Upcoming 100: How long have you been in the music industry and has music always been a part of your life?
Chief CEO: I’ve been in the business for five years now mostly as a student and had no prior plans to pursue Music other than as a consumer. After I penned my first song and got such a lofty response, I knew that I had come upon my gift. So I felt compelled to pursue it.
Upcoming 100: Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “music is what I want to do”?
Chief CEO: Yes, once I wrote my second song and saw how the words would come to me. It was at that time I noticed that I can focus on a Concept and write a song rather than by an actual experience of mine. At that time, I knew Music was what I wanted to do.
Upcoming 100: What inspires you (or your music)?
Chief CEO: I’m inspired by wringing the rag dry, meaning getting all I can out of the gifts that God has blessed me with and sharing them with the world to make the world better. Song writing is my latest and most pleasant discovery in my opinion because each song tells a story that evokes emotion and that could change someone’s life. I don’t take it for granted.
Upcoming 100: Who’s on your iTunes playlist?
Chief CEO: My playlist consists of Bruno mars, Mase, Drake, Jay Z, and Musiq Soul child
Upcoming 100: The project you are currently promoting, how did the idea for it come about?
Chief CEO: Quite honestly my advantage is my faith in God and allowing him to lead me in my endeavors. I just work at it as best as I can and trust him for the rest.
Upcoming 100: There are thousands of artists trying to do what you are doing, what do you think gives you an advantage to break into mainstream America?
Chief CEO: “More of This” came about because I wanted to create a timeless hip hop, soul, R&B love song. I wanted a feel good flavor like the soul songs of Mase featuring Franky Beverly and Marvin Gaye ectra but with a new school appeal as well. So after a lil experimenting I came up with “More Of This”
Upcoming 100: I’ve heard your latest music and it’s amazing! I can definitely tell your sound has evolved over the past few years from previous songs we’ve heard from you online. What are your thoughts on the evolution of an artist and the evolution of music today?
Chief CEO: Thanks for the compliment. I think evolution is very important. I think an artist has to continually reinvent himself. I worked at establishing what my brand would be and once that was indelibly impressed in my mind my music followed suit. My brand influences my music. Executive Hip Hop is what I do. You guys are just going to have to stay tuned to see what that exactly entails.
Upcoming 100: Do you have other passions in life? Do you believe passion is an essential part of success?
Chief CEO: Yes I do, it is my endeavor to run an ultra successful record label and help other artist live their dreams through their musical aspirations. I have a passion for writing and producing amazing art whether it be Music or acting. I love to entertain folk.
Upcoming 100: With your current success and working with a renowned PR firm such as Starlight PR, What advice would you give to someone just starting out in his or her career who doesn't even have a studio to record but would love to do what you are doing now?
Chief CEO: My advice would be to ask God to guide you in this endeavor. Ask him to order your steps and believe me he will. Ask him for wisdom on how to get your Music heard. And when you ask, do so with expectancy and trust him moving forward. Things will come your way and you will have good success.
Upcoming 100: Where can potential fans find out more about you?
Chief CEO: I can be found on Spotify at chiefceo. Also, at my website Chiefceomusic.com, SoundCloud: Chief-ceo, Twitter: realchiefceo. Fb: Chiefceo
