In this series we will be highlighting burgeoning entrepreneurs in the modern era. These are folks who have taken the risk of quitting or working double to quit their conventional jobs in pursuit of their passions. This is a difficult road that many never find the courage to venture upon, but the rewards are so worth it, and as you know, no risk, no reward, know risk, know reward.
This episode highlights Craig Levy, musician, sound engineer, artists whisperer. Craig saw his industry falling apart, and decided to hone in on the things he does best. This approach, rooted in gratitude and simplicity has afforded Craig freedom and fulfillment. Read his story to learn more about how he achieved such a zen like balance.
Tell Me A Little More About What You Do And How You Got Into It
To make it easy i call myself a "music producer" but i handle everything from writing and playing instruments around an acapella to just recording vocals for my mc's who bring in finished instrumentals to mixing and mastering… basically whatever anyone thinks i'm good at :)
Do you Remember Your First Day? What Were You Feeling?
Yeah i almost threw up!
What Were You Doing Before? Why Made You Want To Try Something New?
I worked at atlantic records in the a&r department when the music business was thriving.. and i left right when it was imploding. for the next few years i drifted until i started recording my own music and fell l in love with it. about a year later i put up an ad on craigslist and the rest is history…
How Do You Balance Your Time?
Honestly i have a hard time with that… i found "my thing" and it's still an honor 13 years later that people like what i do so i find it hard to say no…
Tell Me About Your Business?
I simply charge per hour ($40) and my artists come over and we do whatever they have planned: record, have me write around their vocals and play instruments, mix, master. they are often also part therapy sessions: it's the artists choice what goes on during their time so we may talk for a bit…my psychology degree gets put to good use :)
How Much Time Per Week Would You Say You Dedicate To Your Work?
Probably 40 hours in sessions and another 10 or so doing the un-fun business stuff.
What Else Do You Like To Do With Your Free Time?
Biking, hanging with my girlfriend and our cats.
What's Next For You?
More of the same in terms of making music with my artist's daily, but dedicating more time to licensing… i've had over 250 placements so far but would like to see it really take off. either way it's fun to see your tracks on tv.
Any Advice For People Wanting To Follow A Similar Path?
Be ready to dedicate your whole life to this! it really does take 10,000 hours.
To learn more about Craig or to book you recording session now, click here...
via HBO
