Published: Monday - September 24, 2007
Words by The One
Melvin Brown with Akon in Mexico on video set of "Ghetto" (Photo: Konvict Muzik)
Konvict Muzik's CEO and Partner to Akon talks Muzik Melvin Brown, CEO of Konvict Muzik Group and partner to Akon, definitely knows the struggle and survival tactics needed to win the battle of breaking an artist into the music industry as it stands today. He began his journey to success when he started work with his first cousin, Johnny Wright, noted as one of the largest pop managers in the world. While working for Johnny Wright, Melvin came across and interesting demo package, a sound he had never heard before. Yes, you guessed it, it was none other than Akon. Using the tools he picked up along the way, Melvin began to manage Akon and relentlessly worked to gain public knowledge of his particular style of music.
In a chat with BallerStatus.com, Melvin revealed that in spreading Akon's music to DJ's record pools and radio, not everyone immediately embraced the sound. When the debut single, "Locked Up," reached the hands and turntables of DJs ,as well as the airwaves, people all over the world began to associate the words "Locked Up" with many different aspects of their lives, not just simply a jail term, but a term of life -- the words, for many, resembled unhappy relationships, dead end jobs, people living life and just trying to make it. "Locked Up" became the anthem of neighborhoods around the globe, which ultimately broke the singer into the mainstream.
On a day-to-day basis, Melvin is facilitating and delegating duties to employees within several companies serving under the Konvict Muzik umbrella. One of the most intriguing efforts of Konvict Muzik Group's endeavors is taking place in Senegal Africa. In Senegal, 63% of the population is living on less that $2.00 dollars a day and the literacy rate in adults rests at a grim 39%. In 1999, studies showed that 79,000 people were living with A.I.D.S in Senegal and it is now 2007. Akon, born in St. Louis, also lived in Senegal for many years with his family. His Non Profit Organization, Konfidence, has already begun rebuilding Senegal with new schools, financial support and clothing and shoes from major apparel maker's nationwide.
Melvin Brown with Akon in Senegal, West Africa; Photo: Konvict Muzik
Many have heard the words, "Konvict Muzik," spat by Akon at the beginning of several hit singles; it is a signature from Konvict Muzik saying "We Are Here." The uprising company, under the direction of Melvin Brown and Akon, remain in the front seat of the industry. Melvin Brown, Akon and Konvict Muzik are definitely here to stay.
BallerStatus.com: When and how did you begin the Konvict Muzik Movement?
Melvin Brown: After college, I went to work for Johnny Wright, manager of Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, N-Sync and BSB, just to name a few. He has been said to be one of the biggest pop managers in the world. Akon was my first live artist that I took management responsibility for under my company, Konvict Muzik Management. Akon had a deal with Upfront / SRC and I helped break the records. In the early days, I worked as an attorney, accountant, security, booking agent, business manager, road manager and exclusive manager for Akon. I had to do what I had to do to make our system work.
BallerStatus.com: Who besides you is a part of the executive team of Konvict Muzik Group?
Melvin Brown: Akon and myself are the founders of Konvict Muzik, however Konvict Muzik is the parent company and there are many executives within all of our companies.
BallerStatus.com: What daily duties do you tend to as CEO and partner of Konvict Muzik Group?
Melvin Brown: Delegate duties to each department in the Konvict companies: Konvict Ent., Konvict Muzik Management, Konvict Label Group, Konvict Real Estate, Konvict Construction, and Konfident. As far as tasks, I listen tot he demos, decide collectively what artists can and should be worked with or possibly signed to the label, and selecting and arranging tours.
BallerStatus.com: What is your current roster of artists officially signed Konvict Muzik? And what projects are on deck for 2008 and beyond?
Melvin Brown: T-Pain, Ray L., American Yard, Brick & Lace, Kardinal and GLOWB of Germany. We plan to heavily concentrate on all of our artists projects equally. We have a few more artist projects that we are working on, but, I will not comment until we have the packages ready to be public.
BallerStatus.com: What sets Konvict Muzik aside from other companies in the biz?
Melvin Brown: The ability to identify and work with versatile artists. Konvict Muzik is not soley a rap label; we work with, listen and appreciate all music and do not exclude any genre.
BallerStatus.com: Explain the creativity and talent within the group and how you selected your artists?
Melvin Brown: Many artists are referred to us, labels and other artists. Industry events and tours are a big part of finding talent by hearing different opening acts as well. Unlike many other major and independent labels, we actually listen to every demo we get.
BallerStatus.com: Please share the efforts Konvict Music Group has spread to occur change in Africa, more specifically Senegal?
