We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kara Greskovic. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kara below.
Hi Kara, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic is all about this crazy drive I’ve had since I was a kid. I used to make these over-the-top lists back when I was in middle school, trying to be this perfect person (perfect student, perfect daughter, etc.) – even though that was totally unrealistic. But that fire to succeed and be the best has stuck with me.
When I was like 6 or 7, I got into Little League Baseball, and get this – I was the only girl on the team for a whopping 8 years! I was all about proving I belonged there, and not just that, I was dead set on showing I could outshine most of those guys. So, I practiced like crazy every single day. Ended up snagging the starting shortstop position and even made it onto All Star teams with boys who were way older than me.
After high school, I jumped into music, and that same competitive energy was right there with me. It’s like a fire that keeps me pushing for more, no matter what.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a music producer based in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. My passion lies in creating commercially viable music, such as dark pop, pop rock, and some country songs that can help take artist to the next level. What gets me excited is collaborating with young artists and helping them unleash their full potential – there’s nothing quite like seeing their musical dreams come to life and being a part of that.
Born and raised in Scranton, PA, I took the leap and moved to Nashville at 19. Despite being in Music City, I’ve got this cool LA twist to my production that adds a unique flavor to the scene.
My big goal is to inspire artists I work with to be the best they can be, both musically and in their personal lives. As for some projects in the works, I’m currently working with several artists on some long-term projects, such as big EP releases and artist re-branding. I’m in the process of expanding my position as not just a music producer, but as somewhat of an A&R figure as well.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, I’d say having a thick skin was a game-changer when I first moved to Nashville. Whether you’re in music, entertainment, or any field, you’re gonna face criticism, tough feedback, and some seriously intimidating authority figures, especially when you’re just starting out. Lots of folks throw in the towel when the going gets tough, but you gotta power through those rough patches.
Another skill worth nailing is the ability to communicate. This is learned over time, but one aspect of this skill that can be applied immediately is the ability to listen. When working with business partners or clients or even mentors, it is so important to make them feel like their points or concerns or wishes are being heard. On the flip side, it’s important to communicate the thoughts in your head so that people are never questioning your intentions.
Finally, a more tangible is one of organization. When you are an entrepreneur, there’s a million and one things to keep track of, anything from finances to projects to general meetings.You gotta have a solid system to keep things in check and stay on top of your game. You won’t be perfect, and the occasional missed meeting or email slip-up is bound to happen. But a killer system will keep you on point at least 95% of the time.
The most important advice I can give for young adults starting their business or hopping into a new field is to take it one step at a time. Start simple with organization – maybe just pop your meetings into your Google calendar. When it comes to communication, aim to touch base with your crew or clients every couple of weeks. It’s a gradual climb, but this methodical approach sets the stage for some serious growth.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
This is a great question – I would say my parents taught me the power of teamwork. Although I was always responsible for my own grades and my own success as a kid, I never went through it alone. My dad was always there to help me with math homework or my mom was always there to read off flashcards to me when I studied. My dad was always there to help me practice my baseball catches or my mom was there to drive me to a game.
This is essential in my field today – since I truly believe that everything great involves teamwork. I work with amazing peers all the time to help create the best songs possible for my artists, whether that be hiring a mix engineer or an amazing bass player or an awesome country guitar player. Can I do it myself? Probably – but it always comes out better when I hire someone who’s an expert in it or can just give that outside ear.
At the end of the day, it’s important to take responsibility for your own business and your actions, but you should surround yourself with people who you can trust and can help you out.
Contact Info:
- Website: karagreskovic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karagreskovic/
- Other: Spotify Credit Playlists – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/50BhvEqw1tTv3FUBnUpIh9?si=247dfab9ce4e461f
Image Credits
Jordan Merrigan
