We talked to the talented and successful lead singer of Elemeno P, Dave Gibson, about his dual role as a musician for a top NZ band & owner of a Music Merchandise Business called Closet.co.nz. See what Dave had to say about his daily multi-tasking (which includes a lot of coffee & tea!)...

What is your job and who do you work for?
I am the founder of www.closet.co.nz which is a music merchandising company. So I partly work for myself & partly for the directors from Universal Music NZ who we are partnered with. I am also the singer and songwriter for Elemeno P.

What does a normal work day entail for you?
I get up around 7.30am, take my wife to teachers training college, grab a double soy flat white at Arcadia on Symonds Street & write a to-do list. I get into my office around 9am.

Then it’s time to make a cup of tea (double bagged of course) and start on my list!



Typically on any given day my list will include:
-approving some artwork that’s about to go to print
-liasing with new bands who want to be on the website
-talking to retailers about what items they require
-updating the website
-doing a photo shoot and
-crunching numbers.

I might also be listening to a track I’m working on and bouncing ideas around the band. If I’m also playing a local gig that night I’ll do a sound check around 2pm. 


How did you get into the music industry – any specific training?
I played a few instruments when I was younger - recorder, trumpet, piano and then finally drums (which I really took to). Drums were my gateway to music.

What’s the best thing about your job?
I guess the best thing about being in a band and owning a business (like Closet) is that they are both creative. Elemeno P and Closet wouldn’t exist without the collective creativity of my band mates, my business-buddies & myself. I like making things that are original and innovative.

What’s the most challenging thing about your job?
Striving to improve & hone your skills as a musician - my vocal register and my voice in general can be an unfaithful mistress at times! 
Businesswise, the biggest challenge is finding a balance between the dreamer & the accountant. You need to listen to both sides to do well in business.

Do you have any advice for people who want to get into your field of work?
Persist, persist, persist.

Why do you love music and why is it important to you?
I love it because it changed my life, took me places I never thought I would go (got me into clubs without having to queue!)  & gave me an audience to connect with, yell with & vent in a constructive way. I guess music is how I feel connected to things.

Check out Dave's websites for more info on Elemeno P & Closet (find band merch from Lady Gaga, Pixies, Brooke Fraser, Ramones and more!):

Elemeno P Official Website

Closet Band Merchandise Website