Yesterday, we spoke with an emerging artist full of excitement, but today it’s time to step behind the scenes again and talk about someone who makes things happen.
Cristina Dumitrescu is a full-time architect and a passionate artist manager who has been making waves in Romania’s alternative music scene. We talked about how she first got involved in the industry by chance, but her dedication quickly turned it into a second career. She currently manages Taking Back August, Hostvge, and Hiraeth, working tirelessly to help them grow, secure major opportunities, and navigate the challenges of the industry.
As a former mentee in the Women in Music Romania mentorship program, Cristina gained invaluable insights from some of the industry’s most inspiring women, lessons she now applies in her own work. With her sharp wit, ability to juggle multiple roles, and a talent for thriving in chaos, she continues to open doors for the artists she works with—proving that success in music isn’t just about talent on stage, but also about the dedication behind it.
I don’t even remember how I met Cristina Dumitrescu—maybe through Ioana Popescu from E-an-na, but I’m not 100% sure. That could be another topic of discussion when we meet again. To me, Cristina represents organized chaos (even if that doesn’t make sense) and boldness, even though she’s the most awkward person when she doesn’t know someone. I find it so cool how her experience with Taking Back August taught her to put herself out there and let go of that “I don’t randomly insert myself into things” attitude. I think Cristina does the work of all women in industries that are still somewhat male-dominated. By day, she’s an architect; by night, she’s the merch girl, the logistics girl, the band girl, etc. I’m proud of her because, despite the difficulty of working with different mindsets, the musical style she chose—or that chose her—is even tougher.
When you say “woman in the music industry,” you might first think of classical music, something indie and cute. But when you say metalcore, you expect a man. If 13- or 14-year-old Ionela had known that, in the future, she’d have a friend doing this, working with the very bands that approach metalcore, the style I was obsessed with as a teenager, I don’t know if I would have believed it. Why? Because of the whole mentality that metalcore is “men’s music”—it’s hard, women don’t growl, women don’t play guitar that well. Well, well… women do. And in many cases, they do it even better.
I’m happy for Cristina at every concert she books, every festival she attends with her bands, and every song that gets released. And since I’ve already been yapping too much, let’s see what Cristina had to say.
What are the things people should know about you before reading this interview?
Hellooo, I am Cristina and I still have no idea what I am doing. Essentially I am a full time architect and part-time artist manager, caretaker, therapist, etc., and I have an insane passion for music and live shows. I got involved in the music industry quite randomly, a few years back but I enjoyed it so much that I decided to stick around. I am a walking chaos with a multitasking ambition who tries her best to keep a work-life-sleep balance. Usually sleep is lost in this equation. Sarcasm is my middle name and I tend to make bad jokes even in stressful situations.
Which woman inspired you from the beginning? What have you learned from her as a model?
There are many women I admire and look up to for their work in this industry, starting with Călina Purje, whose patience and ambition I admire the most. Personally, my main inspiration and greatest support, even before becoming actively involved, has been Ioana Popescu from E-an-na. She is an amazing, kind-hearted person and a dear friend who has shared valuable insights from her experience. I have learned many lessons from her that now guide me in managing the artists I work with. Whenever I am unsure how to handle a situation, she is the first person I turn to. And, of course, my mother, who has always helped and encouraged me to pursue what truly makes me happy. By following her advice, I am now able to help others do the same.
Why have you chosen the music industry? Where does your passion come from?
I can’t really say I chose the music industry, but the music industry chose me. I have been actively going to concerts for at least 14 years now, and I fell in love with the energy and emotion these shows gave me. I know it’s a cliché, but music has been my safe and happy place through my darkest times. Live music helped me overcome anxiety, depression, and now it still helps me cope with stress, even though now it can be part of the stress, haha.
By literally being present everywhere, I naturally started to meet the people behind, as well as the artists and realised the work and passion that comes with every event, album or song. After meeting the guys from Taking Back August, I wanted to help them as I really believed in their project, and so I ended up working with them and thus, we evolved together.
Was there a moment when another woman warned you about the challenges you might face in the music industry because you’re a woman? What was your reaction?
Yes, I’ve been told at first that I need to “grow some balls”, in order to be able to deal with everything that’s gonna come towards me. I wasn’t necessarily surprised by this „warning”, and eventually I learnt how to handle different situations, professionally, also realising that I already had grown a pair, just needed to learn how to successfully use it outside from what was known to me.
Until now I can say that most of the things that happened were pretty basic and nothing I was not prepared for. I am surrounded by men that actually respect and trust me. But on a daily basis I have been in much worse environments.
Have you faced any challenges that could only happen to women in this industry? Can you give us some examples and explain how you overcame them?
