Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Zeller.
Hi Richard, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got my start by creating a platform called The Garden State Hip Hop Hour, through that I was able to network, build my name up, and get into doors that wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. I figured people always want more media around so it was the easiest way to get in rooms at an accelerated pace. I ended up at Atlantic Records in the Content Partnerships department, but Covid hit and everything got locked down. I spent the lockdown focusing on digital interviews before ending up at an indie label called “Sloppy Vinyl.” From there, I started getting into artist management and becoming a head executive of the label.
Prior to that, I am a US Army veteran who spent time serving in Congress before pivoting into entertainment and helped guide the careers of rising stars Law & OnlyJahmez – booking cross country shows, TV deals & swelling fanbases & press.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As far as management and running a music label, it definitely was not a smooth road, but with the help of my mentors, Mike Cameron and Danny Su, I have been able to grow in the business at an accelerated pace and avoid some pitfalls because of their guidance and experience.
At first, I struggled with the transition from focusing on my brand & self to having to focus on others. I had to learn to make them the priority and learn to deal with the personalities of others and their style of communication to get through issues and how they work. Now it’s just the growing pains of continuing to learn the business, being more aggressive, and learning the best way to communicate with many different personality types in the industry. It’s a constant need to change how I conduct communication because in a single day, I may have meetings with artists, executives, DJs, media and they all are very unique and have different ways of conducting business and communicating.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a music manager, which means I take on every role from therapist, booking agent, publicist, handling relationships, fixing any problems that may arise, and a head executive of Sloppy Vinyl a music label. I am known for my ability to network and my great energy, I am a glue person, I am always putting pieces together and helping others obtain new opportunities as well am always open to sharing and teaching others upcoming in the industry. Others often tell me I set the trends and excel at developing and finding new revolutions in the entertainment industry.
I am always most proud of seeing the growth of the people I surround myself with and when I help put them in a position to level up their careers. What sets me apart from others is my networking ability, my selflessness, and just my ability to work a room and see ways to put things together on the fly. I never see a problem just solutions. I’m never afraid to put myself out there whether it’s just to show love or bring an idea up to someone, but what sets me apart from others with that is I also never get bothered if someone doesn’t like my idea or just ignores it. I continue to show the same love and appreciation to them and keep the train going. It also doesn’t stop me from sharing an idea with those same people who told me no in the future.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
NOTES NOTES NOTES! I constantly use my notes app to write every little idea down and things I don’t want to forget. My home screen of iPhone has a notes widget, calendar, and word of the day. I spend a lot of my free time watching Youtube, reading books, on Twitter, and on different social media platforms so I can stay aware of trends, see them coming and make sure I know what’s going on currently not just in music but the world.
Another trick I use is when I meet people or I’m at an event, I create a folder in my Instagram saved photos section so I can remember where I met people and so when I need to connect with them after meeting them, I know how to start the conversation.
Contact Info:
- Email: wtltalentmanagement@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/itsrichz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItsRichZ
- Twitter: twitter.com/itsrichz
Image Credits
2020Visial
