
Here’s a little treat! Manu Malik sat down with one of the Godfathers of this whole hip-hop in Canada thing and we’ve got the first look at the interview. Shouts to Ivan Berry for real for real…! Full interview under the hood!
IVAN BERRY INTERVIEW BY MANU MALIK
Manu: First, let me tell you that I truly appreciate everything that you’ve done for the music industry in Canada and the profound effect that being around you years ago has had on me. Second, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview.
Ivan: Thanks dude, much appreciated. It was my pleasure to be working with you.
Manu: I know it’s been a minute since we’ve talked and, as is always the case, the music business continues to evolve at rapid pace. A lot of people get left behind when there are big shifts in the way the music business functions but you’ve consistently been ahead of the curve. What characteristics do you possess that allow you to continually stay a step ahead of the pack and how do you think these characteristics were developed at a time when starting an independent record label was not a common occurrence like it is today?
Ivan: Great question. For me, I have learned at a very early age to listen and to keep an extreme open mind towards shifting paradigms, technology, and other elements that affect our industry. It’s certainly not rocket science, I love music, I have always wanted what’s best for the artists, I listen to the consumer, I stay current with the times and most importantly, if I’m not enjoying myself, then there’s a fundamental problem.
Manu: Clearly, a large part of your success has been a function of the strategic decisions you’ve made and the partnerships that you’ve entered into. Can you tell me what qualities you look for in the people and companies that you decide to enter into business relationships with and have the qualities you look for changed over the years?
Ivan: I have NEVER done business for the sake of making money, or I would have moved to the US already. I believe in Canadian talent and I have dedicated my life to developing Canadian talent. I do business with people that share the same vision of me and my colleagues. I do business with honest people. I do business with creative people that dedicate their lives to the cause and that push themselves to the ultimate limit, for this way success is guaranteed. I do business with people that I can learn from and people that inspire me, even if they’re less experienced than I am. I am always learning so I need people to help me keep current and who help keep the passion for Canadian world domination alive.
(more…)