I am used to work in male-dominated fields, and I have been doing this for quite a while, as the construction industry is defined by this. The main challenge for me in the music industry was gaining credibility and consideration, mainly in the metal and core scene. Ironically, most of the challenges I faced were based on other people’s egos, not on the fact that I was a woman. I overcome all of these by not taking things personally, and moving away from the people causing the drama, and sometimes limiting the interactions with people that try to patronize me. I also have amazing friends who support and listen to me whenever I need to vent off and, they give me advice or even help me in finding solutions for different situations. And a very talented boyfriend who finally learnt how to use the washing machine and can do the house chores without me, as I am rarely at home.
Have you ever felt pressured to present yourself in a certain way because of your gender?
Yes, multiple times, but not necessarily in the music industry. I learnt how to present myself or dress accordingly to the situation or event, due to my career and daily job. But with all these things, ever since I was little I was a kind of a rebel and I didn’t let anyone decide on my appearance, or who I am. Regardless of the environment I kept my integrity and authenticity, even though I got some interesting comments. But I must admit that around this scene, and as well as in this industry I felt the freedom to be myself and accepted in any way I presented, dressed, or expressed myself without being judged.
What changes would you like to see in the industry to make it more inclusive and welcoming for women?
From my personal experience, I do believe that this industry is already more inclusive and welcoming towards women. I noticed a change of attitude in general, even as a concert goer at the more aggressive genres of music. But even so, I do believe that organizations such as Women in Music changed the perspective a lot and gave women the courage to take on more roles. I can proudly say that I am an alumni of the mentorship programme and this gave me more confidence in getting involved mainly because of the women I met there.
How optimistic are you about the future of the music industry in terms of gender equality?
Honestly, I am very optimistic, mainly considering the activity of Women in Music and the way it grew. But in the end, I think it all comes down to the small actions and the way we support and empower each other, not only us women, but in general. All the artists I am collaborating with are men, and I can honestly say that there is a need for women to take on leading roles. Apart from this, a lot of the people I am working with in general are women, so I can say that in the industry, behind the scene, gender equality is already shaping up quite well.
Can you share a memorable experience or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
At this point, I think I have two moments that I am very proud of. First one is seeing Taking Back August playing at Rockstadt Extreme Fest. It was the biggest stage they played on and also the first big festival I managed to secure for them. I was extremely happy to see them on the main stage and also very proud of how we achieved this together.
The second one was having one of my favorite artists, Cătălin Chelemen, on the same stage with my boys from Taking Back August playing their collaboration “Anotimp”. I literally cried my heart out in that moment knowing that they really wished for this collaboration and I helped to make it happen. But for me right now, closing a successful event gives me a similar excitement as seeing one of my projects built. My heart grows every time an event I am involved in goes well, or everytime I hear or get appreciation for the bands I am working with.
Are there any projects or collaborations you’re currently working on that you’re excited about and would like to share with our audience?
Of course! I’ll forever be excited for most of the things I am planning with Taking Back August. Right now the boys are working on new music and we are planning some new releases and concerts. Also, we decided to go to X Factor this year, which is a whole new experience. So stay tuned for that as well, we promise it’s gonna be worth it.
I recently started my collaboration with two other bands Hostvge from Brașov, the newcomers that everybody should keep an eye on and Hiraeth from Iași who are really good on stage, and should get more recognition for the things they are doing. New releases are coming soon for both of them, together with some interesting, yet different stuff (for them at least). We promise you none of these are to be missed, so keep an eye on them!
Looking back on your career journey so far, what are some valuable lessons or insights you’ve gained that you wish you knew when you were starting out?
The three main things I learnt (the hard way):
- That you cannot please everyone, and also you shouldn’t.
- That there’s always gonna be chaos. But sometimes it’s good chaos.
- Everything that happens will be a funny story later on, eventually.
I also learnt how important networking is, and I wish I had the courage to talk more to people, or initiate conversations. This is still a work in progress.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to pursue a career in music? But to the ones that are reading this interview?
If it makes you happy, just do it, get involved, volunteer, apply for the mentorship programme. Go to concerts, go to conferences and social events, talk to people. Everything comes naturally when you enjoy what you’re doing, even when you’re clueless, but it is easier to learn when it comes from passion, and this industry needs passionate people. Always set your boundaries and let no one cross them. Be authentic and honest and always appreciate the people around you for their work or help towards you.These are advice not only for a career in the music industry, but in any field or industry. Or life.
Thank you Rock Monsters for this opportunity to be a part of these interview series!
I hope that after reading this interview, you leave with the idea that you, too, can get involved in the music industry if you want to. And let’s not forget — we’ll see each other at the concerts organized by Cristina to talk, enjoy music, and fill our closets with cool merch. See you there!
Rock Monsters Romania believes in professionalism and in the chance for women to stand out in an industry that seems dominated by men. Due to this belief, we have decided that once every two weeks on our website, you can find a woman who is making waves in the music industry and offers daily inspiration and support to those around them.
Text by Ionela Pleșan
Interview by Ionela Pleșan and Radu Mihai
Rock Monsters Romania 
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