The Indie Playbook Presented by Focused Noise

A3C Music Business Discussion: Getting on Tours, Festivals, and Shows

This is a special episode from the A3C Festival and Conference in Atlanta, where I was invited to speak on a panel about touring, festivals, and shows.  We also gave some helpful tips on how to grow a fanbase organically and how to build an artist's overall brand.   Our moderator was MICxSIC (@MICXSIC).  He can also be found at savagefam.com [http://savagefam.com/] or youtube.com/savagefamproductions [http://youtube.com/savagefamproductions].   Our panelists were Clarissa Reformina from Paradigm Talent Agency (@clrisaxplnsitall), Juels Pierrot from Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival (@juelspierrot), and Brent Tactic from Rogue Agency (@Brent_tactic).

Media Mastermind Justin Hunte- Create Your Own Path

Justin Hunte is the Head of Video Production & Development for Ambrosia For Heads, and Director of Content and Strategic Marketing at Empire Distribution. Formerly Editor-in-Chief of HipHopDX, Hunte is the architect behind DX's video platform and creator of popular series, #DXBreakdown. Hunte's also a weekly contributor to Shade45's All Out Show on SiriusXM. In 2017, he participated in a debate at the prestigious Oxford Union on whether Kanye West is more relevant than William Shakespeare. A graduate of Wofford College, Hunte spent 5 years working at Bank Of America/Merrill Lynch.  He sacrificed a profitable investment banking career in order to follow his passion, with the goal of becoming the greatest Hip-Hop writer on the planet.  Hunte has since covered music, politics, and culture for numerous publications, and is a great example for anyone who has a dream and a vision, but is hesitant to take the necessary leap of faith.  Hopefully this episode inspires you to take the next step. Follow @TheCompanyMan on all socials.  Show Notes: 3:16 Justin was inspired to give up a profitable career in investment banking 8:54 The goal of being the greatest Hip-Hop writer of all time 11:21 Justin talks about the start of his on air experience 16:05 How Justin manifested his career as a writer 28:18 Living at the edge of your capabilities and growing 29:58 Why Master P is the most successful person Justin knows 33:49 The importance of failure 39:11 The impact of Martin Shkreli’s interview with Justin Hunte 47:51 Creating deeper long form content 54:27 People gravitate towards extremes 58:21 Justin took a job with Empire to learn more about the Industry inner workings 1:07:28 Do artists need to live in a metropolitan music hub? 1:12:09 How Justin responded to being fired from his volunteer job at Brooklyn Bodega 1:20:15 The importance of maintaining your faith during the hard times 1:22:48 Everything is achievable 1:36:54 How Justin would spend a $10,000 album release budget 1:45:43 Justin doesn’t allow money to dictate his decisions 1:46:36 The perfection of Kendrick Lamar’s Damn album

KXNG Crooked (Crooked I)- Winning Through Hard Work and Creativity

KXNG Crooked (AKA Crooked I) is one of Hip-Hop's all-time most respected lyricists. Suge Knight once hailed him as the next Tupac Shakur, and years later Eminem signed his group Slaughterhouse (with Joe Budden, Royce da 5'9", Joell Ortiz) to Shady Records. But that doesn't even begin to explain Crooked's foresight and brilliance. Crooked built one of Hip-Hop's first online followings with the release of his Hip-Hop Weekly Series in 2007, releasing a new track every week for a year, and creating a trend that was later implemented by a number of successful artists. He has also continued to stay relevant by remaining innovative and taking frequent chances.  This is definitely one of the best episodes yet, as Crooked shares invaluable knowledge, and he even provides a blueprint for up and coming artists to follow when releasing an album. In addition to being an incredible MC, Crooked is a born leader, social activist, TV producer, and an overall great person. I guarantee you will get some real value from this interview or I'll give you a full refund. Check it out!      6:25 Traveling expands your mind 10:50 Being inspired by the success of Snoop Dogg and Warren G in his younger years 13:01 Crooked took advantage of his first big opportunity  16:29 Being too smart for his own good 19:50 Why Crooked chose Death Row over Aftermath 21:44 Crooked ponders whether his friend who sells incense or Dr. Dre is the most successful person he knows 24:05 Suge Knight always led by example and was accessible at any time 27:16 Crooked has always tried to match 2Pac’s work ethic 28:49 Being an early adopter of technology and building an online fan base 32:05 Why so many artists stole Crooked’s formula 36:37 On aging well 39:06 The making of Slaughterhouse 43:10 The positioning used to get Slaughterhouse on Shady Records 50:00 Eminem’s work ethic is infectious 52:38 Why being creative will always have value 54:27 How a rock bottom moment solidified Crooked’s sobriety 58:51 Surround yourself with positive people 1:04:21 Never let ideas escape 1:05:13 Crooked details a great plan on how to spend $10K on your album release 1:14:17 Learn from your mistakes

Film Producer Gary Ousdahl- The Making of Warren G's "G-Funk" Documentary

Gary Ousdahl is the Owner and Manager of Advanced Management. He recently produced the upcoming Warren G documentary “G-Funk”, which premiered at SXSW this past March and will be released in early 2018. Previously, Gary worked as an agent at William Morris. He also worked side by side with the prolific Tyler Perry almost every day from 2008-2010. Gary is a master networker and dot connector, and he shares some of the methods that have helped him succeed as a film producer, manager, and business owner. He also walks us through the process of meeting Warren G and making the “G-Funk” documentary in just a matter of months.   7:50 How Warren G brought Snoop Dogg to Dr. Dre 11:07 Finding the right investors for the “G-Funk” documentary 21:46 How to involve the right people who will be excited about your project 27:24 How to become a person of value and connect good people with each other 28:34 How to raise money from investors 30:20 A few lessons Gary learned while working with Tyler Perry 32:45 Why Craig Robinson is Gary’s favorite person to work with 35:45 The importance of surrounding yourself with friends who inspire you 39:00 Always be in the outgoing call business 40:10 Struggling makes you stronger 42:53 Setting and accomplishing goals 46:38 Life is pointless if you’re not following your passion

A&R Michael Chehadé- Realizing the Value in Yourself

Michael Chehadé is currently the Director of A&R and Creative Director with the Adler Music Group. Previously, he managed radio/ TV personality DJ Skee as well as Dash Radio.  Chehadé was also a producer at Skee TV, which aired on Access and Fuse TV.   Additionally, Michael is a known tastemaker, championing and promoting many of your favorite artists before the general public becomes aware of their music.  Life has brought him a number of ups and downs, but his faith has been his driving force is navigating the bumpy roads.  Mike's an extremely passionate person, and it shines through in every conversation, including this interview.