I met with industry professional Eva D. of Lady Monarch
Productions, Inc. today. She is
responsible for managing artists associated with LMP. She has her hands full now, but ironically
enough, she’s had her hands full for almost 30 years! She has twin daughters, which she carried one
in each hand until they were able to walk.
As they grew they followed music and according to Eva D. “often
replicated Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston.
I remember they sang using a vacuum cleaner. That was their microphone.” Years later, they are now one of the artists
she manages, and she wants them to learn first hand, success doesn’t come to those who are lazy,
but to those who work hard, have faith in their craft, and never take God out
the picture. Here’s how the interview went.
*How did you become interested in managing artists, better
yet, entering into this entertainment industry to begin with?
As a young
mother, with talented girls who had a desire to someday enter into the music
business, I found a way to manage and give them exposure at the same time.
*Have you dealt with opposition? In what way(s)? How did overcome the opposition?
I deal with
opposition daily, especially with having a small minority business. Making LMP available to support and help
young artists reach and develop a fan base became a struggle. Well, when meeting with artists, I always
remind them that success starts with them.
I am here just to enhance their abilities and portray their talents the
best way I can.
*In negotiating long-term and short-term contractual
agreements, how do you set yourself up to win over a potential client?
In meeting
with a potential client we review the contract together. While going through the contract, I provide a
list of ways I can be of support that they may not be able to possess on their
own. Not only do I have insider
connections to publish/expose them to, but also am more cost effective because
of the fact that I represent an independent company vs. a large label.
*I’m sure you’ve heard of expressing a mutual benefit with
another industry professional. How have
you sold the mutual benefit idea to either an artist or when pitching your
artist to a potential business partner?
I will try
to meet as many of their desires as possible while mutually benefitting by
obtaining the credit for LMP producing this raw talent the artist receives my
professional expertise and exposure. When
dealing with labels, I provide the fact that the leg-work is done, the talent
was found, it’s a win-win for everybody.
With proper exposure, they can make the labels money!
*When negotiating, how do you learn to separate the people
from the actual problem, or issue, at hand?
Do you find it simple for you to do?
Yes. Before I go
into a meeting to negotiate on the proposed agreement, I have already prepared
the list of the main issues at hand.
Then when I meet with a potential client, I will focus on my list
instead of the actual person with whom I’m meeting. I understand their issues are what need to be
resolved as opposed to them as a person.
Negotiation is only a means to get both an understanding and
benefit. It is only human when emotions
come into play. I just choose to focus
on the problem at hand.
Thanks Eva D.
Looking forward to working with you in the near future!
