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Employee Spotlight: Zoe Schneider

Hey y'all! 

My name is Zoe Schneider and I've been a Community Manager at Harmonix since last October! Right now most of my energy is focused on the recently announced FUSER. Between announce and PAX East t’s been a crazy couple of weeks but it feels amazing to finally be able to share what I’ve been working on.

Before Harmonix I attended Berklee College of Music here in Boston, and then pursued a Masters in Global Entertainment Music Business and Contemporary Bass Performance at the campus in Valencia, Spain. While studying I worked for Boston based jazz label Jazz Urbane as well as freelance consulting for independent artists around the US, East Africa, Central America, and western Europe. My background in communications is heavily based on my public speaking career. I work with businesses and nonprofits often speaking on bridging generational divides in professional spaces, as well as speaking to high school and college aged students on sustainable activism, student leadership, and professional development.

Beyond my work I’m a lifelong musician and performer as a singer and bassist. My comfort zone is for sure very specifically working in the music industry but I am also really passionate about exploring new specialties and professional spaces. As a longtime player of Harmonix games and having friends who have worked here and loved it, when I saw the position open I knew I had to apply. When I tell people where I’m working they’re usually surprised but when I explain how I get to work with music, musicians, and games everyday it becomes clear it’s a perfect fit.

What has been your proudest accomplishment / favorite Harmonix moment?

The work related travel has for sure been a highpoint. Working with diverse communities is really exciting for me, being able to connect over games and work with passionate people has helped me grow and learn so much. Everyday it feels surreal having transitioned from a player of Harmonix games to assisting in their development. 

Are you working on anything outside of Harmonix? 

I also work for a jazz label JazzUrbane Recordings which is also opening a venue in Nubian Square fall 2020 so there’s been plenty of work from that project keeping me busy. Other than that, I try to play and perform around Boston as much as I can. 

What is your favorite Harmonix game and why? 

Rock Band for sure! It’s a game I grew up with and as a musician it’s probably my favorite game to play. Playing Rock Band was actually what inspired me to learn to play drums for real. I felt like if I spent half the time practicing real drums as I do playing Rock Band I could be a decent player. Rock Band will always be tied intimately to my journey as a musician so it holds a special place in my heart. Also I love being able to play along with my favorite artists and sound amazing without the grueling hours of practice to go along with it. 

What Rock Band instrument do you play?

Totally depends on the song. I usually play whatever instrument has my favorite part in the song. Love to play drums on “Maps”, love to play bass on “Super Freak” guitar on “We are family” (bc Nile Rogers is the king of groove obviously) and sing songs like “Unwritten” with total reckless abandonment. 

What's your favorite Rock Band song of all time?

"What’s up" - 4 Non Blondes. I don’t know why but that song is so powerful and emotional for me! It makes me feel unstoppable and gets me unreasonably hyped up. 

Is there anything special or fun on your desk?

Honestly, no. I cannot work in a cluttered space so my desk is very bare and boring however I am the snack queen. There is always a bin of various candies and treats and random snacks at my desk just in case I or anyone working around me gets hungry. I have an uncontrollable need to feed everyone. 

If you could trade places with anyone else at Harmonix for a week, who would it be?

I’m not sure I would trade positions with anyone at the moment ...I love my day to day tasks and the team I work on allows me to connect with almost every other department at Harmonix. I feel like I’m in the perfect position to learn about all facets of the organization which is pretty dope. Also being a community manager gives me the most direct access to players and fans of our games. I am a total people person so being able to engage with such an active community is really exciting for me.

What's your go-to candy bowl candy / drink fridge beverage? 

ONE time there was a blue sour punch straw in the candy bowl and that will always be my go to.  As for drinks I alternate between the green tea and the arnold palmer. 

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Granting wishes!! (at my discretion) My favorite thing is watching people I love enjoy the things they love so if I were able to help people realize their greatest dreams and deepest desires that would be dope. 

Would you rather be a pitch perfect singer, flawless dancer, or skilled musician?

I’d rather be a triple threat and be able to do it all. I’d use my skilled musicianship to refine my singing skills and let my rhythmic proficiency physically manifest through dance. 

What's your favorite or most used emoji on Slack?

I’m a big fan of the purple heart. It gives me heavy Prince vibes and I use it at least 5-10 times a day, usually in a group of 3. 

Any social media handles or links to find you and your work you'd like to share w/ the Harmonix community?

I’m ZoeSchneiderSpeaks on instagram and am actually taking a break from other socials. I handle the social media for a few artists I work with, so by the time I’m done with their stuff I don’t feel like keeping up with my own! Also find me on Spotify