists
employed in May, 2025*
Over the next 10 years:
+5% expected
What She Does Podcast 
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