VINYL SOUL
Nambo Enrique
beatween@hotmail.com
http://vinylsoulmusic.com
Vinyl Soul are the ultimate DIY duo. Comprised of Nambo Enrique and Jay Hurtado, they utilize a revolving cast of musicians for band dates. Totally self-contained, they write together, produce their own recordings and busk on the streets for extra income. They’ve toured California and Mexico, and spent six months touring Japan. Their unique fusion of hip-hop Latin soul got them a nomination as “Best Breakout Band” by MTV’s Tr3s, and gave them the opportunity to open for several Grammy winners––all while managing themselves.
WHY DO YOU MANAGE YOURSELVES
We really had no choice. When we started there was no other option. No one stepped up, so we did it ourselves. We’ve had unofficial managers who specialized in certain areas, but never had a full time manager. Over time, we not only learned how to do it, we learned to like it. It gives you a sense of power and accomplishment that you can’t get any other way.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU DEVOTE TO MANAGEMENT
I give 150 percent every day. If there were more hours in a day, I would do even more. The fact is no one cares as much about your career as you do. So, if you don’t invest the time why should anybody else?
YOU BUSK ON THE STREETS––IS THAT PART OF YOUR PLAN
Playing the streets is a great experience. Every artist should try it. It’s the best gig you can do. You really find out how strong your material and performance chops are because you have to get people’s attention. You have to get them to stop, listen and, hopefully, buy something. We try to do it at least once or twice a week. We’ve built a nice fan base that way and sold quite a bit of product. In Japan we played the streets so often we were arrested for disturbing the peace. But that got us media attention and paying gigs.
OTHER WAYS TO GENERATE INCOME
I’m a producer and songwriter for other artists too. I’ve worked with Universal Records, some well known acts and a few up-and-coming artists. My company, btwn musik, does original material in various genres, remixes, and just about everything but mastering. Song placements are also important to us, and we’re starting to focus more on that area.
THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL SELF-MANAGEMENT
Learning the biz is very important, and networking is essential. I go to conferences and industry functions to meet people and learn everything I can. You have to love the business as much as your art if you want to be successful.
DO YOU SEEK OUT ADVICE
We’re open to what people have to say. But, you need to be true to your vision. Many times advisors (i.e. potential managers) have their own agenda that may or may not suit you. In fact, the entertainment industry in general, especially those associated with popular culture, has its own perspective. For example, we were asked to audition for America’s Got Talent by the show’s producer. We did one of our songs and they asked us to play “La Bamba.” It was such a cliché, it was sort or funny. But, that’s not what we do, so we didn’t do the show.
WOULD YOU EVER CONSIDER A MANAGER
It really depends. If they had something to offer that we couldn’t do ourselves we might consider it. I mean it’s cool to have a manager who has great connections, but it’s not really necessary if you can do it yourself. And, any manager would have to let us be who we are. That seems to be the biggest problem. Often they want you to be true to “their” vision, not yours.
