It’s very rare that we get to quiz a person who has had a hand in creating a platinum selling record…which is why the interview today is so special!
James has seen and done it all in the music business, and I’m sure you will get a lot from his story.
What really hit home for me was the idea that if you keep striving to improve what you do everyday, you will eventually reach a tipping point and things will start to happen much easier.
I know that James does not usually do that many interviews so it’s a real treat to have him on board, and I want to send him many good and grateful vibes for his time.
Without further ado, let’s get in to this.
- Chris
Quick Fire Questions
Favourite Music Career Book or Course?
About 7 years ago I owned a company called Liveunsigned. Cut a long story short we use to put our staff into a small little music industry class at UCLA, called in Los Angeles. I decided to go down there myself one time. The class teacher was Randy Jackson ( American Idol) and his assistant that day was Berry Gordy from Motown records. I never missed a class after that.
Best Music Marketing Tool?
Your music
Biggest Inspiration?
Ron fair at A&M Records
Favourite Website? www.unifiedmanufacturing.com
Main Interview
How I Started and What I’m Doing At The Moment…
I started out managing Bands at the ripe age of 19 – lead me to own a company called liveunsigned.com which lead to me scouting/A&R for Warner Reprise – which lead me to mange Hip hop producers/songwriters – which lead me to Geffen records where I had a home working onthe keysha cole record for 2 years. While I was doing this I started a Merch company ( merchdepot) as really a means to still say working with Bands. Got really lucky and swagged for Bob dylan, Black eye peas, Willie nelson. Still doing this but in 2009 added Unified manufacturing. Bo Yah
We are working on a ton of technology – really exploring on demand solutions.
My Biggest Achievement in Music and How It Happened…
Platinum record for the Keysha Cole Record “ The way it us”
The Most Effective Way I Have Found To Increase Your Fan Base…
1. Being the best at what you do musical
2. Having an amazing live show.
3. Engage your fans anywhere you can – either through your website or through your live shows
You Will Become Successful Sooner If…
You don’t stop working supper hard to improve your self and your music.
You Should Not Be Focusing On…
Don’t get caught to much in the small stuff. Bottom line is if you are amazing at what you do and you have someone around you who can help you with marketing and the other stuff….. you should be fine.
Final Thoughts…
I got my first Job in the music industry by picking up a phone book and calling anybody that would listen. I still have not stopped doing that. If you really want something then go get it. Not to sound mean. But life does not have time for excuses. If you really want something there is nothing stopping you from achieving that goal but yourself.
You Can Find Me At…
James [at] unifiedmanufacturing [dot] com
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