Michael McDonald’s professional journey began selling t-shirts on the road for a then relatively unknown Dave Matthews Band. He toured with and tour managed that act for seven years, learning the trade before co-founding a record label and then his own artist management company. That company, Mick Management, now counts among its clients talented performers such as WALK THE MOON, Leon Bridges, Carly Rae Jepsen, David Gray, Mandy Moore, Maisy Stella, and Jon Batiste – among many others. In our conversation, Michael shares the story of his first big break and also describes aspects of his work, including the complex dynamic between manager and artist, the forces changing the music industry, and the heavy psychological burdens on performers today.