Ten Questions with Mathew Knowles
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Long before being put in the spotlight as manager and father of superstar Beyonce and Solange, Mathew Knowles was an astute business man. Below is an interview with one of the hardest working men in music.
Ten Questions with Mathew Knowles
By Shelia M. Goss
What direction do you plan to take with the newly revamped Spirit Rising Music?
Mathew Knowles: Our new gospel label is all about the youth movement in America. Our focus will be on our youth with some Spirit Rising compilation for the older demo as well. We believe to reach our youth that the music has to be relevant to what they are listening to with inspirational messages.
What made you decide to take a leap of faith to manage a teenage girl group and quit your lucrative job at Xerox?
Mathew Knowles: After the group losing on Star Search I realized as a father I had to be involved in someway helping my daughter dream come true.
Was there ever a time you regretted this decision and wanted to go
back into corporate America?
Mathew Knowles: Never have I regretted it. Was it easy? No.
If Beyonce or Solange weren't in entertainment, do you think you
would still have entwined your love for music with your business savvy?
Mathew Knowles: Good Question. I do know I would be in a business that I had passion for.
How do you deal with the pressure of having the "next" hit record?
Mathew Knowles: We don't put that type pressure on ourselves. Our success has been greatly to our team of artist, producers and writers who get in a room and work together with the goal of making it the best that it can be. I've witnessed a lot of spiritual moments in those recording session regardless of genre of music.
What's one of the hardest obstacles you've had to face personally or
professionally and how did you overcome it?
Mathew Knowles: The hardest professional obstacle is the music industry itself and the day to day challenges. Also being Beyonce and Solange's father has sometimes been an obstacle. Sometimes you don't get the deserved respect from the music industry when you are a parent. I didn't in the beginning but I absolutely get that respect today.
What advice would you give someone interested in a music career?
Mathew Knowles: If you don't wake up and go to sleep thinking and wanting music and the music industry this is not for you. If you're not willing to put in the work it's not for you and lastly if you think success comes overnight, this certainly is not for you.
You've accomplished a lot and I applaud you. What's next for Mathew Knowles?
Mathew Knowles: Focus on the record label.
How do you stay motivated?
Mathew Knowles: I absolutely LOVE what I do. Everyday is a blessing. To be able to do what you have passion for, work with family and see artist reach their dreams is so fulfilling.
If you could describe yourself in just three words, what would
they be?
Mathew Knowles: Faith, Family, Finances
By Shelia M. Goss
What direction do you plan to take with the newly revamped Spirit Rising Music?
Mathew Knowles: Our new gospel label is all about the youth movement in America. Our focus will be on our youth with some Spirit Rising compilation for the older demo as well. We believe to reach our youth that the music has to be relevant to what they are listening to with inspirational messages.
What made you decide to take a leap of faith to manage a teenage girl group and quit your lucrative job at Xerox?
Mathew Knowles: After the group losing on Star Search I realized as a father I had to be involved in someway helping my daughter dream come true.
Was there ever a time you regretted this decision and wanted to go
back into corporate America?
Mathew Knowles: Never have I regretted it. Was it easy? No.
If Beyonce or Solange weren't in entertainment, do you think you
would still have entwined your love for music with your business savvy?
Mathew Knowles: Good Question. I do know I would be in a business that I had passion for.
How do you deal with the pressure of having the "next" hit record?
Mathew Knowles: We don't put that type pressure on ourselves. Our success has been greatly to our team of artist, producers and writers who get in a room and work together with the goal of making it the best that it can be. I've witnessed a lot of spiritual moments in those recording session regardless of genre of music.
What's one of the hardest obstacles you've had to face personally or
professionally and how did you overcome it?
Mathew Knowles: The hardest professional obstacle is the music industry itself and the day to day challenges. Also being Beyonce and Solange's father has sometimes been an obstacle. Sometimes you don't get the deserved respect from the music industry when you are a parent. I didn't in the beginning but I absolutely get that respect today.
What advice would you give someone interested in a music career?
Mathew Knowles: If you don't wake up and go to sleep thinking and wanting music and the music industry this is not for you. If you're not willing to put in the work it's not for you and lastly if you think success comes overnight, this certainly is not for you.
You've accomplished a lot and I applaud you. What's next for Mathew Knowles?
Mathew Knowles: Focus on the record label.
How do you stay motivated?
Mathew Knowles: I absolutely LOVE what I do. Everyday is a blessing. To be able to do what you have passion for, work with family and see artist reach their dreams is so fulfilling.
If you could describe yourself in just three words, what would
they be?
Mathew Knowles: Faith, Family, Finances
For more information about Spirit Rising Music, visit the website: http://www.spiritrisingmusic.com
Interview by Shelia M Goss, an entertainment writer and author of My Invisible Husband and Roses are thorns, Violets are true. For more information, visit www.sheliagoss.com.
1 Comments:
commented by 
Anonymous, 9:50 AM
Anonymous, 9:50 AM
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Check for new music from Norwood
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Watch "Eighth Wonder of the World"
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You can also listen to more clips from the album on his official site: www.justnorwoodmusic.com