Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cidney Grady. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cidney, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being the only one in the room is nothing new to me. Growing up, I always knew there would be times where I was the only Woman…the only Black person…or even both at once. There are actually two sides of this coin. There’s the physical/ visible difference that is present. It includes everything from the eye gawking to your presence being ignored altogether. Then there is the side that challenges your knowledge, skill, and authority. That includes people wanting you to prove things to them as if you don’t already know what you’re talking about, or even people needing someone else to co-sign what you said for it to make sense or be deemed viable to them. My Mother raised us to know there would always be glass ceilings we had to break simply for being Black, and that there were also glass ceilings we would always have to break simply for being a Woman. Now that I’m 25 I always say “I’ve been Black my whole life, and I’ve been a Woman…my whole life so nothing is really a shock to me any more.” You learn how to read people fairly quickly whether it’s a questionable smirk, a feeling you get when walking in the room, or a visible lack of respect maybe when you’re speaking or explaining something. You sort of learn to be unfazed by it. People will always underestimate you or try to keep you in this little box in their mind that you should stay in, but as long as you know your worth, that you put forth quality work, and add value into the spaces you occupy your work ethic will speak for itself. For people struggling with being the only one in the room I’d say keep hitting the pavement harder, and be who you are out loud! Don’t overcompensate and try to think about how this makes other people in your community look, just focus on being your most true, and professional self. It doesn’t come without moments of frustration, but you’ve got to learn to just keep it moving so that you continue to elevate. The barriers are there, just don’t focus on them. Don’t let people walk all over you either. You kind of have to demand your respect while maintaining your poise. It is a balance, but I’ve balanced it for 25 years at this point so it’s just a part of who I am now, and I enjoy making people uncomfortable. A lot of people don’t think about it in this way, but in some instances by being the only one in the room you challenge other people to observe themselves in ways they may not be used to observing themselves in. Do they now feel like they have to censor themselves because you’re there? Why? Should they ever be comfortable saying what they now need to censor themselves for? For me, I’m honored to potentially be the person that challenges others to think more intentionally, and help them grow just by my existence.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I consider myself a Creative before anything else. I believe in never limiting yourself, and going after everything you want in life. For me, that includes owning many of my own companies, writing books & movies, starring in & directing films, making music of my own, and even performing in musicals. My current venture at hand is an Artist Management Company dedicated to the mental health, education, and professionalism of the Artist. We strive to cultivate relationships with the foundations of trust, honesty, and respect at their core, and put “Real Music” at the forefront of everything that we do. My goal for this year is to fully form my LLC, and I’m excited about starting the process!
I currently manage two Artists: SymbaSyd, and Matt Betts. SymbaSyd, and I attended Belmont University together, had some of the same volunteer opportunities and Internships, and really looked out for each other. It was in our second semester of our Senior year that the two of us began working together as the “Powerhouse Duo” we call ourselves today. We hold each other accountable, and push each other to be the greatest versions of ourselves that we can be, both personally and professionally. She’s an Artist from the Southside of Chicago effortlessly fusing the Chicago flavor with that of the ever-present Nashville Hip-Hop sound by blending Hip-Hop & Neo Soul with Rap cadences, and lyricism alike. A true talented pen with impeccable relatibility, and delivery. I’m so happy the two of us met when we did. She keeps me going, and I couldn’t be more grateful for our friendship! We actually wrapped up her first Mini tour at the end of June 2023. Her first show where she was the Headliner accumulated $1,250.00 (USD) gross sales, which was a HUGE deal for me. I made the graphics, assembled the lineup of the show, set the ticket price higher than the typical style show we were putting on, and we delivered! We were able to cover band expenses, venue expenses, and even give each opening act a portion of the profit. I think what we did opened a few people’s eyes to what is possible when you charge the worth of your product even at the new Independent Artist level. You set the bar for everything. If you want a certain consumer…market to that consumer. If you want to sell $20 tickets to your show because it’s worth it…THEN DO IT. Yes, there is the risk that you won’t sell a ton of tickets, but it is also possible that you will sell out the venue the way we did. You’ve got to first test your product (we booked a free show, and packed the house). This is how you know you have the right product (your music/performance), and gives you an idea of if your show can be valued at $20. Your product has to come with the right features (team, show openers & marketing strategy), and you’ve got to sell it in the right store (venue). Trust your Art, but be smart with your strategy!
