Earlier this week we posted a piece on Sophomore Slump Fest, a pop-punk/emo/alternative festival in North Carolina. Well, today we have an interview for you peeps, with one of the founders, Ric Peterson.

If you are into pop-punk these days, this is a name you probably know, as he is a very busy man. He does it all, from booking to tour managing to sometimes playing drums. He is truly a jack of all trades. Not only that but he also is very active on social media. That’s how I came to know of him. I was constantly seeing his name before I knew what he did. Once I became aware of who he was, I was like, yeah this is someone I should know. And I was right. Even if it’s just seeing his insightful posts about the business or running into him at Warped Tour, I have nothing but good things to say about him and what he does.

 

TUNED UP: What is your name and what do you do?

Ric Peterson: Ric Peterson. I’m the co-owner/founder of FBT Entertainment and Sophomore Slump Fest.

How did Sophomore Slump come to be?

Sophomore Slump Fest came into existence after another festival ended up collapsing. A lot of our friends’ bands had planned tours around it, and we didn’t want to have them cancel tours, so we planned the entire thing in a matter of about three-and-a-half weeks if I remember correctly.

Each year it has been held in a different city, is that on purpose?

It’s not intentional. We’ve had substantial growth each year, so we had to move venues to accommodate that. I live in Raleigh, so I wanted to have it closer to home for me. I’ve booked/attended shows at Motorco Music Hall in the past and love the atmosphere and ownership, so it was the logical choice location wise.

What are your goals for this festival? How do you see it growing?

Our goal is to continue to grow the community that we’ve been cultivating for three years. We’re going to continue operating with a fan-first mentality: dope bands, intimate settings, great fan interaction. Next year we’ll see how the summer touring landscape is with the huge vacancy that Warped will be leaving and adapt and move forward as always.

Do you have a dream line-up?

Every year is our dream line up. We have some plans already for the next year and then for 2020 which will be the five-year anniversary of Slump, so we can’t give too much away. Just know we’re already working 2-3 years out to make sure we keep bringing the highest quality experience to our fans.

This year there is more to the festival, there are a few tours centered around it, was that always a goal?

It was never a goal, per se, but as we have grown and continued learning it’s just made sense on a number of levels to make the festival’s presence bigger. So far, we’ve accomplished that with pre and post shows as well as a multi-band run “tour” and an after-party in conjunction with Emo Raleigh, which were both new additions this year.

You also are the mastermind behind FBT Entertainment, how is that going? Any releases coming up?

I’m only half of FBT. Liz Mercer is my partner, and I would be utterly lost without her. She’s why everything looks as good as it does and why we have such a smooth and professional image across our socials and artwork. FBT is flourishing. We’re stepping away from booking and focusing more on artist development and management. We have new records by Riviera, The Worst of Us, and Cedar Green getting finished up by Chris Piquette of No Boundaries Studios. Like Mike and Drop the Girl are also going to be going into NBS towards the end of the year as well to record new albums. Tours are in the works for multiple artists also.

If FBT Entertainment could work with any artist who would it be?

Anyone who’s serious about putting in the work and getting to the next level. We’re about developing quality bands from local support into national touring powerhouses that garner attention and ultimately offers, from record labels and major booking agencies.

You are constantly on the road with FBT artists, what is that like?

Amazing, hectic, and hellish all at the same time. I love touring traveling. When I’m out with bands it’s like a mini-vacation. You see so much cool stuff especially when you’re starting out at the lower “DIY” end of the spectrum. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my life.

Sweet Tea or Lemonade?

Lemonade all fucking day.

What is your favorite summer activity?

Slip and Slides. Loved them since I was a little kid. Never have the time to do them anymore. Might have to change that after slump. {writer’s note, if you are ever in Columbus and it’s nice out, we’re doing this}

Favorite summertime song or album.

I don’t know if it’s a “summer album” exactly but that new Like Pacific album just radiates that vibe to me.

Favorite GI Joe Character.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson aka Roadblock.