A lot of our readers have always wanted to know what the music business is actually like behind the scenes. We got a chance to catch up with Boozshi Music executive Shawn Campbell and get some good advice. Shawn is a Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter who has worked with musical heavy hitters like Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, Chris Brown, Foxy Brown and others; so, he knows what he’s talking about!
Thanks for spending a little time with us!
No Worries!
So pull back the veil a little bit for us. What is the music business like?
Man (shaking head) it is not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. But I love it. It’s exhilarating. It is the kindof business where everything is oversized. When you win, you do so in spectacular fashion. When you fail, you do so in spectacular fashion.”
What would you say is the most consistent quality or an artist to have to make it?
There are 2 qualities to have that can help you thrive where others don’t. My experience is that the truly successful people in this business have a high tolerance for rejection. They are also great sales people. Notice I didn’t mention talent in that list.
We did. Why is that?
Talent is obviously a big deal but most artist suffer under the delusion that once talent is demonstrated, that labels will come looking for them. The truth is that labels reject the most mind blowingly talented artist every day. Then they turn around and sign lesser talented artist. Why? Because the lesser talented artist is a better salesman and sold his music to the public in a convincing manner.
Is that how you were able to get so many artists signed?
Yes. I have pitched acts to everyone from Justin Timberlake to LA Reid. But I never introduce an artist until we have proven that there is public interest. That takes the “No” away before they even have time to think it.
