Episode 1310: DVERSE Media CEO, Benny Pough and London Rocker, Niro Knox

Chris Collins Show

JUST TALKING

Veteran Music Industry Executive and D.VERSE Media CEO, Benny Pough joins JUST TALKING to share his story about ON IMPACT: Life, Leadership, and Betting on Yourself. “GRINDING, GRINDING, GRINDING!” Benny’s been in the game for over 30 years—what’s changed? The title of his book ON IMPACT has a double meaning. It took a near death experience — you’ve got to hear this story. While recovering Benny developed the acronym IMPACT (Intuition, Mastery, Pivot, Authenticity, Connection and Teamwork), a journey from an 11 year old paperboy to current day CEO. We all start somewhere. Looking for an opportunity. Benny found his moment as a young standup comedian—BUT what’s more interesting is how not telling jokes catapulted his career. Benny has worked at Motown Records, