Hailing from Mackinaw City, Michigan, Moshe Peretz is an entrepreneur on the cusp of debuting a new musical accessory brand. He is a graduate of Michigan State University, having earned a bachelor’s degree in business.
In 2018, Moshe Peretz had the idea to create his own line of musical accessories, inspired by the success of musicians starting their own brands in other fields. One day, while conducting some online research, he came to the realization that well-known musicians such as Kanye West, Rhianna, and Lady Gaga all had their own signature line of products, and that they often made more money from these ventures than from online streaming of their music and concert ticket sales combined.
A regionally well-known musician himself, his entrepreneurial instincts were piqued, and ‘Michigan’ Moshe Peretz—as he has come to be known on the nightclub circuit—set to work obtaining the necessary funding to launch his own brand of musical accessories, such as customized guitar cases, straps, picks, and tuners. As of the writing of this interview, he is nearly ready to unveil it to the public, having only to tie up a few final loose ends.
Why did you decide to create your own business?
Even as a young man, I knew I would never be able to make it in the 9-to-5 world. It’s just not in my nature. Realizing that would severely limit my job prospects, I started thinking up ways to make money without working at an office for a large company. When I was a teenager, I avoided getting a typical summer or after school job by touring with my high school band ‘Mackinaw.’ We made a decent amount of money playing gigs, but I knew that wouldn’t last forever. So, when the time came to go to university, I elected to study business. I figured that I could start my own company after graduation. At the time, I had no idea what kind of business that would be, though. I did have an inkling it might have something to do with music.
What would you tell others looking to get into your industry?
I would tell them to make sure they have a thorough and complete understanding of a musician’s needs when it comes to things like tuners, straps, and picks. You wouldn’t believe how temperamental and finicky some of us can be! I guess that’s usually the case with artists, now that I think about it. Anyhow, we like things to be just right so we can take the stage or take to the studio and perform our absolute best. A musician knows best how to craft musical tools and accessories, so if someone wants to enter this industry, they should retain a musician as a consultant if they aren’t one themselves.
What keeps you motivated?
The thing that gives me the most motivation is seeking out new and exciting experiences. I’ve been that way as far back as I can remember. In that spirit, starting a new musical accessory brand is definitely a new kind of adventure for me!
How has your company grown from its early days to now?
Well, the brand hasn’t made its grand debut yet, so I’m afraid it’s still early days. Maybe I’ll give another interview once the company has been established for a few years and answer that question.
Who has been a role model to you and why?
The name that immediately leaps to mind is Elvis Presley—and not just for his music! Elvis was a fantastic entrepreneur in his own right. With the help of his manager, he was one of the first musicians to really capitalize on merchandising.
How do you maintain a work life balance?
Although I spend my days working hard to launch my new brand, I still play nightclub gigs on evenings and weekends. Music brings me a tremendous amount of joy. I don’t think I’ll ever fully give it up.
What trends in your industry excite you?
Well, truth be told, part of the idea behind my business was starting a trend. I think it’s high time that more regionally well-known musicians launched their own brands, alongside the international superstars. With any luck, my company will help blaze a trail in that respect. Regardless of whether or not I succeed, I find the prospect exciting.
What has been the hardest obstacle you’ve overcome?
Obtaining the necessary seed money to fund a startup was much more difficult than I thought it would be. I was rejected by more than a few investors. I overcame that problem by re-examining and refining my business plan until it was airtight. Eventually, investors became interested.
Outside of work, what defines you as a person?
Aside from writing and performing music, I would have to say my biggest passions in life are travel and food. Actually, I like to combine those two interests by sampling the local cuisine of the various places I visit. I’ve found a lot of wonderful little spots to eat in every region of the country.
Where do you see you and your company in five years?
I see my brand of guitar cases, straps, picks, and tuners on the shelves of musical instrument stores throughout the Midwest by 2027. With a little luck, I think I could go nationwide within a decade. Stay tuned. ‘Michigan’ Moshe Peretz plans to make a big splash!
