EP12: Bertis Downs - In Conversation with Alex Maiolo

The SuperSwell Podcast

Join us as we listen to Bertis Downs, the legal mastermind behind R.E.M., and take a rare peek behind the curtains of rock 'n' roll history.
Imagine being at the heart of R.E.M.'s rise from Athens' indie scene to the zenith of global stardom. Bertis reveals the nuts and bolts of their journey and - in his immensely humble way - his own crucial supporting role, offering personal insights into the band's ethos that resonated with fans worldwide, including our host, Alex Maiolo—a Southern kid whose life was forever altered by their music.
This episode is a treasure trove of memories, from the complexities of touring to the magical moments that define a band's career. Bertis takes us on a tour of his own, from a history-loving student to the man who helped navigate R.E.M. through the thrills and spills of the music industry before pioneering their own path for others to follow . We dissect how R.E.M.'s strategic decisions inspired a generation of artists like Radiohead, The National, and Coldplay to forge ahead with their own ambitious plans towards worldwide success.
Central to the lasting impact of R.E.M.'s journey is the importance of preserving artistic integrity and band unity. We delve into the critical choices that safeguarded the band's legacy and their eventual amicable split that stands as a testament to their friendship and creative spirit. It's more than just a conversation—it's an exploration of the indelible mark R.E.M. has left on music and culture, and a chance to listen to the heartbeat of one of the most iconic bands of all time.
This conversation was recorded on stage at the Tallinn Music Week conference in Tallinn, Estonia on Friday 5th April, 2024.
The original audio recording has been edited and modified for an enhanced podcast experience.
This podcast is published with the approval and kind cooperation of Bertis Downs and Alex Maiolo and in association with Tallinn Music Week.
Thank you for listening. Enjoy the episode.
We made this just.....for......you.
Links:
All things R.E.M.: https://remhq.com
Bertis Downs Homepage: https://bertisdowns.com
Causes & Campaigns: https://bertisdowns.com/affiliations
R.E.M. by MTV (clip): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=099QC_mzfbU
Athens, Georgia Inside/Out documentary (clip): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJCoik8NsZ4&t=11s
Alex Maiolo Homepage: http://alexmaiolo.com
Alex's 40th Anniversary of "Murmur" article for Louder Than War: https://louderthanwar.com/r-e-m-s-generation-defining-murmur-at-40
Tallinn Music Week: https://tmw.ee

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Chapters

1. The SuperSwell Introduction to the Interview - with Alex Maiolo (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to Bertis Downs. His Early Days. (00:07:09)

3. Navigating Band Tour Logistics and Support Shows (00:16:57)

4. Mentors & Finding His Role (00:21:29)

5. Music in Movies & Media (00:31:06)

6. Band's Business Structure on Career & Influence on Others (00:34:51)

7. Community Building, Causes & Campaigns (00:45:40)

8. Affinity with Europe & Modern Management (00:50:12)

9. Audience Q&A (00:56:15)