On Thursday, March 20th IAR hosted a seminar for students with special guest speaker, Universal Music recording artist MYSELF. Akil Omari aka MYSELF, grew up in New Orleans, LA and was immersed in the jazz and blues music scene first from his parents who were active musicians and then as he developed into his own as an artist. Since moving to New York City, he has worked with famous artists such as The Roots, Dead Prez and R. Kelly, and he runs his own record label, fashion and jewelry company, Couture Music Wear.

MYSELF provided students with advice and knowledge about his history as an artist and what it takes to do it yourself. He discussed the steps he took along his career and the big decisions he had to make including relocating to New York City. In New York, he started out playing open mic nights, meeting managers and artists, and building a network of contacts and friends. This effort led to business relationships, albums, his own record label and his current distribution deal with Universal. MYSELF had many vital points he stressed to students and a recurring theme was that he loved what he was doing and the music he was creating and he was not motivated by the glitz and glamour seen on popular television. Being an artist and controlling the business aspect takes hard work and persistence and “You must be hungry for it. Popular artists such as Jay-Z, Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs, and Russell Simmons spent many tireless years building the success they have now.”

MYSELF answered all of the students eager questions covering copyrights, publishing, licensing, and the benefits for an artist in independent labels vs. major labels. Students cheered as MYSELF performed an acoustic set after the seminar and stuck around to chat one-on-one. Check out MYSELF at cdbaby.com/myself3.