~Exclusive Interview~
Marlena Cooper – CEO- TrackDiamondz LLC
In a time of over saturated Hip-Hop the underground component has become highly competitive. Many artists seek to become major stars with the use of independent record labels and publishing companies. Often an exuberance to lead in the music industry gets thwarted due to the hostile atmosphere surrounding those seeking success. The music business can be a source of enormous income but more often then not will result in a financial loss on the independent level. The music business is better suited for individuals who can focus on the big picture while balancing financial goals.
This week Warstation TV has caught up with Marlena Cooper CEO of independent record label TrackDiamondz LLC. Marlena has executive produced plus marketed several music projects since 2006, in Georgia, The Metro Area, Nebraska, and Europe. Most notably her 2009 venture, “Grammy Family Chapter 1” featured gold artist Shyheim, Killa Army, Sychopath, Twelve and Blacmaff. This full-length album produced singles that landed on the Underground Charts in France. TrackDiamondz has recently released singles in France, Japan, and the United States in 2010 plus charted on Japan’s Underground Charts in 2009 as well.
Marlena is managing a mix-tape project for TrackDiamondz set to release April 2011 in France then shortly thereafter in United States. According to Marlena, “This will be a mix-tape that reaches out to all music genre listeners” in regards to the music project tentatively titled, “The Grind Don’t Stop”. She continues, “Timing is important, but giving the fans a product they can enjoy is the number one priority “. Principles that Marlena has displayed professionally have given her confidence in customer satisfaction when managing a project. She is widely considered one of the most influential female executives working in the Northern New Jersey Area independently.
Budgeting an independent project is important and constrained due to realistic financial possibilities. Accordant to Marlena,” The presentation of the music packaging and artwork are the largest financial hurdles”. In the modern era of independent labels, production is no longer a huge financial burden. Typically the production, engineering, and writing are kept in house to minimize the cost of creating the actual music. Distribution continues to be the constant problem posed to publishers and record labels on the smaller levels. Marlena noted the importance of social media in her exclusive interview with Warstation TV’s creator Jason Williams. Marlena said, “My camp is strong, they’ve helped me evolve, but social media allowed me the avenue to link up with my current producer then place my products on the global market”.
When deciding on whether to be an independent entrepreneur, a business man/woman must balance the benefits of that approach. The creativity allowed in smaller companies can be great but if the financial backing isn’t apparent a project may never get out to the masses. Many great ideas can be placed on the drawing board but a financial artist must weave the appropriate results for prosperity. Consumers should be the targets of all decisions made during any projects inception, catering to their needs can allow for the financial gain to fund future projects.
Outside Sources:
Marlena Cooper CEO of TrackDiamondz LLC. Blayze University Interview
Tiny – Sumthin2Groove2 Single, TrackDiamondz LLC. http://juicygangradio.com/tiny-sumthing-2-groove-2/
Warstation TV Exclusive Interview with Marlena Cooper CEO of TrackDiamondz LLC. Posted by Jason Williams 3/6/11 retrieved from www.warstationtv.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment