Dr. Mathew Knowles discusses scholarship with our site during morning conversation.
Yo there! This week, we've got a engaging chat with some major players in the music biz – Dr Mathew Knowles, Lashawna Ross Stewart, and Arit Eminue. They dropped some seriously valuable insights on the importance of diversity, and how you can become the superstar you were meant to be.
Ignore the haters, be yourself
It all starts with passion, as Dr Knowles preached during our talk. Passion will help you conquer the mountain of obstacles that lie ahead, regardless of your background or ethnicity.
The music industry can sometimes pressure you to be someone you're not, but Lashawna chose to stay true to herself and her love for music. Don't let others dictate who you should be; define yourself and flaunt your unique style.
Don't let minorities pass you by
Being from an underrepresented group can mean extra challenges, as Arit explained. She faced constant underestimation because of her skin color but refused to let it hold her back. Don't let others' ignorance hold you down – embrace hard work and resilience to stay on the right path.
Grab every opportunity
Building a successful music career is like being an entrepreneur, so you better brush up on those business skills. Be proactive, innovative, and don't shy away from opportunities just because you think you're not good enough or because you haven't seen anyone who looks like you in that position before.
Taking risks is part of the game. Not every endeavor will be successful, but each one will bring valuable lessons that can boost your career. Be a pioneer! Start trends and set the bar high.
Lashawna did just that by starting her own magazine when she felt the rap and RnB scene wasn't getting the attention it deserved. Find your passion project, share your music independently, or organize your own events. These side hustles show your dedication and give you control over your career.
American hustle
We Brits might pride ourselves on politeness, but it won't get us far in the industry. Americans, on the other hand, are relentless. They go after what they want, maintaining a "no sleep" mentality and urgency to get things done. Take a page from their book, but remember to cater your approach to the British music scene.
While you might be strapped for cash as a newcomer, the internet has made the world smaller. Research music hot spots like Japan, Australia, and Brazil. Pursue opportunities wherever they lead!
A strong team is everything
As a new artist, building a powerful team is crucial. The first person you should hunt down is a manager, who will act as the "head honcho" for your crew. Surround yourself with agents that snag you TV gigs and lawyers who make sure you get a fair shake when it comes to contracts.
Remember the acronym DIVA (Developers, Influencers, Visionaries, Advocates) when building your team. Developers share your vision, influencers open doors, visionaries pave your path, and advocates are ready to put their reputations on the line for you.
If you're longing to watch the full panel discussion or simply missed out, head over to our events page to stay in the loop. We promise you won't want to miss the next one!
For even more insight:- Explore the work of each panelist- Access recordings of their panel- Engage with diversity-focused music organizations- Read books and articles on diversity in music- Join online communities and forums- Attend industry events with diversity programming
Embrace your passion for music as a stepping stone towards a successful career, even if you come from an underrepresented background. (Dr Knowles, Lashawna Ross Stewart, Arit Eminue)
Just like in business, seize every opportunity that comes your way and don't shy away from taking risks to boost your career. (Lashawna Ross Stewart)
