The WiMN’s Front and Center is a weekly column that showcases accomplished women who work in the music and audio industries. We spotlight successful female performers, manufacturers, retailers, educators, managers, publicists, and everyone else in between. Want to be featured? Learn how here.
Front and Center: Co-Founder of Emo Night LA, Babs Szabo
By Gabriella Steffenberg
Inspired by the bond of music after a sing-along to a classic emo track, Babs Szabo knew something special was born, and turned an idea into an opportunity.
Co-Founder of the smash hit experience, Emo Night LA, Szabo talks about inspiration, the daily in-and-outs of work, music, and even makes the tough decision of which emo song would be the soundtrack to her life.
Catch the full Front and Center with this driven lady below, and be sure to check out the sites for both of her businesses, Emo Night LA and creative agency Ride or Cry.
WiMN: What inspired you to start Emo Night LA?
BS: TJ, one of the other founders, and I were at a friend’s birthday party and we sang Dashboard Confessional’s “Hands Down” together. That’s where the idea was born. I didn’t know TJ very well at the time but I think that experience immediately created a bond between us. We then joined forces with our third founder Morgan and started Emo Night about a couple of months later.
WiMN: What are your responsibilities at work?
BS: I handle everything from booking guest DJs, handling our merchandise orders and inventory, developing creative projects, event production, sponsorships, etc. The list goes on and on.
WiMN: How is the crowd environment at your Emo Night LA shows?
BS: The crowd at Emo Night is the best community of people I have ever met in my life. Everyone is open minded, fun, incredibly nice, and so positive.
WiMN: Which companies did you work with within the music industry before you and your cohorts created Emo Night LA?
BS: I was a College Marketing Representative for Sony Music, I interned at Noise Pop, then I went on to be an assistant at Creative Artists Agency in digital strategy and music touring. I then worked at a small digital strategy agency, and now I own two business, one of them being Emo Night.
WiMN: How was music a big part of your life growing up?
BS: My parents are both musicians, so growing up I went to a lot of shows. It was really amazing. I loved seeing live music from a very early age. In high school I spent every weekend at shows, sum41 being the first one.
WiMN: If you had to choose one emo track to be the theme song to your life, what would it be?
BS: Taking Back Sunday – “New American Classic”
WiMN: Who are some of your favorite musicians/bands and why?
BS: The Strokes are my favorite band, they are incredible live and I love their music. Taking Back Sunday also holds a piece of my heart, their music has gotten me through pretty much everything in life. And of course Lil’ Wayne! I have Lil’ Wayne lyrics tattooed on my arm.
WiMN: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received regarding the music industry?
BS: Work hard and stay humble.
WiMN: What are your hopes for Emo Night over the next couple of years?
BS: My hopes for Emo Night is to continue taking it to more and more cities and meet more incredible people who understand the community surrounding the music that has made me who I am.
