When you turn on the Television or Radio, the state of North Carolina can be proud once more as J. Cole takes the hip hop world by storm. What may not be recognized as vividly, is that North Carolina is abundantly filled with lots of rapping talent. The reason the state gets repeatedly passed by, overlooked, or ignored is because the talent that does exist has not formulated the best method to organize it’s business senses to combat the game. The problem is that either these potential artist don’t know how, or don’t know who can elevate their natural gifts. If you know the story of J. Cole, than you’re already familiar with the fact that he felt he had to leave the state and head to New York to make it. But for those who might not have that option, there are alternative groups and organization all through out the state that cater towards building fantastic music and acts right here.
Two men, Tony “Chubbz” Marcus and James Heyward knew that it would take more than chance or fate to get an artist from this region to the major level, and together they crafted the Southeast Music and Entertainment Summit to help artist make their own luck in the music business. Since 2001, Southeast Music and Entertainment Summit Inc. has been committed to the development of music industry professionals in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
If you wish to be a recording artist, producer, songwriter, artist manager, entrepreneur or aspiring music executive, the SMES Music Summit can give you a direction and also lead you to the importance of networking with other industry men and women. The SMES aims to make a change for urban artists in the Southeastern US. The Summit brings regional artists and industry pros face to face. SMES focuses on enhancing attendees understanding of the music industry by providing insight into the steps necessary to succeed in the business and an opportunity to build releationships with attorneys, marketing specialist, publicists, A&R executives and record label owners. It is designed to be a music industry tutorial that yields results for those who need the knowledge.
The passion of this program is evident through speaking to Mr. Heyward, “The point that we would like to make is that SMES=ACCESS to the industry for our attendees. SMES provides the kind of access that can change the path of one’s career. Since our inception, we have featured legitimate music industry professionals at our conference. Individuals such as Kenny Burns, Kanye West, Petey Pablo, DJ B Lord, K.P., Wendy Day are made available to attendees and we are looking forward to continue building on the quality of our guests.
