We were lucky to catch up with Marissa MJ Savino recently and have shared our conversation below.
Marissa MJ, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Being a natural giver and wanting to see others thrive and shine I believe is my purpose and I apply that to every aspect of my life both professionally and personally. I am not, however, a people pleaser or push-over, there is a clear and distinct difference. Writing and music has always been a passion of mine since lunchbox days and maybe even earlier. Although I pursued a career in social work, I kept writing and music alive with spoken word performances and blogging about new music and artists on the rise. That aspect became an adrenaline rush that I can’t even put into words. My name and blog posts started creating a local buzz in the indie scene and before I could blink, indie artists were reaching out to me for album reviews, promotion, press releases, social media marketing, etc. It was at the moment when that frenzy hit me that I know this was my calling…Social Work and working in the music industry at times can go hand in hand.
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?
I am blessed to work with artists that I grew up listening to and reciting their lines/bars in the mirror with my brush as the mic, but I also get the opportunity to work with artists fresh to the industry who haven’t quite found their sound yet or a fan base, etc. For me that’s one of the most exciting parts of my business; helping an artist build a foundation, progress, and helping them see and acknowledge that growth. It’s an incredible feeling that you can’t put a dollar sign on when you see one of your artists go from rocking an open mic with only a handful of people in the audience to flying overseas for their own international tour. Or an artist who has spent over a dozen years in prison who comes home and works on his career 24/7 and through that drive and dedication is now rocking stages and touring with ONYX…Again, a feeling that can’t be matched by dollars.
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?
I carry with me an undeniable hustle-bustle attitude along with a strong work ethic, and the ability to get sh*t done. I make it a point to share with everyone who is thinking about entering the music or entertainment industry to make sure they come equipped with a backbone, can accept criticism, accepts failures as lessons to grow, and the most important is to stay true to yourself and do not get caught up in trends or what’s hot now.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
So many books that keep my a** going but Lynn Hobson’s Diary of a Hip-Hop Publicist and Angie Martinez’s My Voice, a Memoir are two that I’ve read over numerous times and each time they are just as inspiring as the very first read. Even if you are not in the music industry, I believe every woman should read those books.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.mjshiphopconnex.biz/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MJsHipHopConnex/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjshiphopconnex
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjshiphopconnex/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MJsHipHopConnex
- Other: https://mjshhconnex.blogspot.com/
