We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kevin Seals a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kevin , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
To develop my confidence and self-esteem, I have devoted time to truly understand and got to know myself. I’ve recognized the unique value I bring to every endeavor I pursue. In this journey, I have deliberately refrained from comparing myself to others, regardless of the company around me. By focusing on my own growth and progress, I have cultivated a mindset that enables me to approach challenges with optimism and embraced new opportunities with a deep sense of self-assurance.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Im an a&r and artist manager. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri. I founded Seven Entertainment: an artist management company that brings a fresher, more innovative approach to artist development and branding. After receiving my bachelor’s degree in entertainment business I garnered an esteemed reputation by collaborating with 4x Grammy-award winning producer, Brian Kennedy in addition to working closely with Sony Music, Universal Music, Atlantic Records, Warner Music Group, and 300 Entertainment to name a few.
Under my guidance, Seven Entertainment represents a rooster of exceptional artist, writers and producers who have written for the likes of Ceelo Green, Chris brown, Kelly Clarkson, Rascal Flats, Rihanna, and the Jonas Brothers just to name a few.
One of my primary focuses at the moment is the continual growth and expansion of Seven Entertainment. I am dedicated to building a thriving entity that fosters numerous opportunities within the music industry. A vital aspect of this mission is to educate individuals about the intricacies of the music business. By sharing my knowledge and experiences, I aim to empower aspiring individuals and provide them with valuable insights into the industry. Ultimately, my goal is to create a platform that not only offers opportunities but also serves as a source of education and guidance for those passionate about music.
As an artist manager and A&R professional, what truly excites me is the opportunity to contribute to the development and trajectory of my artist producers and writers. It’s a role that combines creativity and strategic thinking, consistently aiming for the next level of success. Additionally, I have the privilege of collaborating with other industry executives and, at times, even meeting the very idols I admired while growing up— artists I listened to or watched on the big screen. The sheer fulfillment I derive from these experiences makes my work in this field incredibly rewarding.
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?
Communication, organization, and networking are the three fundamental skills that have greatly influenced my journey. As a manager, effective communication is vital for effectively conveying thoughts and ideas to both my team and industry audiences. Secondly, having strong organizational systems in place plays a crucial role in ensuring tasks are managed efficiently, without overlooking important deadlines or sessions. Lastly, networking has been instrumental in my career development. Through building a diverse professional network, I have increased opportunities to connect with individuals possessing the skills and knowledge I need, even when they are not actively seeking new opportunities. These three skills together have significantly contributed to my growth and success within the industry.
For aspiring A&R professionals and artist managers entering the industry, my most valuable advice is to prioritize consistency. Consistency ensures the establishment of awareness, builds trust, and facilitates the seamless delivery of services in a reliable and profitable manner. Without maintaining consistency, the risk of business failure significantly increases. Therefore, by emphasizing and embodying consistency within your work, you enhance the likelihood of long-term success in the industry.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
The book that has had a significant impact on my personal growth is “All You Need To Know About The Music Business” by Donald S. Passman. I highly recommend this book because it provides comprehensive insights into the dynamics of assembling a successful team and clarifies the roles and responsibilities of each member. By understanding the functions of key roles such as managers, marketing personnel etc you gain a deeper understanding of the industry and increase your knowledge of the music industry. Knowledge truly equates to power, and this book equips readers with valuable information to navigate and thrive in the field.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://svn7ent.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevin_michael_81/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-seals-689a0242/