For Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting two incredible women making an impact in the electronic music industry—Mariesa Stevens, Partner & VP at Liaison Artists, and Emma Hoser, Senior Agent at the agency.
With years of experience in artist bookings, festival placements, and mentorship, Mariesa and Emma have played key roles in shaping the careers of some of the most influential house and techno artists. But their work goes beyond talent representation—they are committed to supporting and mentoring the next generation of women in the music business.
In this Q&A for shesaid.so, they share their journeys, biggest career milestones, and advice for women looking to break into the industry. From overcoming industry challenges to securing major festival slots, their insights provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to grow in music.
Mariesa Stevens (Partner/VP), Liaison Artists
Mariesa Stevens serves as Partner and Vice President at Liaison Artists, a prestigious San Francisco-based booking agency. Since joining as the agency's 3rd employee in 2008, Mariesa has been instrumental in establishing Liaison Artists as the foremost destination for securing top-tier electronic music talent. Inspired by San Francisco's dynamic underground electronic scene, she acknowledges iconic SF figures and events for shaping her passion for music, including Mark Farina, Doc Martin, the Sunset Campout, the monthly [Kontrol] party at The EndUp, and the Dirtybird BBQ in Golden Gate Park.
Throughout her 16-year tenure, Mariesa has significantly influenced the agency's trajectory by meticulously curating a roster of exceptional, yet undiscovered, house and techno artists. Renowned for bridging the gap between US and European talents, Mariesa has introduced numerous artists, such as Maya Jane Coles, Maceo Plex, Bruno Pronsato, Sammy Dee, Hot Since 82, and Ash Lauryn, to audiences in North and South America. She has also played a pivotal role in expanding Liaison Artists' presence at the Coachella music festival, from securing the agency's first artist slot in 2013 to commanding 7% of the festival's entire roster in 2022.
As a black woman, Mariesa places utmost importance on representation, which constantly drives her endeavors within the agency. Recognizing the scarcity of black women in the electronic music scene, both as artists and agents, she remains committed to providing platforms for women, particularly women of color, to flourish in previously underrepresented spaces. Her greatest source of pride in her career stems from mentoring young women in the industry and witnessing their growing achievements.
What was your start in music, and what inspired you to pursue this path?
I was always a huge music nerd I would consume as much as I could. It was big in my house. My Dad had a huge record collection and we’d sit around and discuss and listen together. Artists like Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, Aretha Franklin and my Dad’s favorite artists The Temptations and Aretha Franklin really shaped me.
On a visit to San Francisco in the early 2000’s with some friends they convinced me to go out to Club Mighty where Miguel Migs and Mark Farina were playing and I just fell in love immediately. The sense of community on the dancefloor that night was something I’d never seen before.
I was hooked and ended up moving to San Francisco in 2008 and was working as an intern at a tiny start-up agency, but never felt like I fully belonged there. I was a regular at the infamous KONTROL parties at The EndUp and made friends with their incredible DJ and resident, Nikola Baytala who went on to introduce me to Andrew Kelsey and the rest is history.
Liaison Artists has had a big presence at festivals like Coachella. Could you share a couple of top tips on how artists can stand out and make an impact on such big stages?
As you can imagine a festival like Coachella is incredibly competitive and only so many slots. As agents we’re pitching them all year long. We use content like video clips of past performances and relevant press. IN addition to that the artist will need a solid history of playing in the Los Angeles market often times will play a part in getting on Coachella.
With social media and streaming being so important today, what advice do you give artists to stay authentic while building a strong connection with their fans online?
Authenticity is the key word here, I think that is something that fans can see immediately.
I think giving fans a glimpse into your creative process, daily life, and the journey of your artistry. This transparency can help foster a deeper connection.
I’d stick to what matters to you, as that will attract like-minded fans who resonate with your message. While it's important to showcase your music, sharing other interests and aspects of your life that reflect who you are and provide fans with more to connect with. It’s all about telling YOUR story.
My biggest piece of advice is simply to stay true to your values and don’t compromise your beliefs or artistic vision to fit trends.
Looking back at your career, what are some of the moments you’re most proud of?
There have been so many moments over the years but some that come to mind, booking my first artist on Coachella, selling out my first tour,
I think the thing I am most proud of is helping to mentor our young staff many of whom started as interns / assistants and are now incredibly successful and hard working agents.