Melvin Brown: We visited Senegal and asked Nike, Reebok, Adidas and Puma to donate their out of date clothing and shoes to bring to Senegal, so we brought thousands of articles to Senegal for the homeless, children and families. We are in the process of selecting a name for a newly built school for Senegalese children. Akon's presence in Senegal is similar to the likes of The Beatles. The last show Akon did in Senegal left 30,000 people unable to get in with 50,000 who made it in to enjoy the show.
BallerStatus.com: Does Konvict Music accept submissions and if so, how would one go about this task?
Melvin Brown: YES, we accept submissions. We prefer Myspace links, web information, an EPK, and media kits. Anyone who wants to send a demo can send to this address: KMG, Po Box 831, Waynesboro, Virginia 22980.
BallerStatus.com: In your opinion from an executive stand point, what has been Konvict Music Group's greatest accomplishments of 2006-2007?
Melvin Brown: First and foremost, holding both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice. And second, I would say the outstanding work being done in Africa.
BallerStatus.com: Not all musicians and artists truly understand what it takes to make, and break hit records. Konvict Music Group has climbed the industry ladder to "make and break" records. Can you give a bit of insight on this to up-and-coming artists?
Melvin Brown: When making a demo, ALWAYS put the first song to be your best. Never have a long intro, make it short and move right into the song. You don't have to send 20 songs, pick your best three or four.
BallerStatus.com: Akon is the only artist to ever accomplish the feat of holding both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard charts, as you mentioned. Please give your perception of how this was accomplished, mention any barriers that may have arose to get to that point, as well.
Melvin Brown: It was hard in the beginning, people were not feeling the movement. They didn't embrace it right away. They didn't understand the style of the music, so through oversaturation and people listening to the content, the people began to embrace "Locked Up," applying it to many different life situations and relating.
Barriers come from remaining complacent and not playing all parts of the team. I can have a 1:00 p.m. executive meeting and by 8:00 p.m. I am out of my suit and tie and in my sweat suit and Air Forces handing out flyers and singles. It's a golden rule to wear all hats.
BallerStatus.com: What can we look forward to from Konvict Muzik in the coming months?
Melvin Brown: We work around the clock on our artists and will continue to do so, considering the great talent we have had the pleasure to coma across. However, the first few things that I personally will A&R is GLOWB'S single, video and the group's tour in Europe and Asia.
For further information on Konvict Muzik, visit Konvictmuzik.com.
As far as Glowb, they are an Amsterdam's pop boy band sensation. Each member of GLOWB has lived and breathed music and entertainment for their entire young lives. Early in 2006, their dreams came true and they were accepted into the Konvict Muzik Family. In an up close and personal conversation this is what each member had to say about their signing to Konvict Muzik and their plans for the near future:
"I feel overwhelmed with the fact that an established icon like Akon, who has had one of the most successful blasts in the last couple of years, was willing to first of all listen to our demos and then eventually sign us to the label and push us as first priority. Melvin believed in us and he made this possible. I don't think I could have expected this, not even in my best dream... I mean, I know we have what it takes and we work 24/7 to perfect what we have. But now I really believe in the fact, as long as your willing to work 100% for your goals, and will not settle for less, but strive to be the best, you will get rewarded." - Renny.
"How would you feel when you're surrounded by so many great artists and you're in one room with them? To answer your question, for me there's only one feeling: Did you ever have such a realistic dream that when you wake you still think your dreaming and that everything around you is just a fantasy? Well that feeling doesn't even come half as close of what I am feeling right now. It's like everybody around me is standing still and I am the only one that is moving. I feel blessed and proud that I have the chance to be in a group with so much talent." - Noura
"My mother always said, 'if you believe in something and you're willing to work hard for it, eventually you'll reach your goal.' I mean, we worked so hard, put everything we got in this. And believe me, times were so rough, but we kept believing in it. Together with Konvict Muzik, we got the chance to show the world what we got, show the world what will happen when four guys with different cultures, beliefs and different musical backgrounds, decide to form a pack, a friendship, a group. All that for the love of music. All in all, I could answer the questions with 3 words, OH MY GOD!!!!!" - RayRay
Features S1: The Symbolic Strange Fruit Symbolic One, better known as S1, is one third of the infamous hip-hop trio called Strange Fruit Project, who brought ... full story
Video DJ UNK: Show Out (Music Video) Here's the first single and video from DJ UNK's upcoming album, Second Season, in stores November 4th. This is "Show ... full story
Digg It
Del.icio.us
