We were lucky to catch up with India Harris recently and have shared our conversation below.
India, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience can be nurtured through various sources, and in my case, I draw upon several aspects to cultivate and sustain my resilience. Firstly, I prioritize acknowledging and allowing myself to experience my emotions fully. By embracing my feelings, I gain a deeper understanding of myself and can effectively navigate through challenges. Additionally, my resilience is rooted in my faith, as I find strength and inspiration from my connection with God. I firmly believe that my inherent resilience is a result of my upbringing and personal attributes, as I have always demonstrated a resilient nature since birth. Furthermore, as a leader, I recognize the indispensable role resilience plays in effectively guiding others. Lastly, my own personal experiences and the obstacles I have encountered and overcome have significantly contributed to my resilience. These experiences have instilled in me the determination and fortitude necessary to face adversity head-on. Overall, my resilience stems from a combination of emotional awareness, faith, innate qualities, leadership responsibilities, and personal triumphs.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is India Elise Harris, and I am the Founder & CEO of R1 Records, a newly formed record label. We represent artists with a powerful message across genres such as hip-hop/R&B, gospel, and jazz. What sets R1 Records apart is our dedication to nurturing talent and promoting meaningful music.
In 2021, I received a Music Industry Essentials certificate from NYU, offered through a partnership between the Clive Davis Institute, Billboard, and Yellowbrick. This program further enriched my expertise in the music industry, complementing my Bachelor’s degree in Contemporary Musicianship with a minor in Information Technology, which I earned as a 2023 graduate from Middle Georgia State University in Macon, GA.
In 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Honors Performance Series, where I performed at Carnegie Hall alongside elite singers from across the United States. It was an honor to represent Georgia as the only representative from the state in this prestigious event.
R1 Records is still in its early stages, but we are actively working on expanding and growing our business. With my recent graduation, I can now dedicate more time to the development and success of R1 Records. We are always open to new partnerships and collaborations that align with our vision.
I’m genuinely excited about the future of R1 Records and grateful for the support and encouragement we have received thus far. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and milestones as we continue to make a positive impact in the music industry.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, firstly, resilience has played a crucial role in overcoming challenges and pushing forward. My advice for those early in their journey is to allow yourself to experience and process setbacks while maintaining a positive mindset. Seek support from mentors, build a strong support network, and focus on self-care to nurture resilience.
Secondly, adaptability has been instrumental in navigating a rapidly evolving industry. Embrace change, stay open-minded, and continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow. Be proactive in seeking new knowledge and skills, whether through formal education, workshops, or networking events.
Lastly, effective communication has been vital in building relationships, promoting my brand, and collaborating with others. Develop strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and actively listen to others. Practice articulating your ideas and beliefs, and don’t shy away from networking and making meaningful connections.
My advice for those early in their journey is to invest time in honing these qualities and skills. Remember, growth is a continuous process, so approach each day with a growth mindset and a commitment to personal and professional development.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, I am open to partnering and collaborating with individuals and organizations who align with the vision and values of R1 Records.
If you are reading this and are interested in collaborating with R1 Records, you can reach out to us via email at [email protected]. While we are not currently signing artists, we are actively working on building the structure of the business. However, we still welcome inquiries and expressions of interest for future collaborations.
We also encourage you to follow us on Instagram under the handle @r1recordslabel. This will allow you to stay updated on our latest news, announcements, and future opportunities for collaboration.
We believe in the power of collaboration and are excited to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations who share our passion for meaningful music. Don’t hesitate to reach out via email and follow us on Instagram to stay connected with R1 Records.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: r1recordlabel
- Other: Email: [email protected] (business inquiries only)
Image Credits
Photographer: Jordan Gaynor (JGPhotography)
