C.A.I: What advantages and disadvantages have you encountered being independent?
Mrs ROCC: The main disadvantage is the financial resources for marketing, promotions and retail positioning. The advantages are endless in my mind. A lot of people look at the industry now and get worried or scared; not me; this type of atmosphere is ideal for the real INDIE with hustle and go get 'em. You can write your ticket at this point if you know what you doing. We have the freedom to let the IroCc brand go forth.
"BORN A KING"
C.A.I: I’ve had the privilege of hearing quite a few tracks from the soon to be released album “Born a King”. With collaborations with Bernice King, daughter of the late Dr. Martin Luther King jr. In my opinion it’s the best Christian Hip-Hop album out there and I’m looking to see how far it will reach in the mainstream market. How does IroCc manage to keep up with the changing times, keeping the music fresh and relevant?
Mrs ROCC: I think because we don’t set out to fit into anybody's mold or pattern. If you are being true to who you are and your walk with God you will always be relevant. We don’t try and conform his music to a region or a sound. Like on this project IroCc SINGS quite a bit, because its a part of who he is. Oh! by the way I.R.O.C.C. stands for " I Rely on CHRIST Completely. So whenever you hear him say in his songs Jus' ROCC with me or IROCC this or IROCC that; he isn’t glorifying or boasting about himself; He is making a declaration and encouraging the listener to do the same - ROCC.
C.A.I: From IroCc’s first album his lyrics have always been transparent and relevant to that particular stage in his life. Now he’s 18 years old, addressing more adult issues which he is also very transparent about. Do you anticipate some controversy in the gospel market? And how important do you think it is for a minister/ artist to be transparent and take such risks?
Mrs ROCC: I don’t know about anticipation of controversy, but we wont be surprised about it. I think that you have to be true to yourself, gift and calling. Music provides a soundtrack to life; this is his. Quite honestly IroCc's music isn’t about pleasing the GOSPEL market; its about being a reflection of God.
C.A.I: That’s a very powerful thing "Music provides a soundtrack to life". Along with having an anointing and talent, how crucial is strategy and marketing to your success?
Mrs ROCC: Very crucial. If you study the ministry of Christ; you will learn some amazing marketing, promotion and distribution skills. The Word admonishes us that without a VISION (plan, strategy) the people will perish. '
Last Words...
C.A.I: These are things the world has been very successful at doing yet many ministries seem light years behind.....Now the music industry is changing rapidly, major labels are loosing billions. The economy is facing a recession. What advice would you give other major artists and new comers in order for them to ensure longevity in their ministry/ career?
Mrs ROCC: Be sure that you are called to this. If you would do it without any PROFIT, then do it. Study the BUSINESS of music. Every artist/ group should have their own personally crafted business and marketing plan that should be updated and revised at least annually. Don’t wait for some label to do it for you; know who you are, what your message and market is. Take their plan that they created and compare it to yours and see if they are in with your vision and plan. Understand that your music product should be a tool for your larger vision/ mission. Be willing to put in the work; don’t be lazy! Be creative and look for multi streams of revenue flow. Operate in EXCELLENCE, in your music, production, look, performance. Set a standard, adhere to that standard.
For bookings or more info on IroCc and the "Born a King" project visit www.myspace.com/iroccwilliams
PRE-ORDER the CD "BORN A KING" NOW!!! from the following sites: target.com and cduniverse.com |
