This week on The Big Break we are joined by Jane’t Sewell, who is responsible for the massive hit “Empire State of Mind” performed by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.
Janet started her career at a young age. A blend of business and creativity, she dedicated herself to the music industry the moment she realized that she could make money while making music. She took internships with industry heavy-hitters, taught herself how to be an engineer, and spent her nights making music all while maintaining her day job. After a sudden epiphany, Janet quit her day job to follow her dreams in music and never looked back. Today, she and her husband run an international record label and are continuing to write hits, and change the game.
Janet’s Instagram
Show Notes
1:55\tWhen did you first start doing music?
2:53\tWorking and learning in New York
3:38\tThe Salute to Excellence
5:15\tWhat was the first big lesson you learned working at 16?
6:45\tLou George and Full Force
7:53\tMixing the business and the creative sides of music
9:49\tInterning at Sugar Hill with Leland Robinson
13:30\tWhat did you do different from other engineers or producers that were coming up with you?
15:22\tWorking with Bruce Waynne in Brooklyn, New York
19:03\tFollowing your gut
21:10\tQuitting the day-job to pursue music full time
24:00\tWhat did you learn from writing for a signed artist?
29:53\tSam Watters and the Art of a record
34:15\tDeciding to create a home studio
35:02\tBig John and learning about the business of Publishing
38:00\tWhat would you tell an up and coming writer about the art of turning music into money?
39:15\tWhy PR is so important
41:10\tWriting and pitching “Empire State of Mind”
43:42\tFighting for Alicia Keys
47:37\tHow to get someone to sit up and pay attention
52:46\tJanet’s take on what it takes to ensure your record’s success
61:00\tHow did “Empire State of Mind” change your working life?
61:32\tBassivity Digital
68:50\tJanet’s parting advice for songwriters
For more information