Rod Mosby Interview 6/28/2011

www.arkansasonlyent.com

Q. Why did you come up with this idea?
A. For years I've grown tired of local artists doing one of two things in Arkansas - (1) Beefing with one another for 10 feet of street credit and (2) Not being recognized or supported by the local stations or community.

Q. What will this hub do that these artists haven't tried already?
A. I think it levels the playing field.  All genres will be represented, listed and marketed.  The site as a whole will be pushed to every region imaginable.  Artists with digital distribution and other sales links will have a better shot at selling because the focus will be on the untapped Arkansas market.  Arkansas listeners will be able to come to one site and check out the products of all of its artists.

Q. Is it true that you've already been approached  by artists outside of Arkansas?
A. Yes, a lot of people outside this state think this is a great idea!  This hub, once it becomes popular enough, will be the place where major and independent labels can come to seek talent.  Artists within the state can find producers and other artists to collaborate with more easily.   Venues can search for local acts.  Arkansas artists will be more recognized by the public in the state because of the marketing that will be put behind this project.

Q. Do you think the artists in Arkansas will get behind this project?
A. Initially, no.  That's the way people in this area are.  Years ago I earned a spot on an overseas tour with the release of my independent album.  I helped a fellow artist, Mo' B, gain popularity online.  That has allowed him to be picked up by major radio stations and included in regular rotations with at least 26 DJs.  I've written DIY books for indie artists, consulted indie label owners on the business of starting a label and so much more.

Q. Is it a trust issue?
A. Yes, the mentality of most artists in this state is pretty universal.  So many want to produce, have their own label, run the business and just do it all.  People here are so greedy and selfish that they end up holding themselves back from one year to the next.  Lack of education is key.  Not many know much about the business side of things.  They know very little about marketing.  They spend huge amounts of money every year trying to do it themselves instead of putting that job in the hands of someone who is an expert. 

Q. Are you an expert?
A. Well, I've been called a marketing genius and listed as Who's Who Amongst US Businessmen two years in a row.  I've learned a lot over the last seven years.  In 2004 I was energetic and hungry, but the education of this business wasn't there.  Now I have a better feel for what I'm doing.

Q. Why is there a fee?
A.  The fee is in place for a couple of reasons - (1) It will weed out those looking for a free ride and (2) It will pay for the marketing.  This is not something I would ask anyone to do for free.  I'm always honest with people when it comes to money and music.  The truth of the matter is that if an artist is not willing to spend his own money to further his career,a major label won't either?  You can't win money from a scratch off card unless you buy one, and the same holds true for this project.  You can't be included in this movement unless you buy in.  Having 5,000, 10,000, 100,000 fans or friends on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, or any other social network doesn't mean anything if those people aren't buying your music and other products.  Anyone can buy those numbers, but strategic marketing yields profits.  Artists would sign up for $25 and keep their music and videos listed for $10 per month.  We're talking $135 for the first year and $120 each year after that.  That's a small investment for a lot of exposure. 

Q. If you were asked to sit down at a conference and explain this idea to artists, would you do it?
A. Yes, I would love to look each person in the eye and share with them my vision.  I am confident that it will be the needed spark that jump starts the music scene in this state.

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