Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mike Locke. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Mike with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is largely inspired by my dad. He taught me that dedication to work is important, but he also emphasized the value of relationships. He was deeply involved in our community, from coaching my little league team to volunteering in city organizations. This involvement showed me the importance of staying connected with others, which I find incredibly rewarding. So, it’s not just about hard work; my parents instilled in me the importance of how we treat others, which has been a guiding principle in my life.
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?
In 2011, I took a leap into the independent music scene by co-founding Silver Side Productions after my tenure at Warner Music Group. Blending my experiences from Ingrooves (now part of Universal) and Atlas Music Publishing (now part of Big Machine), Silver Side thrives in the realm of sync licensing, label services, and music publishing.
Our core focus is on licensing the diverse recordings and songs we represent – from emerging artists to legendary names – in TV, film, and other visual media. I’m especially proud of representing historic catalogs, including works from Etta James, Little Richard, and Lesley Gore, as well as current artists/producers such as Hidden Citizens who push boundaries into new musical directions. A recent highlight was our deal with the Andy Williams’ estate, encompassing classics from his Barnaby Records label with hits by The Chordettes, The Everly Brothers and more.
At Silver Side, we’re passionate about bridging classic and current music, creating a vibrant and diverse roster of music that enriches visual storytelling.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Develop relationships patiently. Connect with colleagues, engage with others in your field, be personable and friendly, and maintain meaningful relationships. 2. Put in the work. When asked, take on new projects, learn as much as you can, and follow your passions. If your current job doesn’t align with your passions, that’s okay. Keep your passions close and integrate them into your work when possible.
3. Stay the course. Growing my independent business took time. I’ve seen other companies rise and fall, quickly forgotten. Business growth often requires patience, and it’s important to recognize this.
My advice to those at the beginning of their journey is to be a sponge – absorb everything you can, take the time to learn the processes, and understand as many aspects of the business as you can, especially those related to your core passion. Working for a corporation can be beneficial, but be cautious not to overcommit without receiving due recognition and value (in other words, don’t undervalue yourself). Lastly, be proactive about saving for retirement from early in your career.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
One of our current challenges is navigating the oversaturated market of music licensing companies, all competing for the same opportunities to place their music. To cut through the noise and secure placements for our catalog, we rely on several key strategies.
Firstly, our long-standing relationships and solid reputation in the industry give us an edge. We actively promote our catalog to both established and new creative clients, ensuring our music is at the forefront of their minds.
Secondly, we are committed to maintaining high-quality music. We’re discerning in what we choose to represent, ensuring each piece gets the attention and service it deserves.
Lastly, my experience with larger and mid-sized companies brings a unique perspective to Silver Side. We offer an eclectic mix of highly recognizable and vintage gems from as far back as the 1940s, alongside fresh and emerging music. This diverse range sets us apart and allows us to cater to a wide variety of client needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.silversideco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silversideproductions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silversideproductions/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-locke-749bb54/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/silversideco
