They say experience is everything. That’s why mentors are so important. They’ve been there, they’ve done that, and finding the right people to guide you could make all the difference in your music career. For the winners of Tracklanta 2020: Virtual Remix, this is exactly how we want to empower them – with mentorship sessions with some of Atlanta’s finest music industry experts. One of these mentors is Christopher Patterson.
Name: Christopher Patterson
Job Title: Manager
Years in the industry: 8
How did you get your first break into the Industry?
My first internship was with SESAC. From there I was glued in it. Got my first real start with Richard Dunn and helping to book shows with the Muddy Water Group
Biggest artist you signed?
Janelle Monae. I was on her touring team and A&R team.
In your experience, what does it take for an artist to take their career to the next level?
The most important thing to have is work ethic. Even the artists we don’t think are great still work hard. Even our legends still work hard. Deal or no deal, the universe will succumb to your will at some point or the other. Also, your biggest urban or black artists, are just as strong on the business side. Those things go hand in hand.
What do you look for in a demo or a new artist? What kind of artist do you enjoy working with?
I’m a musician first. So it has to be jamming. And something I want to play again. Music that’s useful to my life and the people around me. Can we sell this?
What are you hoping for from the BandLab contest submissions and being involved in the contest? Are you open to working with new talent?
Absolutely open to it. But I want all artists to understand the business. Understand the deals you’re chasing. Understand the costs of being independent. Let’s learn first.
Christopher Patterson is a mentor for the #TracklantaFlow contest. If you want to be in the running to be mentored by Chris, enter #TracklantaFlow here.
