What was your first job in the music industry?
My 1st job in the music industry was in the mail room at Priority Records back in 1998.
Who was the last artist you worked?
The last artist album I worked on was Chingy’s “Hoodstar” album.
What are your thoughts on the current musical landscape?
I can’t speak for all music but as far as the urban musical landscape, it’s terrible. In Rap music I feel there is no more creativity! Everyone sounds alike and all the music videos are the same! There shot in a club with bottles of liquor and a bunch of half naked women.
Nothing is left to the imagination anymore! Music is supposed to be a form of expression! What happened to telling stories about your life experiences???? It’s all about girls shaking there ass’s and guys wearing platinum chains and driving expensive cars! No creativity!!!
Can you give us a description of your normal day?
A normal day for me is that I get to the office around 10:00 or 10:30 and I check my emails and voice mail. Then I check my calendar to see what meetings I have for that day. Depending on what project I’m working on, I check the BDS on the song that my artist(s) have at radio. Then I usually call my artist or there manager to check up on them to see how they are doing. From there I usually go meet with the marketing person for my projects to make sure my artist calendar is in tact as well as come up with new ideas on how we can further there visibility to the consumer. If I’m in the recording process of an album, I go to the studio with the artist to make sure the session go as planned! I have to make sure the producer creates the right beat for the artist I’m working with. Then around 2AM I go home and do it all over again the next day!
What are your thoughts on the current state of radio?
I can only speak for urban radio but I feel that all the stations play the same songs and it’s too political. The DJ’s don’t have the freedom to play what they want to play anymore. They have to follow a playlist that has been created by the program director! It doesn’t matter if a DJ wants to play a certain song if its not apart of the playlist they can’t play it!!
How much time do you spend looking for new artists?
I’m always looking for new artist!! There is never a time when I’m not looking for new artist!
Who are some of your “current’ favorite artists?
That’s a good question!!! I don’t have a current favorite! That’s really Sad!
How do you feel about the current “American Idol” Phenomena?
I’m not a big fan of American Idol. I feel if you put anyone with talent in front of millions of people every night of the week, they will sell records. I don’t feel it’s fair to all of the talented people that have been pursuing getting a record deal for years! But on the other hand I think the process worked for artist like Fantasia and Kelly Clarkson who in today’s market otherwise would not have gotten deal!
You have been with Capitol Record for a long time and you have seen the executive changes. Tell us about your experience dealing with these changes.
It’s really no real way to deal with it; you just gotta roll with the punches and go with the flow.
I’m more concerned about the lack of stars than the whole digital/physical dilemma. Stars and great songs move units, that’s a fact. The physical/digital problem will work itself out over time. What happened to rock stars? Rap stars?
What I think happened to the “Rap star” Is that they all started to copy each other! You can’t tell who is who anymore! And the few artists that aren’t copy cats, they are so contrived that their image and sound is not authentic or believable!
Any advice for aspiring artists who want to break out into the big leagues?
Pick a new profession!! LOL! No on the real, just be prepared to work harder then you have ever worked in your life! And then you gotta work even harder then that! Network, this build industry is built on relationships so it’s all about who you know! So meet as many people as you can in the industry cuz you never know when you might need them!
the artical was very interesting and true, i have an artist by the name of Sheree’ and she has a song ” Still in Love” that everyone who hears it states ” she can be pushed as the female John Legend. but to no avail i feel that the industry wont give this young girl a shot, because all they want is copy cats.
if you get a chance, ( to whom it may concern ) go to myspace.com/coldc2 scroll to my friends and click onto her picture and 3 of her tracks will play.
thank-you mr. c
Darius, i just left your office in December. I guess u didnt listen to my cd yet ’cause im not ur favorite. Good to hear your take on the the game im a send this new mixtape im working on entitled “Bo Starks ‘The Next Rapper Signed’”. it should be done by early feb. google me in the meantime to hear my new single “Bo Im In Versace” its on itunes today. i didnt give you those songs either i hit u wit the good classic joint “The Legend of Bo Starks” .
See u at the allstar game.
ps. Ima star. fact is u cant say my name without saying im a STAR. Bo S-T-A-R-ks
Yo, yo Darius, this is Bo Starks again. I just recorded ANOTHU album called “Bo Starks: Clinically Retarded.” I’ma be bigger than Noah from ‘da Bible – After all you can’t spell my name without saying ARKS, B-o S-t-ARKS! Flood, what!
I thought the article was interesting. I think he is speaking the truth about the lack of creativity in todays music. Radio is a joke and not worth listening to. It is refreshing to hear someone in the industry speak the truth. Stay true D
Shad
I know Darius from interning at Capitol! I also know Garen from Kill the Alarm (the article on top). I need to now get discovered! Visit me on http://www.myspace.com/mariettemusic
http://www.mariettemusic.com
By the way, my voice is much better live. My last producer didn’t consider my range.
And check out my sketch comedy, “Chisme Time” (gossip time) on my MySpace page or YouTube.
MARIETTE
I’m currently in the US Navy, however for originality and truth through music http://www.myspace.com/jaelen would be a great start. Pz.
Hello KOAR,
Thanks for your time.
