Meet Tom Mullen | Founder/Creator of Washed Up Emo & Music Industry Executive

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tom Mullen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tom, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In 2007, I saw a giant void online of bands I grew up listening to that weren’t mentioned often in the music press. I was at an indie label at the time and had some free time on my hands and started writing about them on a free website. I had no socials, just a website, realizing how much I missed writing. Prior to this I had written a zine in high school, wrote reviews for the college newspaper, and freelanced early in my professional career. This scratched that itch of knowing the industry and having a place for my opinion. Washed Up Emo was the least thought part of the whole thing that’s been a blessing and a curse. You instantly understand what I’m talking about but it has offended many and a very strong statement when trying to talk about the word. If I could start all over again, I’d change the name to something very general to appeal to a wider audiences, as this genre bleeds into many. The name had zero thought and was born out of anger and resentment. I’d change in tomorrow if I could. It stuck and I’ve accepted that. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
An earlier question was about a quote that inspires you. It’s from a band called Frail and there’s a line in a song where the singer says, “make your own noise.” It resonated with me in high school and continues to. I’ve been so sure about decisions related to music and my desire to be a part of this industry. It took a lot of work but each time I did something I wasn’t told to do or did something scary, it always led me down the right path. One example early on in my career was staying in this comfortable job in a department seen as stable. I noticed that digital marketing was growing when departments like that were 1 to 2 people tops. I asked to switch departments and early on I didn’t have leverage so I even agreed to do my original job and this new one, knowing it would be the future. It wasn’t easy but it led me down that path and I was able to have a leg up by being early on something. That same scenario has played out many times over the last 20+ years to continue to stay relevant and current. I am also proud of making my own noise with my brand because the artists and industry knew about my passion project. It was where I was not only good at my job, but I realized I could see what was going to happen and help these artists out with Washed Up Emo. Still to this day, many artists know about my podcast, website, or books. The artist or their management meeting me on a professional level, saw the commitment I had to this music and for whatever genre they were, knew I was invested and wanted them to win. Many people in the industry want the glory. The missing link is that the artist is the story and deserves the glory. You are there to help them. I liked making my own noise in my own world, simultaneously helping the artist in their world and being able to put myself in their shoes to help them succeed. That’s it, the music, the artist is making their noise and you are in service of that duty.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am not sure if this is for Dallas or for the city I’m in. (Apologies.)

Generally, when someone comes to town, I like to ask a lot of questions. Their diet, new interests, who they are with, and other guidelines. There is also a balance of time with them and time alone for them to explore on their own. You’re friends for a reason, there is time apart.

I’ve been lucky to live in many place but I’ll pick NYC for this and probably applies to many cities including Dallas.

If someone was visiting NYC, I’d find out what they wanted to do and help them find a hotel near that interest. Let’s say Soho/Noho. First day I’d send them on their way to Soho to go window shopping and ask them to meet me on Mulberry Street for some Italian food. Then walk around after to get dessert, while dipping into Chinatown to show them that area. I’d then ask what they liked about Soho.

Next, we’d then go on High Line park the next day and quickly dipping into Herald Square and Times Square, 5th Avenue then ending up in Central Park. A short loop to end up on the Upper West Side in the 70s, stopping off for a famous cookie that has two locations, with one that only locals go to. We’d head to the Hudson River and walk down the Green River Parkway looking at the sights and ending up in the Meat Packing area and find some vegan food in the West Village.

Another day, we’d head into Brooklyn, starting in DUMBO, winding our way north through South Williamsburg and then using the bike share, meander our way through the now fully gentrified Williamsburg and Greenpoint areas, also exploring Bushwick and others nearby. There would hopefully be a show at a music venue that night or hit a bunch of record stores. We’d have Thai food nearby and take the ferry back to Manhattan to get the view of the skyline and hit one of many pizza restaurants open late for a slice of pizza, folded while walking back to their hotel.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve had a hard time letting people into Washed Up Emo. I have always done everything from a content perspective and early on had trouble expressing myself. I always have a million ideas and I’ve never been good at design or drawing. Anytime I see someone draw or create something out of nothing is truly genius to me. I have had some amazing designers help me with logos, website assets, and book design that have catapulted WashedUpEmo in so many ways that I couldn’t do alone. Heather, Isaac, and Jesse, thank you.

Website: https://thomaspmullen.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/washedupemo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommullen/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/washedupemo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/washedupemo

Other: https://www.anthologyofemo.com/ https://www.washedupemo.com/