Today we’d like to introduce you to Ethan Massey.
Ethan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got started in the music industry playing in local bands around 2009 or 2010. Around 2012 I started working for Rustin Luther at the Fort Worth venue, Tomcats West. I started as security then moved to front door person for majority of my time there and then eventually ended up running the place for him for a brief period of time.
That’s when I learned the ins and outs of bartending, booking bands, being a promoter, and talent buying. Not to mention learning to be a general manager at the age of 24.
I ended up leaving Tomcats less than a year later due to some inner turmoil. The way things ended left a really bad taste in my mouth and had me wanting to just stick to playing in a band which eventually lead me to falling into the merch printing industry. It just felt fitting printing band merch and seeing that side of the business at the time.
After nearly spending decade in my merch printing profession, I got extremely burnt-out craving something new.
That leads me to 2022 and starting The Merch Shop. I was wanting to build brick and mortar retail store but base it around not only name-brand products like most shops but also include up-and-coming band merch. With my eyes set on building up The Merch Shops name, I eventually came back into contact with Terry Johnson who happened to own Big Rob’s venue in Euless, TX. We got to talking, and he explained to me his vision he had for his venue it ignited something in me that I haven’t felt in years. His passion for the DFW scene had me amped up. So much so it got me hosting Merch Shop shows in his venue and got me back in the promoter game. After a couple successful shows, we ended up talking about expanding and doing things a bit bigger.
As of 2023, Terry bought back into The Rail Club in Fort Worth, where we both had previously worked and had experience at.
After meeting with the other Rail owner, Toney Mooney, and multiple staff meetings, we came to the conclusion that it was time that I ran both these venues as general manager.
I was TERRIFIED. Acting as GM as well as senior talent buyer for both venues, I had a lot fall on my plate but I was hungry for the challenge.
Fast forward to now and both venues have been getting consistently booked up with massive shows and showing no signs of stopping.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all but it’s getting there. I’ve found that the event venue business is one of the hardest things I’ve ever attempted to do.
Dealing with everything that comes along with night life, staff, rockstars, and just the stigma that is the party lifestyle that comes with all venues.
Every day is a new challenge, but that’s what keeps you on your toes and always staying on top of things.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Rail Club is an 800-cap venue in the heart of Fort Worth, TX, and has been for over a decade. With 3 bars, a VIP upstairs, and green room for artists we can accompany anyone. It has hosted some of the tops names in the rock, metal, and hip-hop genres.
Big Rob’s is a 300-cap music venue in Euless, TX, that allows its artists to have those amazing intimate shows with their fans. Having that hometown dive bar feel that makes everyone feel comfortable that walks in the building.
The Merch Shop is built by artists, for artists. Offering a physical ad space in a retail environment to help extend the reach of any artist. Sell your merch, art, concert tickets, and even your own clothing brand through our physical and online store. We cater to local, regional, and international artists in order to help them in any way we can in a retail and online space as well as a pop-up shop for local shows and rummage sales. Right now, we have a few Merch Shop items up for sale on our website to help alleviate some of the costs while we search for the perfect storefront.
What matters most to you?
Doing what you love and being surrounded by your favorite people.
Never in a million years did I think I’d ever get to do anything like I’m doing right now.
I get to run two amazing venues and play in an incredible band that gets to travel around the country.
Not only that, but I have my family that loves and supports me every step of the way.
Massive shout out to my wife, Zoe, and my two kiddos, Marley and Lyric for always being my rocks and pushing me to be the best version of myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/49699889863
- Instagram: @ethanmasseyy / @therailclubtx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRailDFW?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: @ethanmassey
- Youtube: YouTube.com/dispositions
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/MidcityMusicNMore?mibextid=LQQJ4d