My name is Mark Griffin, I manage Ms. Andrea Fisher.
For music and background information about Ms. Fisher please visit.
http://www.myspace.com/dreatheflutegirl
Again thanks for your time,
Mark Griffin
Manager
lyricaltent@gmail.com
9174120221
http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/wwwmyspacecomfamtightrecords
Remedy – Unsigned Artist
you can see my page and music by doing an email search on myspace and it is….. sesamillia2000@yahoo.com and my band page should come up!! my last words are i am a undiscovered star that when im finally spotted i will shine so bright an eclips couldnt block my shine!!! and whoever help me to get to that point will be blessed as well as I!! and much appreciated by not only me ,but the one’s i do it for to, my children and mom and other fam!! thank u all 4 ya time!!
Hello i manage an r&b artist and trying to speak with you or get a lead on a contact is real hard but i like his advice and hope to meet you darius jones and work with you with my artist JR.
hi i no alfamaga i did a show with him in atl at t.is club and he told me to contact ou i have a hot street buzz in the south and im looking for a deal i have 3 hot songs on myspace and my album is 89% done please tell me what you think call me at 706-733-2216 kelvin
You can see music produced by me and songs written by my artist on my myspace at
http://www.myspace.com/koleymusic and my artist myspace
http://www.myspace.com/saraade
music from R&b to reggae to Jazz
Pop and hip hop tracks will be released on her upcoming demo
peace and luv
WHAT up DARIUS when u get a chance please checkout G.R.E.A.T a hiphop artist out of DETROIT .HE had a hit single in 2008 called “MY SWAGGER SO RIGHT” produced by STARRSTRUKK which sold 10,000 copies in 4 states. HE pushing his new single “DO IT LIKE A BOSS”.YOU will have his package (next week). CHECKOUT HIS MYSPACE PAGE. IT is MYSPACE.COM/ITSYOBOYGREAT
Hello Darius, Congratulations on your success at Capitol Records.
Im from Hawthorne Ca. Home of the Beach Boys. I was born In Ingelwood. I was a laker ball boy 1966-67 season. I’ve produce 8 cds since 1998.
I’m writing you to share about my sons success. “Clutchy Hopkins” Ubiquity Records and “Misled Children” Porter Records.
(Misled meets Odean Pope). You can also catch them on you tube.
Thank you, Peace Steve
Hi Darius – I had the honor of meeting with you in your Capitol office in summer of 2005 (my name was Leslye Dana at the time). I was referred to you for possible development. I am a singer/songwriter and play the dulcimer.
Please check out the updated material on my MySpace link provided, as well as:
http://www.reverbnation.com/leslyelomenzo
http://www.livefeed.com/leslyelomenzo
Thank you,
Leslye LoMenzo
I am writting a screenplay for (Joe DiMaggio N Marilyn Monroe its actually a MOVIE from Joe to Mar*) and Frank Leon told me to contact you when I am ready to move forward with my project. I need a manager and the other neccesary services, tool, ect.Thank-Y+_
Introducing the one and only Hip Hop and Rock+Roll Revolution of the stars… A real Revolution and a re Movement
I am writting a screenplay for (Joe DiMaggio N Marilyn Monroe its actually a MOVIE from Joe to Mar*) and Frank Leon told me to contact you when I am ready to move forward with my project. I need a manager and the other neccesary services, tool, ect.Thank-Y+_
It is G rated and it doesn’t have anything to do with anyone else’s lives It is MY StoRY tO Joe and MaRilyn but it is a Gift of a MOVIE to Mar* from Joe DiMaaio, I wished for the MisicIndustry, Frank Leon said I have to make this movie screenplay first
Is anyone reading this?
I want to rumble and crack one band at a time maybe a real revolution movement filmed (LIVE) Movie first box office hit for joe to give to”her”
Whatzzz up?
*
Mr. Jones, I met you this past weekend at the DMV Showcase in Washington, DC and I didn’t get a chance to thank you for your remarks regarding my group iConiK – Digable Planets….remember?
.
I will be sure to apply all of your advice, so that my groups potential manifests into a successful career in this industry. As you stated in your article that an artist must be prepared to work as hard as they’ve ever worked in their lives and then to work even harder; iConiK is certainly ready to put in the hardest for a result we can all be proud of.
Again, Thank You for your time and your genuine comments; you’ve made a difference.
Does s.d. Have anything 2 do wit it
Thank u, I have faith that capital records is the best choice for professional interaction reguarding my first business project.Thank you for your consideration. ;_”-2 4(*3 /-”‘2). Julie Star Gilkey. Owner. Cosmic Thunder Hits
Now its your turn to tell me something that I don’t know.
Greetings,
What do I have to do to get my daughter on Saturday Night Live next week?
Thank you, and Thank u,
jUlie staR GiLKey
My guestion is, will you work with the artists and me to produce the music for the film? Will you also distribute the soundtrack for the movie.Julie Gilkey
Cosmic Thunder Hits
Becky sez “I need to know if your mother and father are brother and sister…..*
Julie S. Gilkey
Cosmic Thunder Hits
Good Info, I just wish there were more look’s for hip hop in Seattle, No one seems to pay attention over here