Meet Ben Harvey - President of Palm Tree Records & Human We’re Rather Frond Of

Shazam

I read somewhere that if you see palm trees in your dream it represents victory, fame, and opportunity. Not that I’m an expert, but I do know my way around a palm tree, and I know my way around good people. Case in point, the president of Sony’s Palm Tree Records, Ben Harvey. After a couple decades in radio, the former SiriusXM program director teamed up with Kygo and the Norwegian producer’s longtime manager Myles Shear to bring his expertise in identifying and developing projects for the NY-based label. While there’s no denying the critical role he’s played in launching countless artists, his awesome personality nearly outshines his insane professional capacity.

What’s your favorite song or album of all time (or right now)? What’s the story for you behind it?

Ready for it? “Hold on” by Wilson Phillips was the song that got me interested in the music biz. Between the Beach Boys and Mamas & Papas connection I was intrigued, plus for some reason I felt a bond with Carnie Wilson when I was in 6th grade, feeling like the outsider. I interviewed her on the radio a couple times at SiriusXM and we are now on tweeting and DM terms so I feel like things have come full circle. 

How do you discover new music? What are a few of your go-to playlists, stations, sources...?

I’m all about any outlet with a vibe, whether it’s Chill on SiriusXM, Chill Your Mind on YouTube, Miami Poolside Radio on Pandora, a vibey e-mail submission, or just Shazamming a song at a hotel by the pool.  

If you had to write a recipe for a hit song, what are the ingredients you'd include? 

I like an instrumental intro, but I do believe getting to the hook within the first 30 seconds is important in this ADD world. 

Imagine you're a career coach. What do you wish you knew when you first started?  

It’s okay to make mistakes. In fact, people like witnessing you make mistakes...it proves you’re human. When I did live radio in my 20s on Y100 and K-Rock, I’d beat myself up if I stuttered or talked over a vocal. But in my later years I’ve realized people enjoyed hearing me mess up. It showed I was a real live human, not a voice-tracked bot. 

Publicity 101: What are the do's and don'ts artists should live by when they release music? 

I’ve learned there’s no predicting how well a song will do on the DSPs like Spotify or Apple. New Music Friday isn’t the end-all-and-be-all. Keep on hustling. Find your ways to show true metrics on your song - shazams, satellite radio airplay, syncs, and sales. Streaming is important but not the magic key to the kingdom.  

Who is your musical icon... the one that inspired you to get into the business and why?  

Moby was my first interview, when I was a sophomore in college on WBRU at Brown. I was so nervous but he was so kind. I went on to interview him at Y100 and again at K-Rock, and he complimented me on my interviewing skills. He said I had learned how to listen. That’s the key to good interviews. Listen and be willing to head to new places you didn’t expect or plan for. 

What’s the last song that got stuck in your head? Which part? 

I’ve been prepping the release of “Bigger Than” by Justin Jesso and Seeb for months now (out now!). Everyone who works outside my office knows it by heart, and they make fun of me for playing it so often. I like to listen to things on repeat. If I’m truly behind a song I want to know every lyric, instrument, and fiber of it. 

What was the defining moment/break in your career that helped get you to where you are today?


I was lucky enough to get a job doing the night shift at Y100 right out of college, thanks to my college radio experience. During a vacation to LA, I called up KROQ and spoke to one of the weekend DJs, Chuck Roast (real name: Rob Cross), and asked if I could come to the studio to observe. He was so generous to let me watch him do radio in market #2, and later he became program director of K-Rock in NYC and hired me to do nights.... in radio market #1. It was a dream come true, and I was only 24. I respect and appreciate Rob, along with my earlier and later mentors in the biz. 

What artist has your favorite social media game and why?


Alec Benjamin. I’m proud to say that when I was programming SiriusXM Chill we were the first radio outlet in the country to play him. He came in to the studio and performed for all our programmers. He told stories about playing in parking lots for whoever would listen. That vulnerability has translated to his social media...and now everyone is listening. He’s the real deal. There’s no bravado. It’s just Alec. 

If you have $100,000 to break a new artist, how would you spend it?  

Great question. We’re still trying to figure that out. Palm Tree Records is basically a boutique start-up label within a major label system. We have access to major label budgets but I prefer to be savvy and cost-conscious. I’d rather spend money on digital advertising and Tik Tok campaigns than hire an over-priced LA video producer. There are plenty of brilliant videographers in film school who can do the same quality of work for major label projects. 

What advice would you give new artists hoping to connect with fans and make a true impact on the industry?

Engage on social media. Connect with who can help you, but be respectful and patient. Be genuine. Don’t buy followers or likes. And consistency is key — think about Kygo, Nora En Pure, and Rufus du Sol. Even though every song is different, you can always tell it’s them. Not everyone can be the Chainsmokers. Define your lane and stick to it.  How’s that?