We had the good fortune of connecting with Franz Hilberath and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Franz, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My journey to launching my own business wasn’t straightforward. Up until I was 25, I worked various jobs as a server and office aide, waiting for the right opportunity to land in my lap. Then, the company I was working for got shut down for fraud, and I suddenly found myself at a crossroads: either take on more jobs I didn’t care about or take a leap and pursue something I was passionate about.
That moment was a wake-up call. I realized I couldn’t keep waiting for a dream job to appear out of nowhere. The universe doesn’t provide unless you give it something in return—initiative, effort, and risk. So, I quit my job, packed up my things, and moved back to my old college town to start something of my own: a small music magazine. I knew I needed to build something with purpose before I ended up stuck in a cycle of jobs I hated, filled with regret.
I didn’t have a clear roadmap, but I had passion, and that drive led me to where I am today—running MP3 PR and MP3 MAG, representing top artists, labels, and events. Taking that chance was the first step toward building a career I’m proud of, and I wouldn’t change a thing about how it started.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
MP3 PR is a premier independent music and entertainment public relations firm that excels in telling authentic stories about music, people, and experiences. We specialize in crafting unique narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, focusing on driving meaningful coverage for artists, labels, and events.
Our journey began out of necessity and passion. I started MP3 PR in 2020, at a crossroads in my life. After a series of unfulfilling jobs and a business I worked for being shut down, I decided to take a risk and invest fully in my passion for music and storytelling. There was no blueprint, no financial backing, and certainly no guarantees—just the sheer will to make something meaningful and contribute positively to my community.
It wasn’t easy; there were countless sleepless nights, financial uncertainties, and moments of self-doubt. But I pushed through by staying focused on the core belief that everyone has a story worth sharing. I wanted to build a platform and an agency that could amplify the voices of artists and labels who might not have the resources of mainstream giants but have incredible talent and passion to share.
What sets MP3 PR apart is our personal approach and unwavering commitment to our clients. I’m most proud of the deep relationships we’ve built—transforming small, underground artists into nationally recognized names and working with some of the top labels and festivals in the industry. We operate less like an external agency and more like an in-house partner, embedding ourselves in our clients’ vision and long-term strategy. Whether it’s working on Zeds Dead’s Deadbeats, orchestrating a groundbreaking campaign for DIESEL (Shaquille O’Neal), or shaping narratives for artists like Of The Trees and Mersiv, we’re passionate about helping artists connect with the world in an impactful way.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and patience. Building a business isn’t linear—it’s a marathon, not a sprint. There were times where growth felt stagnant, but those were the moments I dug in deeper, continued to innovate, and found new ways to add value. Every challenge we faced pushed us to refine our approach, leading to a better understanding of our strengths and a clearer path forward.
Today, MP3 PR is known for its innovative campaigns, strategic press placements, and for helping our clients navigate the constantly evolving media landscape. We’re not just here to land articles; we’re here to build legacies and foster genuine connections between artists and their audiences.
What I want the world to know about MP3 PR is that we believe in the power of storytelling. We’re driven by the idea that every artist and label deserves to have their vision heard, and we’re here to make sure those stories reach the people who need to hear them. Our work is fueled by passion, precision, and a genuine love for music—and we’re just getting started.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, I’d plan an unforgettable day at one of my absolute favorite places—Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver. To make it a full experience, we’d start in Golden, Colorado. We’d kick off the day by strolling through historic downtown Golden, exploring local shops, and grabbing a drink or bite at The Buffalo Rose, a rustic bar and restaurant that’s been serving the community since the 1800s.
From there, it’s just a quick 10-minute drive to Red Rocks, the most iconic music venue in the world. Even if there isn’t a show that day, just walking through the park and witnessing the massive red sandstone formations is a must. And if you’re lucky enough to catch a concert there, it’s a memory that will stay with you forever. The acoustics, the atmosphere, and the natural beauty are like nothing else on earth. It’s a true Colorado gem and an experience you’ll never forget—or regret.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My journey and the success of MP3 PR wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support and belief of several key people and mentors along the way. First and foremost, my great aunt Shawn deserves immense credit. During a pivotal time in my career, she provided me not just with a place to stay in Colorado, but also with unwavering encouragement and belief in my potential. Her support allowed me the stability to pursue my dreams during a very uncertain period, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my initial plans. Without her generosity and belief, it would’ve been a lot harder to stay focused and driven.
Additionally, the artists and industry leaders I’ve had the privilege to work with have been instrumental in my journey. From clients who believed in me when I was still building my name to those who have trusted me with their major projects today, I am incredibly grateful for the collaboration and shared successes.
Lastly, a shoutout to my friends and family who have supported me through every high and low, encouraging me to push forward even when the path seemed uncertain. Their belief in my vision has been a constant source of motivation.
To all of you—thank you for being a part of my story.
Website: www.mp3pr.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mp3publicrelations/?hl=en
Image Credits
MP3 PR