Amira Al-Jiboori is a Tulsa-based musician and artist manager who wears many hats, including booking, event planning, festival managing, tour managing and music video producing. Al-Jiboori was the co-founder of Tulsa’s first female-led music festival, MisFEST. She has helped her Tulsa-based artist, Casii Stephan, grow her career from only performing locally to now performing nationally, including official SXSW and Folk Alliance Showcases as well as garnering awards and notable press features such as NPR, Billboard and American Songwriter.
How did you get started?
I started out as a musician and a friend of an artist, Casii Stephan. I was impressed by her talent and wanted to see her succeed. I volunteered to play percussion for her and then that quickly evolved into a management role.
Did you always want a career in the music industry?
I honestly never thought it was possible. I always loved music, playing it and just being around it. I remember being friends with and following many bands growing up, to be performing on the same line up with or booking shows for artists that I grew up listening to is pretty surreal.
Most Recent Successes / Placements / Accomplishments / Projects? Career highlight?
I have helped Casii Stephan succeed at acquiring and performing at three official SXSW showcases. Recently, I helped her acquire a jury-selected official Folk Alliance International music conference showcase that she will perform in February 2023. I got to walk the red carpet with her at two music award shows: Hollywood Music in Media Awards in LA and the Independent Music Awards in NYC. A recent highlight was traveling to Los Angeles to perform for the first time and then being able to travel with our publicist all over Laguna Beach.
What is your favorite Oklahoma music venue, music store or recording studio?
Tough question. I am going to go with two venues. Mercury Lounge: they really helped take care of artists during the pandemic and have pivoted in so many ways. I appreciate the environment of music lovers that they have created. Lowdown: best listening space in town. The room was literally curated for the proper acoustics. I love the intimacy that the space provides.
Networking and connecting with others who share your dream or vision is a vital aspect to the music industry. Can you share which Oklahoma organizations (if any) have contributed to your success and are there Oklahoma organization you would recommend other connect with?
To help further their craft or promotion? Definitely Tulsa FMAC. They really helped connect us to great opportunities. A newer organization, Tulsa Creative Engine, is doing a great job of curating unique line-ups for events throughout Tulsa.
How can we follow you? Best place to purchase and listen to your music (if applicable)?
Please follow Casii Stephan @casiistephan on all the social media platforms. She is also on all streaming platforms. As for me, you can follow me on my IG at @amira146 or on Facebook.
Advice for someone interested in working in the music industry.
First of all, I would not bother if you do not have a significant passion to pursue music full time. Once you recognize you have that passion, go for it, but know that it will be a grind. It is worth it when you see how much music touches people’s lives. I would highly recommend networking, supporting other artists and building your support team as soon as possible.
What are some of the benefits of having a music career in Oklahoma?
The music community is a huge draw. It is diverse and artists support other artists. The cost of living is definitely a huge perk. I also believe there is a lot of support from the Oklahoma community at large for music. For example, hosting an international Music Cities event is helpful to put us in direct contact with many people in the industry.
Each featured individual or business is given the provided questions to answer in their own voice. Other than formatting and grammar, the answers are personal to each featured voice, and are not provided by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office.