Why Artist Management?

I often get asked why did I choose to go to school for Artist Management when I have a Psychology degree. Music has always been a huge influence in my life. I also enjoy helping people and did not necessarily know what I was going to do after I received my Psychology degree. I had done a couple internships through my Associates and Bachelor degrees and although I enjoyed them I knew this was not the job for me. My youngest cousin who just turned fifteen in March has always loved writing raps. We thought it was a phase and he would grow out of it, but he did not. I have encouraged him to express his feelings and have introduced him to music he would normally not hear leaving where he lives. He is more of a freestyler who writes raps without hooks.

             I remember him calling and asking what he needs to do to get better. I was at a lost for words because I did not know how to honestly help him. This was around the same time that I had been out of school for a while and could not find a job with my degree that would pay my bills. I was online one night and there was a pop up ad for Full Sail University, Bachelors in Music Business. I immediately knew this was the answer. I unfortunately have a B.S. and you can only go up from there with financial aid. I enrolled a couple weeks later for my Masters Degree in Entertainment Business.

            Without my Psychology degree I may not understand how peoples minds work and why they behave a certain way. It is important to understand people no matter what type of job you have. I feel that I have an upper hand with a degree. Artist Management involves different types of people including; the Artist, Producers, Record Labels, Lawyers and the list goes on. If I did not have my degree I would not fully be able to manage everything in order to help an Artist become successful.  My goal when I started my Associates was to help and assist people. My answer to why I chose Artist Management is “ I want to help up and coming Artist, I want to see people that have a dream be able to achieve it.” There are many talented people out there that have no idea where to turn to. I want to be able to not only tell my cousin what he needs to do. I want guide him

Shanna Baker; Supporting Local Talent

When it comes to supporting local talent Shanna Baker is a woman that comes to mind. I recently moved to Jacksonville, Florida and have had the pleasure of meeting another newbie to the area Shanna Baker. Although she has only been in the area for a short time, she has not wasted anytime finding local talent to support. One of the things that I like most about Shanna is that she supports EVERYONE. I have only met her once while attending the second Battle of the Artists, a showcase of young talented singers, poets and rappers. The first one was a success; it only made sense to do another one. The talent that was on that stage was incredible and they are grateful for her support. I have chatted with her many times she is humble woman that has a positive attitude and is setting example for the younger generation. If you have talent and live in the Jacksonville area this is the woman to contact. Not only is she following her dreams, she wants to help you follow yours.

Shanna is also the CEO of D.R.E.A.M (Delivering Real Arts & Entertainment Magazine) a local magazine that will be published this summer. I asked Shanna what is the vision behind the magazine. “The vision behind the magazine is to put local artist on the map and to show that they are appreciated. Every artist in the different industries started off local so they should know how hard it is to be a local artist. It's not common to see a local artist on the cover of a magazine, so that is what I'm bringing different to the table.” replied Shanna. I think this is wonderful and I will continue to support her in any way that I can. Being new to this industry I have more to learn. Shanna is someone to look up to she is a go-getter and works extremely hard.

  “D.R.E.A.M. supports everybody in the different industries because that's where the influences come from. But how often do you see someone local on the cover of a magazine?? Personally I have never seen it. That is what D.R.E.A.M. is for. Were bringing something bigger and better for local talent all over the world. It's your time to shine. FOR ALL INQUIRIES EMAIL THEDREAMMAGAZINE@YAHOO.COM.” Shanna Baker

“D.R.E.A.M. (Delivering Real Entertainment & Arts Magazine) is a local statement. The magazine content includes music, poetry, drawing, painting, photography, videography, DJs, barber, fashion, etc.” Shana Baker