You are a busy man. Break down the different aspects of Lyrical Storm so people can clearly understand everything you do.
Well as far as work in the entertainment business I produce and write music on an independent level. I also write eBooks and produce low budget music videos for myself and other independent artist in the fields I work in.
What are the titles of some of the eBooks you have published?
Right now I only have two eBooks on the market that have been converted from their original softback form. These books are Finding love 101 and A Cheater’s Lies.
Hometown? Current Location? What’s the scene like there?
I was born and bred from Fort Wayne, IN but I have family members all through Indiana and Ohio. I currently reside in Cincinnati, OH where I have built the cornerstone of my business. Both areas have drastically improved their downtown areas in the last four years, but more money continually goes to visiting big Hip-Hop artist rather than locally known artist.
What led you to dipping your hand in so many cookie jars? Its safe to say you are a multimedia artist.
I would say it’s my writing ability. I have been writing for over 17 years and throughout my growth as a writer I have found it very easy to work within many fields of mainstream entertainment without losing my lyrical identity. Seeing the bigger picture of being an independent musician I would definitely say I’m focused on being a multimedia entertainer instead of just a novice 360 music contract deal.
What drives you to keep going? Are there ever any times you feel worn down? How do you find your center?
I’m still growing as a performing musician so that drives me more than anything. I’m starting to combine my knowledge of playing instruments into my live shows. Behind the performances and interviews there is a time I feel stressed. Most independent artist like me at least everybody on my team does their own promotion and follow-ups. This can make things hectic if you fall behind. But I’m doing what I love the way I want to so at the end of the day I wouldn’t trade it in for nothing.
What instruments do you play? How long have you been playing them?
I have experience playing the trombone, acoustic guitar, and electric keyboard. Of all these instruments I have the most knowledge playing the trombone (off and on for 6 years the keyboard and guitar 3 years). I get most of my ideas for compositions from the keyboard though.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by good positive music, learning new things in life, and of course women. Those are a few things that keep my writing.
How do you decide what to focus on in your books?
I pay attention to trends and changes in the entertainment markets. Then I write about issues that are relevant. Sometimes I have to postpone a book I was writing because a new trend is more popular. Some of my books, like romance and poetry, can string together while others are strictly based on timing.
What are your short-term goals?
I’d like to grow my online business into a seven or eight figure profit and develop a few of my books into screenplays for motion pictures.
Are you determined to do this independently or are you open for “cutting a deal” with a bigger label or other type of agency?
I’m open to work with many different labels and agencies that allow me to retain ownership of all my master recordings and publications. If they still do those types of things.
Long-term goals?
I’d like to expand my brand along with a few of my band members brand into bigger markets than just the Midwest region. I’d like to provide a prominent resource for positive independent music that the mainstream music industry has abandoned.
What city (or area) would you like to tap into next?
Right now that’s hard to say. I’m throwing bones out at target areas to see what reception my music will receive. More than likely our group will migrate towards the west coast though.
What other artists and producers are you working with?
In this digital age I haven’t physically met a lot of people unless they work with my team directly especially with my latest album. But I have worked with music producers like Rocwilder, Wyshmaster, and Robert Hodge Jr. On this album (Lottery Ticket EP) I worked with a few familiars along with CJ Beatz and newcomer Digga Din. Far as other music artists I have worked with Cincinnati native Lyrical Legacy and Indiana band member J-R.I.T.
Are you currently playing shows?
Right now I’m only promoting products and running on-air commercials on TV. I form tours after I get a proper number of clientele within my targeted areas. I did perform a show in Cincinnati beginning my campaign though.
How has the Internet helped you build and grow?
The internet is a great medium to reach potential fans that are not in my Midwest region. There is very little cost to start and run a website. That gives me more opportunity to advertise and get the word out about things like albums and eBooks. Each year since our start in 2007 we have seen gains in profit at LyricalStorm.com. This has led to a web-show and many other upcoming events to our on growing website.
What problems or other issues have you struggled with using the Internet to market your business?
I like face to face contact when dealing with businesses and you lose that with the internet. You never really know someone until you meet them in person. Everybody seems like a smoking mirror in the virtual world.
Do you find that one social network provides better results for you than other ones? Do you find yourself using one of them more than the others? Or do you find a combination of all of them provide the best results?
I think social networks all help in curtain ways. I find Facebook more useful because I connect with old friends. I use twitter to connect with professionals within my industry.
What’s something you can say to up and comers that you wish someone had said to you when you first started?
I would tell them to pay attention to the trends and start building your brand early on. Make a name that truly defines you as an artist and not what the industry can brand you to. This will create longevity within the style of music your fans demand.
Where can people find you? Buy your books? Music?
My name Lyrical Storm is a trademarked name. My logo is a black storm cloud with my name written inside it. Whether fans Google my name, look on iTunes, or Amazon I’m not hard to find on the internet. I do have impostors so if it doesn’t have my face or logo on it don’t buy it. The best website for my products we always be LyricalStorm.com
