Though only two years old, Klein College of Media and Communication’s audio and live entertainment major is molding students to excel in the music business industry. Last fall, Klein College was named one of Billboard’s top music business schools for the second consecutive year. Even students who have only taken classes within the audio and live entertainment department without committing to the major are finding success. Joe Conallen, FOX ’24, is one of them.  

Conallen is currently working as an Artist & Repertoire consultant at Atlantic Records. His job is to lift small artists into the mainstream. He describes himself as a “professional music listener” and finds himself flying around the country to meet artists that pique his interest.  

As a student, Conallen was already involved with the music industry. He worked with Working on Dying, an independent label, and had an internship with Hallwood Media. Conallen found himself at the center of the music industry while still trying to balance his classes.  

“When I was at Temple [University], it was 5 a.m. Spirit flights to Los Angeles. Your back is killing you,” Conallen said. “It sucked, but I was—and still am—so hungry and passionate about it. I would have walked there if I could.”  

Conallen credits his ability to bounce back and forth between professional and student to his professors at Temple. They would let him leave class early to catch a flight or arrive late due to airport traffic. Conallen’s professors were always understanding and encouraging of his career, seeing something special in this student.  

“He was already working. He was already doing things in the industry,” said adjunct assistant professor James Donio, KLN ’77, who taught Conallen’s MSP 2663: Recording Industry and Music Business class. “He was flying out to LA on weekends, and then, literally in some cases, flew back, got an Uber and came to my class with a suitcase.”  

Donio’s class teaches the foundations of the music business. Registering for it was a “no-brainer” for Conallen. He was already working in the music industry and wanted to learn more about being a professional. For Donio, having Conallen in his class was a gift.  

“I was just immediately impressed with him,” said Donio. “He had the mindset, the vibe, the intensity … someone who just feels so passionately about artists and music and helping to find and build talent.”  

Conallen says that attending Temple gave him the passion to dive headfirst into the music industry. Students who attend music schools on the West Coast are in the backyard of major labels and artists and thus have an advantage. Conallen set himself on a mission to create his path in the industry without that advantage.  

“To have a fire lit under you—you’re not at a target school, you’re not exactly who we want, you’re not exactly where you’re supposed to be from—was the biggest motivator of all,” Conallen said.  

Conallen worked with an artist called wifiskeleton, who passed away in May. Conallen was immediately drawn to the indie rapper, who was pushing boundaries in multiple genres. Wifiskeleton has blown up in the past months, sitting around six million monthly listeners on Spotify with a gold record in the works.  

“I wish to death that he was here to see it, but he will forever be my most proud client,” Conallen shared.  

As a bonus for Conallen, both of wifiskeleton’s debut albums were recorded on Temple’s campus.  

“We’d go to the cubicle in the [Howard Gittis] Student Center and record. Now, he’s a legend and a cult classic,” Conallen said. “So that’s something that will forever stick with me. We really made hit songs in that little cubic studio.”  

To Conallen, Philly is one of the most underrated music scenes, including independent music. Incredible bands and artists perform weekly on campus and around the city. 

“I attribute that a lot to my love of music,” Conallen said. “Being able to go to some of these dirty garage basement shows and share that time with fellow Temple students and being in that community.”  

Donio, every so often, will have Conallen speak to his class. Donio wants students to see that they can accomplish something as incredible as Conallen has. 

“My message to them is that this is possible,” said Donio. “He was sitting where you’re sitting a year ago, and look at what he’s doing now.”  

When asked about his next steps, Conallen shared that he “just want[s] to win.” He wants to continue to succeed and make Temple known.  

“Trying to put Temple and Philly on the map and continue to be a good example of my city and as a Temple alum,” Conallen said. “I want kids who love music to look at Temple as a new target school.”  

The audio and live entertainment major is for students who want to work in the music and recording industry. Those interested can reach out to Donio for more information.