Meet Meikhel | Artist Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meikhel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meikhel, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
I would say people outside of the music industry are generally unaware of how much money, time, and effort it takes to establish a successful, lasting career. Many people think that songs just blow up overnight, randomly go viral, or it only takes one song to make it to the top. Artists create a lot of songs before they even get buzz. Moreover, there’s marketing, studio time, video shoots, photo shoots, etc.; there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes. Also, outsiders tend to think it’s all the artists’ doing. Successful artists have a great team around them: manager, PR, record label, etc. It takes a village.

What should our readers know about your business?
M.E.I. Recordings is a music management and public relations company that I founded in 2017. Back in 2017, Cameron Dietz, whom I’ve known since high school, approached me with an EP he was releasing. It came at a time when I just started learning about and getting into managing talent. I started helping him to promote the EP and get it to some radio stations. It got some traction, but not as much as I wanted; therefore, I knew I had to establish and make a name for myself. I created M.E.I. Recordings in September 2017, and in October 2017, Cameron Dietz officially became our first artist. I am very proud to say M.E.I. Recordings is minority owned. There really aren’t many minority owned businesses in general, but its even more sparse in the music industry. Our artist makeup is multicultural too. I would say the main challenge that I have had to overcome would be the financial aspect. Initially, I started this company while still in school with virtually no money nor financial backing. Thankfully, I was able to acquire a job that allowed me to put money into my business. Additionally, it was very tough to establish connections. The music industry is a fairly close-knit community, so it took time to network and get my brand out there. One lesson I’ve learned was knowing when to say yes and when to say no. There are so many people who contact you and offer you things. You have to know what’s legit and what’s not in your best interest. Another lesson I’ve learned would be to be patient. Many businessmen do not want to say, but many new businesses operate at a deficit for 1-3 years. Success is a testament of never giving up and honing your craft. Your time will come.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Hmm this is a tough question. There’s so much to do here. I guess assuming there isn’t a pandemic, I guess I’d show them around South Beach, Downtown, Brickell, Little Havana, and Little Haiti. I’d take them to different bars like Area 31 and Wood Tavern, and clubs like LIV and E11EVEN. I’d definitely try and catch a Dolphins, Heat, and/or Marlins game. For places to eat, there are way too many places to name. I guess I’d take them to try different cuisines and go to well known restaurants. Also, would have to get out for a boat day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I know it is a cliche, but I would have to thank God first and foremost for allowing me to be here and pursue this endeavor. I believe with Him all things are possible. Some of the individuals that I have looked up to in the industry would be Chris Zarou, Dave Free, Diddy, Jay Z, Jimmy Iovine, Paul Rosenberg, and Scooter Braun. Those guys are moguls that I feel created their own lane, worked hard to get to where they are today, and didn’t take no for an answer. They were able to successfully branch out into different areas of the music industry and other industries.

Website: https://www.meirecordings.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meirecordings/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meirecordings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/meirecordings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meirecordings/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9aU_FGY6r_z89MtDw6vLw
Other: https://soundcloud.com/meirecordings

Image Credits
Jason Tyler (@j.tyler.photo) Debbie A. Photography (@debbieaphotography)