Playing a part in helping them build their careers is just as rewarding as what we do for our artists
What am I listening to these days?
My taste is all over the place and I tend to have 10 or so artists that never leave my rotation like Erykah Badu, Frank Ocean, Portishead, Aaliyah, DMX, Mariah.
Wizkid’s Made in Lagos has been a constant as well.
Love what a lot of the rap girlies are doing at the moment Flo, Doechii, Megan and GloRilla - way too many to list!
Emma Hoser
Emma Hoser is a senior agent at Liaison Artists, representing a diverse roster of electronic DJs and producers with a heavy focus on the underground house and techno sound. Emma’s roster includes clients Adam Beyer, CirezD, Eli & Fur, Nicole Moudaber, Paco Osuna, Pawsa, Sasha, and many more. Emma volunteers as a mentor for young adults at local organizations including the Lower East Side Girls Club and The LGBTQI+ Center in NY.
Emma began her journey in music as a club promoter in Florida during college. She later moved to San Francisco to finish her degree, and continued pursuing her love for music by selling mixtapes to stores all over the USA. Through these endeavors she met many DJs, promoters, and agents.
Upon finishing college she moved to New York to start working in the agency business. After stints at several different agencies, she found her home in 2008 working for Paul Morris at AM Only. AM Only partnered with Paradigm in 2012 and fully merged into Paradigm in 2017. In 2020, she started at Liaison Artists, the best independent agency in the US and who specialize in cutting edge international talent with a laser focused personalized touch.
What was your start in music, and what inspired you to pursue this path?
I fell in love with electronic dance music and the DJ culture during my college years in Gainesville, Florida. There’s this incredible club there called Simon’s that hosted some of the biggest names in the industry, like Sasha, John Digweed & Laurent Garnier. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in music, but I wasn’t sure what path to take. So, I decided to throw a few parties to see if that was something I genuinely enjoyed.
After finishing my first two years of college in Florida, I moved to San Francisco to complete my remaining studies. There, I worked for a couple of DJs, helping them sell their mix tapes across the United States. These experiences exposed me to a diverse network of DJs, promoters, and agents, which ultimately led me to an exciting opportunity.
I was offered a summer job at an agency in New York City. After the summer, I finished my studies and relocated to the Big Apple to join the agency full-time. From that moment on, I knew that this was the career I wanted to pursue.
Emma, you’re also involved in mentoring young adults. What advice would you give to young women hoping to enter the music business?
Breaking into the music industry as a woman can be challenging, but with persistence, self-belief, and the right strategies, you can carve out a fulfilling career. It involves continuous learning, networking, advocating for yourself, and uplifting other women. Be prepared for criticism and setbacks, but don’t let them derail your confidence or your goals.
The music industry can be tough, with challenges and rejections being a part of the journey. The key is to learn from these experiences and use them as fuel for your growth. Focus on your abilities and be ready to listen and learn, but also don’t hesitate to speak up.
Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. The most successful individuals learn from their mistakes and use them as catalysts for future success. Building strong, authentic relationships with artists, managers, promoters, and your co-workers is a powerful way to gain respect. Learning to assert yourself in meetings, take initiative, and ensure your voice is heard, and over time that earns you trust and credibility in the industry.
What have been some of the challenges you’ve both faced as women in the industry?
Like many women in the music industry, I’ve personally witnessed how male dominance can sometimes pose challenges, such as being underestimated, overlooked, or having to prove myself more than my male counterparts. Despite the challenges of navigating a business where women are underrepresented, I’ve consistently found that staying true to myself, maintaining resilience, and collaborating with like-minded individuals, including artists, managers, and my company’s representatives, is imperative for success.
Looking back at your careers, what are some of the moments you’re most proud of?
I absolutely thrive on the success of my artists, especially when I start from the very beginning with them and witness their growth from performing at small venues to selling out big venues and headlining festivals. However, what fills me with the greatest pride in my career is mentoring young individuals, whether it’s in educational settings,
LGBTQ+ centers, or the Lower Eastside Girls Club. I take great pleasure in providing advice to other women in the music industry and the people I work with.
I enjoy helping them navigate the next steps in their careers and guiding them through the intricacies of the business. My passion lies in elevating young women from the early stages of their music careers to becoming successful agents!
