Page 7
Cool V, Industry Insider, Shares His Expertise!
Cool V, a seasoned music industry veteran sat down with us for an interview to give our readers advice about coming up in this hectic scene everyone seems all too eager to be a part of. You’ re gonna want to read this one through, Cool V knows EXACTLY what he is doing and he divulges
industry secrets only insiders know through experience!
With over 20 years in the industry, what would you say has been the most valuable lesson you learned the hard way?
There were many, but the most valuable lesson I would say is to always get things in writing. NEVER sign a contact without your attorney( Even get two or more sometimes to review any and all documentations) & take anyone ' s word in this business without having it on paper. Trust me, this will be an important obstacle you’ re going
to cross and learn early in this business!
How did you have a hand in creating the world 1st music search engine DJpulse. com with electronic producer Craig Carpenter? Was it difficult? How did the idea come about? Amazing accomplishment! Thank you. It all started as an idea I had because of my love and passion for music. At that time I realized there wasn ' t much content for DJs, artists, and musicians. Since my boy Craig Carpenter was a dope techie, I had the dream and he had the tools to help my vision become a reality. We discussed it a few times and decided to do it; and the rest is history!
From what I researched, it looks like you specialize in branding, promoting and marketing. Which, in your eyes, is the way to go? Indie or label?
That is correct. I sleep and eat M & M( Music & Marketing) ^ _- and independent is definitely the way to go for industry newcomers and sometime seasoned vets. It just depends on what type of deal you have if you’ re a veteran! Just a few years ago, the majors had a monopoly on the industry and you had to go through them for distribution and to be seen in mainstream media. But nowadays things have changed! You can go through bloggers, internet radio like College Underground Radio, and social media and get noticed overnight! So when artists complain about how hard it is to get in the game, it’ s because most don ' t do their research nor willing to make the three
sacrifices( time, energy and money) to make it! Newcomers must know that an artist can get his / her brand across the globe by a few emails and connecting with the right people, and if so they are branding their product properly. There is a formula to this, but like Snoop says " The Game is to be sold NOT told ".
You started your career as a DJ. What then made you go from the spotlight to helping others into the spotlight? Who has been an influence in your marketing and branding career? Wow, you really did your research. I am impressed and loving the questions Ely;). My first passion for music started as a DJ along with my passion for people impelled me to help others. My grandma always said“ there are 2 types of people in this world those that just live in it and those that change it ". I feel if GOD blesses you, you can help someone. It’ s something you do without question! It ' s also the reason why a lot of my accomplishments came into existence filling a void. I feel since I have a ton of connections why not use that and my natural abilities to make a difference.