“What’s better than being independent and living and dying by your own map? Nothing, which is why I am so passionate about providing as much information and be as much of a mentor as I can be to the Indie process …” – Joshua J. “Mighty Joe” Slack, Jr. in “Industry Chokehold”
It seems these days that the only true “friends” an independent artist has, are hard work, grind and those who tirelessly promote them. While I tend to agree with that to a certain extent degree, but there are some individuals in the industry who have made it their business to help others, while asking little in return. Meet Joshua J. Slack, Jr., a young man who is known as “Mighty Joe” of Mighty Muzik. If ever there was a man who wears many hats, this is him.
Mighty Joe, along with several others, have helped to build Mighty Muzik into an empire that dedicates its resources to helping independent artists. One of its mottos is, “Where NOLA talent calls home” – while that’s true, Mighty Muzik has been more of an influence to all indie artists, than what it can ever know. Mighty Joe has been an integral part of the positive influence brought about by Mighty Muzik and those who work within the brand.
The Heat was blessed with an advanced copy of “Industry Chokehold” and all I can say is, it will quickly become the handbook by which independent artists live. We highly recommended the book. It is evident that Mighty Joe shared all of his knowledge. In fact, this master of branding is giving artists all the game needed to succeed in an industry where failure is almost always the norm.
We sat down with Mighty Joe and talked to him and here’s what he had to say:
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: You have your hands in all sorts of projects that benefit those who are in the entertainment industry. Tell our readers about your endeavors.
MIGHTY JOE: Well first I’d like to thank you guys for featuring me and extending a hand. I am currently CEO, publishing, designing, writing, branding, marketing, managing the site (www.mightymuzik.com) for my brand MightyMuzik™. I have my hands in a few sponsored local events such as The Sound Clash & MashOut with El Williams. January of last year my team & I put together the Code Red Network which is an online multimedia network and we have begun production on our first three show series; NOLA Top10 Video countdown, Disclaimer Comedy, and Branding My Biz with Kevin Griffin. December of 2012 we launched Monstars Radio in a joint effort with jusCookie, which is a 24-hour online radio station with live shows. The first show being The Cookie Jar with host jusCookie which airs Mondays 7-9p. In the branding and artwork field I own and run Code Red Studios LLC where I do a ton of freelance graphic & web design work. February of last year I got into Video production so we have added that to our arsenal of projects. Some of our work can be found if you have seen 2011 or 2012 NOLA Hip Hop Awards Website and Brand identities, 2012 NOLA Summer Jam website & Brand identities, Oceana Grill Commercials, and we are currently part of the promotion behind Chef John Besh’s project Chefs Move! Scholarship to name a few. I keep in contact with a nice amount of New Orleans talent and give advice where I can.
