Batman: Party Starter

A few days ago, we had readers submit questions for Batman, who runs his own street promotions company in VA. The Takeover had a scheduled interview, but we’re going to be trying something different this time around. Batman came through and answered most of the questions you guys left. He also said he would comeback and answer questions left in the comments. We still plan on doing an official interview, because we have questions we would like answered. But feel free to post your questions in the comments. This experience will be a lot more interactive than a traditional interview. We like thinking outside of the box!

On how he became interested in the promotions business

Basically, I was watching TV(circa 2001) and saw the Jay-Z “H to the izzo” video. I was feeling the lyrics, the video, and the swagger. That sparked my interest. I also peeped Dame. He was in the video but still the backbone of the movement. That made me want to do promotions. I then researched by looking at videos, reading books on Russell Simmons, P. Diddy, Kevin Liles, [as well as] interviews with Jay-Z, Master P, the owners of Fubu, Pharrell, Clipse and others. I knew the next step was to get in. I knew I would need to intern for somebody, so I went to the malls and just observed people dropping flyers in stores.

I decided, “Ok. I’ll work in a store with high traffic. I’ll get a check, meet different people, and get my networking and social skills up. After a couple months, I started asking everyone, leaving flyers, how to get on a team like Def Jam. Soon enough, I ran into a member and expressed my interest, determination, and loyalty. They called me early the next morning, and I started interning that day for a Joe Buddens and Young Gunz show. After months of paying dues, putting up posters, flyers, etc., I started to observe my boss; who he was talking to and what they were talking about. I absorbed it and slowly became more vocal and more determined. I went out of my way to prove myself to my boss, artists, radio station reps, and club owners. Through persistence, I got a little name for myself. After sometime, I had finished my internship and branched out [with my own promotions] team. I used the relationships I made to get my first clients and we proved ourselves. We slowly built more relationships with clubs and magazines and TV shows. I did interviews, networked, and self promoted like crazy.

Getting Paid, promotion methods, and linking up with corporate clients

There wasn’t a lot of money starting out, and the money varies on your experience, team size, and your market. If you live in CA, TX, FL or ATL, you should have more than enough opportunities and potential clients to build. My team has done some political functions and campaigns. But music is what we started in and that is always our main focus. We use all resources to promote artists: From hand-to-hand distribution, Myspace and Facebook bulletins to text messages. It all works in conjunction. Corporate clients come with having a resume of proven events, clients that will vouch for you, and by being proactive and professional enough to get in contact and propose a plan to a corporate client. It’s time consuming, but it can be done. Sponsorship for parties comes the same way.

His team

I have 10 people on my team and a lot of reserve people, if we need more help. It’s all about being creative. You do have to love this type of work, first off. To do well and set your self apart, you also have to be creative with your ideas. For example, I do video commercials for upcoming events and post them on Myspace pages just for a change of pace—something interactive.

How you can get into the promotions business

To start [a promotions business], it costs relatively nothing. Your most powerful asset is your connections in your phone. The more you have, the better off you will be. Knowledge is power. I can find out about upcoming events early, so I can make a bid for that account. I can cut through the line at a club and get introduced to artists through mutual friends. Social Skills are very necessary, so if you’re not a talker, not ambitious or determined, this might not be for you.

What he does in his free time [Visits Corporate Takeover]

I, personally, don’t have a lot of free time. There is always something you can do. [Whether it's] be at a club or be on Myspace, Facebook, TheCorporateTakeover.net, Allhiphop.com, Sohh.com and doing research so you know what’s going on.

Expanding the business

We plan on expanding [the business] by doing out of town trips. Bus trips are a good way to expand. You can get a free trip somewhere, make a little money, and if you do a good job, your customers will become part of your fan base for future events. Also, [we are expanding] by hosting our own nights at different clubs.

Advice for aspiring artists

Artists: everything is good promotion. Do what I did; be out at every event. Meet and introduce yourself at every college fashion show, concert, and then be consistent. Have your CDs with you everywhere you go. They should be out. Also, have business cards made.

Being a good promoter, and why clubs need promoters

You shouldn’t be happy with a job unless the party sells out. If it doesn’t, [that means] you can always improve. Clubs need promoters because we are the streets. Promoters are usually pretty popular anyway, or should be. I’ve been doing promotion for 6 years now, and I’m only 24 so I’m doing pretty well. The earlier you start in this business, the better. When I interned, all of the bosses in the city were in their 30s. I’m a young boss in my market. I’m also the most known in my whole area, which makes me proud but not content. There are always more things I can improve.

Last thing; never underestimate the power of a good, supportive street team. I’m only 1 person. I do a lot but my team does as much as me—it’s the whole divide and conquer. My whole team can get into different clubs all around the city when I’m not around. That’s independence, delegating responsibility, and transferring power. Shout out to my team, Darknight Ent …always brand yourself. The slogan is …ROLL WITH THE WINNERS!!

BATMAN, CEO of DarKnight Ent

http://WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DARKNIGHTENT