My newest Artist, Matt Betts, and I also spent time at Belmont together! I tell him this all the time, but I’m going to have a lot of fun helping him really explore, and open up his creative side so that we can turn his style of rap into a brand that is marketable, and reflects him well. He is truly an intellectual walking piece of art. There are so many different layers of him to work with that I feel like we’re making a giant mural. I’ve never really worked with someone like Matt before, but I’m excited to help him really extract more of all of the qualities of his Artistic expression, and ways to market those gifts. I am overjoyed thinking about what all we’re both going to learn working together. We always have a good time together, and I can’t wait for the world to experience his Art! Look out for Matt Betts…you will see him soon.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
A rule of mine that encompasses more than three areas of knowledge most impactful on my journey, “Never stop being Hungry for it.” A lot of times we get so caught up in what isn’t going right, or the fact that nothing is coming our way that we get really down on ourselves to the point of wanting to give up, or just feeling like we actually can’t do it. I have been looking for work within my field since I graduated in 2020 while forming my Artist Management company, and managing Artists. That is 3 years without a full time job, and goals that require full time money. It is not always a good feeling, but instead of wallowing in what you don’t have, or that you’re not where you want to be KEEP GOING AFTER IT!
As a college student there is this almost relentless sense of, “I’ve got to get it by any means.” Whether that means you’re running clear across campus to get to class on time, or if you’re at the library in between every class. Maybe you’ve never had to have tutoring in your life, but for this class in particular…you have to put your pride to the side and ask for extra help. Maybe you have to take a Summer class. Maybe you have to retake a class. What about the time you woke up late and still walked into class late because you couldn’t afford to miss your lesson. You stay up DAYS at a time sometimes (please don’t do this often, but I can confirm I stayed up for a day or two during my four years in school) You throw yourself in front of every opportunity or experience that is going to help you “get a job” right after you graduate, and you are quite literally hungry for the success of your career. You are so hungry for it that in your Senior Year of High School you chose to add four more years of school into your life to study something you think is worth it so your determination to follow through is unwavering before you even started your first class. College students have a certain hustle about themselves, and that hustle goes a long way even after walking across the stage, but it is so very easy to lose sight of it when things aren’t going as you planned post graduation day. You are still that person no matter how many years ago you graduated. That fire was, and still is in you. You know what to do…it’s just a different playing field.
I use the example of the relentless nature of a college student because it aligns with my personal story, but it doesn’t really matter whether you have a degree or not. I want people to remember not to get comfortable in your discontentment! Go after what you want. Take all the overwhelmed feelings, and frustrations and turn them into fuel to make your journey worth the struggle! Take a step back so you can map out those ten steps forward. Take breaks if you must but please NEVER get so down that you stop being hungry for it. Always remember that what is for you is already yours…you’ve just got to find the way to get to it.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am actually open to meeting potential Investors as well as other entities that can help my business grow to its full potential such as Lawyers, Publishers, Talent Buyers, Videographers, and Photographers. I look forward to making all of the connections I need to be the well rounded Successful Music & Entertainment Entrepreneur I strive to be. I look forward to finding the right people to connect with, and prefer to be initially reached out to via Instagram or LinkedIn.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cidnachemanagement.com/about-cidney-g
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cidnache/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidney-grady/
- Other: https://canvasrebel.com/meet-cidney-grady/ https://nashvillevoyager.com/interview/rising-stars-meet-cidney-grady-of-nashville/
Image Credits
Ejah
