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#WFH Diaries: Brady Ugwu of Universal Music Publishing
As lockdowns linger in most parts of the world, we’re checking in with creative people to see how they’re faring. Here’s an update from Brady Ugwu, director of business development, music for advertising, at Universal Music Publishing.
Give us a one-line bio of yourself.
Born the third of four children in Utah. Raised in Seattle. Spent the last decade in New York. Currently working on the music for advertising team at Universal Music Publishing.
Where are you living right now, and who’s with you?
I’m in my Greenpoint, Brooklyn, apartment with my husband, Reggie.
What’s your work situation like at the moment?
Work has been steady. I’ve been happy to find that people are open to making new connections during quarantine. Biz dev has remained strong.
Describe your socializing strategy.
Virtual happy hours with my family, all-day texting with my best friends Honor and Emma, and the other day I waved to my coworker Andrea from outside her window.
How are you dealing with childcare, if applicable?
We don’t have kids. Every now and then I get to do virtual story-time with my 2-year-old niece in San Francisco. It feeds my soul.
What are you reading?
My husband is a writer with an incredible book collection, so I’m always able to find something interesting on our shelves. The other day I picked up Maile Meloy’s Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It—so far it’s fantastic.
What are you watching?
Alternating between Luca Guadagnino and Nancy Meyers films.
What are you listening to?
Dua Lipa for work. Dua Lipa for pleasure.
How are you staying fit?
After four years not running (a run-in with an actual angry bird was the last straw), I’ve started again. I made it through the first few runs unscathed, dodging both humans and pigeons.
Have you taken up a hobby?
I’ve been practicing my French. Je veux parler couramment!
Any tips for getting necessities?
If sleep isn’t your friend these days, I recommend checking your grocery delivery apps in the early hours. I was able to find eggs and schedule a next-day delivery by checking FoodKick at 3 a.m.
An awkward moment since all this started.
Many awkward side steps and Wallace & Gromit smiles as people edge within six feet of me.
Best work email you got since all this started.
Lucian Grainge telling us he’s on his way to a full recovery.
An aha! moment since all this started.
Frozen Aperol Spritzes to go! Legal public drinking while feeling good about supporting local business is a huge silver lining to all of this. My husband and I have made spritz walks our Friday-night quarantine tradition.
What’s your theory on how this is going to play out?
It’s hard to think of how this will play out while we’re still in the woods. Right now, the only things I’m sure of are that people will always need music and that I’ll need to learn to accessorize with a face mask.
