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Industry Chokehold: Mighty Joe drops some knowledge on the masses

“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.

THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What’s up with the book? How long has this been in the works?

MIGHTY JOE: The book “Industry ChokeHold” is the first of many books/eBooks I plan on releasing as a way to further spread the knowledge I have gained over the years and moving forward. The book is a compilation of real down to earth advice and direction for anyone who is branding independently. The book has officially only been in the works for about 3 months but some of the notes and materials I include in the book I have been compiling for years.

THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What do you hope to achieve once the book has been released?

MIGHTY JOE: With this release of “Industry ChokeHold” I plan to touch that percentage of people I know exist that eat, sleep and breathe their brand! I set out to convey these concepts and ways of thinking or schools of thought that if applied will add to the skill set of the serious independent brand. New Orleans is a hard city to be coming from yet; it has the most unique talent I have ever seen. There is no formal guide or how-to on conducting yourself though. I set out to make a map that will be accessible by anybody willing to get it. While this book is not the end all guide, I want to get it out there as a start to that change in the culture and mindset of branding for New Orleans.

THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Is the information provided in the book some that you learned throughout your years working within the entertainment industry?

MIGHTY JOE: Yes, the book is filled with gems people have dropped on me throughout my journey as an independent brand as well as knowledge I have gain just living it out. Because it is a practical guide I felt it should resonate with more people like myself. Passing on a map with notes written in the seams to someone else trekking across that terrain helps all of us.

THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What do you believe is the single most important thing for an independent artist to remember?

MIGHTY JOE: The single most important thing for an independent artist to remember is; the boss that has some working knowledge of the tasks that need to be done to operate their business will stay on the up and up. Get to know what your PR is for. Know how to speak to your engineer when recording because you speak the same jargon. You are the walking brand so gain knowledge on how you are supposed to brand, experiment and find what works. Wear those hats, that way you know what to look for when you get to the point you are able to hire someone or you may find that your calling was one of those other aspects of the industry.

THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Any advice for those just entering the business?

MIGHTY JOE: Anybody just getting into business should know up front it is not for the faint at heart and if it’s not your passion, you probably should find your passion and do that not business. There is a thin line that exists between right and wrong in business, which often gets crossed so you really have to know yourself and what your bottom line is. Being a sponge that can apply and make things a reality will be the ones who end up successful. Balance will save your life.

THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What are your plans for the future?

MIGHTY JOE: My plans for the future are to continue to become cemented as one of those innovative thinkers and initiators in the progress of New Orleans. Continue to take those risks and say let’s try, worst-case scenario we fail and live to try again. I would like to continue to contribute to progress and more specifically, the progress of the New Orleans community, which starts with the knowledge then the application of that knowledge.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  We have read through “Industry ChokeHold” and we must say, it is one of the most innovative, helpful and insightful books ever. If you are trying to survive in the entertainment industry, it is a must that you purchase a copy of this book. Of all things you can spend your dollars on that will add much to your career, this is one of the most important. Get your copy today at www.IndustryChokehold.com.

Follow Mighty Joe on the following networks:

Twitter: @MightyMuzik & @JSLACKJR

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mightymuzik?fref=ts

Instagram: @MightyJoe504

 

Arlene Culpepper, Asst. Editor-in-Chief
Arlene Culpepper, Asst. Editor-in-Chiefhttp://www.mikodreamz.com
Vice-President & Asst. Editor-in-Chief of The Heat Magazine, Arlene is a Louisiana native, Certified Paralegal, Publicist, Owner of MIKODreamz PR, co-owner of 504Diffusion, writer, producer, and jack of all trades, who is heavily involved in her community as well as serving as Media Advisor for New Orleans Union for Entertainment (NOUE), Member of the NOLA Music Awards from 2012-present & Member of the Press Club of New Orleans. Her work is published across the web. Her PR work has been highly recognized & awarded. She was/is publicist for the late great BTY YoungN, 0017th and more. She is also working on her first novel & aspires to turn it into a film & is currently writing the authorized biography of the legendary Pimp C of UGK. She can be reached via email at Arlene@theheatmag.com. Follow her on Twitter - @CategorySeven & Instagram - @hurricanearlene.
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