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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 .