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: Red Temple Music Co-founder, Danica Lynch

DanicaFrom managing, to publishing, booking, promoting, marketing and more, there are countless positions in the music business. Today, we’re pleased to feature a woman who has experience in almost all of these roles: the multi-talented Danica Lynch.

Married to hard rock guitarist George Lynch, Mrs. Lynch manages her husband’s musical catalog of 35 years which includes Dokken, Lynch Mob, solo releases and more.

Danica Lynch’s expertise also lies heavily in music publishing. She co-founded her own company, Red Temple Music, a boutique publishing agency home to a number of writers and composers. Lynch and her colleagues provide music for TV, film and more. Lynch even finds the time to work on her husband’s documentary film, Shadowtrain.

A true music business jill-of-all-trades , the WiMN are pleased to share some insight from the one and only Danica Lynch.

Learn more about Danica Lynch and Red Temple Music at redtemplemusic.com.

WiMN: How long have you worked in the music industry and how did you get your start?

DL: My exposure to the industry began when I got involved in my husband’s business about 10 years ago. The fact that he’s a lifetime professional musician gave me the opportunity to involve myself in all aspects of the music industry; touring, accounting, publishing, management, marketing, merchandising, licensing and copyright.

WiMN: Can you tell us about some of your favorite roles you’ve held in the industry? Any that might be a least favorite?

DL: I don’t really have a least favorite as I find all areas of the music business fascinating and challenging. Throughout the different areas of the music business that I have worked in, I am most familiar and comfortable with publishing, licensing and handling of the registration of music. This is an area of expertise that I enjoy most–although I do still enjoy setting up tours. I am also currently working towards earning my degree in music business, which continues to bring me knowledge in this ever-changing industry.

WiMN: Can you tell us how you started working in music publishing?

DL: I started with hands-on experience from working with my husband’s catalog, which is extensive and spans over 35 years and hundreds of songs. I have continued to manage his catalog and current musical endeavors, in addition to handling the licensing and publishing for a few other artists.

WiMN: Tell us about your music agency, Red Temple Music. What does Red Temple do? What have been some of your favorite moments or projects to be a part of?

DL: Red Temple Music is a boutique agency which licenses music for TV, film, gaming and more. I license existing songs from our catalog and we also create original music for specific projects as well. I must say that I have had a great time working with a few companies. My favorite moments are getting to work with the producers directly and helping with music supervision, while watching the songwriters in our studio create music for the project. It is really cool!

WiMN: You’ve recently been working on a documentary film created by your husband called Shadowtrain. What is the film about? What is it like to shift from working with music to film?
DL: We are filming among the natural landscapes of the Western U.S. and telling the stories of Native Americans living on reservations. The band Shadowtrain travels through these places playing music while uncovering and discussing history, politics and spirituality with notable thinkers, artists, Native American medicine men, clergy and activists.  You can read more about the documentary at shadowtrainmovie.com.

The mechanics of filmmaking are very similar to making a record, in the sense that you’re utilizing specific technology to tell a story and paint a picture. Although I’ve learned some about the process of filmmaking over the last couple of years–what I’ve really learned is just how much there is to learn.

WiMN: If you could share one piece of advice about the music industry, what would that be?

DL: The music industry is a big world. Whatever your passion is, follow it and never give up.

WiMN: What is an interesting and little known fact about you?

DL: I’m afraid of heights, but I like to fly planes and have been working to get my pilot’s license.

WiMN: Can you share your experience as a woman in the industry? Have there been challenges?

DL: As a woman I’ve definitely experienced resistance in my attempt to work my way into the industry. It seems like women have to be more knowledgeable and ambitious to overcome obstacles.

WiMN: Do you have any words of encouragement or advice for women aspiring to enter the music industry?

DL: Though it may seem tough at times for some women, remember to always follow your passion and eventually you will become whom you desire to be. It may not be overnight, but it will happen!