Interview with Joe Blackby Christian Gregertsen

The Situation

• Set up a meeting with a skilled negotiator.

• I met several producers and rappers while living in Atlanta.

• Decided to interview Joe Black, an up and coming hip-hop artist, in order to learn more about record label negotiations.

•Born and raised in Atlanta, GA.•Always had an interest in music.•Did not always aspire to be an artist. •Wanted to be a professional baseball player, but lost interest.•Decided to focus on music instead.•Currently in negotiations with several records labels.•Recently recorded a track with Ray Lavender.

Who Is He Negotiating With?

•Former Vice President of Def Jam, Shakir Stewart, had extended intent to sign first quarter 2009.

oShakir’s life was cut short by suicide. This led to a major setback in negotiations.

•Been in meetings with Darrel “Dow” Jones, Vice President of Atlantic Records. They have also expressed intent to sign Joe Black.•Flying out to Los Angeles shortly to meet with Shawn “Tubby” Holiday, an A&R rep from InterScope records.

Deal Making Techniques

• Be yourself.

• Find out what the other party wants and if you match their criteria let them know how.

• Don’t compromise your ‘vision’.

• Inflate your self-worth.

• Make the other party need you.

• Stand out from the crowd.

• Take your time.

What I Learned About Myself

• The importance of networking.

– I had the opportunity to interview someone that I had networked with earlier.

• That I have interest in the music industry and could definitely see myself being part of it in the future.

The Role Of Emotions

• Avoid getting emotionally involved when negotiating.

• Think logically and act according to facts rather than emotion.

• Attack the problem, not the person.

The Role of Research and Preparation

• Research both the company and the person you will be negotiating with.

• You can never be too prepared.

• Imagine yourself in the other person’s shoes in order to anticipate the questions they might ask you so that you can prepare answers before the negotiation occurs.

The Role Of Communication

• Be a clear communicator.

• Avoid using sarcasm.

• Let the other party clearly define what they are looking for in a deal. Then let them know how and why you fulfill their criteria.

• In a negotiation it is crucial that both parties fully understand each other’s interests in order to come to an agreement more efficiently.

Thank You!

Questions?