Brian Johnson ’12 got involved with the Saint Joseph’s University record label, 1851 Records, the same way any freshman would: by going to the activities fair. 

“I ended up going to the only music-related table I could find and said, ‘Tell me about the record label.’”

Johnson is the Vice President of Production for 1851 Records, a student-run distribution label dedicated to advancing the musical pursuits of students, faculty and alumni.  The label signs artists, promotes and hosts performances, and distributes compilation albums comprised of songs from all its affiliated artists.

This year’s slogan for 1851 Records is “music as a medium to help others.”  The label’s recent shows have also doubled as charitable events, benefiting such organizations as Up ‘til Dawn and Tune Up Philly.

As VP of Production, Johnson sets up and runs the shows that 1851 Records puts on.  Johnson and his team plan the events, coordinate with charity organizations, sound agencies, food providers and the artists themselves.

High-pressure situations, working and coordinating with professionals, have prepared Johnson for the intensive, fast-paced speed of professional internships.  Johnson, a political science major, has harnessed this expertise while working on a congressional campaign and with the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.

“The professional atmosphere at the record label has helped me acclimate myself to the professional atmosphere of my internships much faster,” Johnson said.

The adroit operations of 1851 Records mimics music industry standards, and wouldn’t be possible without the support of Saint Joseph’s University and the label’s faculty supervision.

“They have really fostered us, been able to nurture us into this extremely unique student organization, where students act as professionals and deal with the real world to produce a real product while being involved in something they love,” Johnson said. 

By making a donation to the Saint Joseph’s Fund today, you can help foster students like Brian Johnson, and nurture unique organizations like 1851 Records.  The donations of friends, family and alumni provide the crucial help these organizations need to thrive on campus.

- Liam Leyden '12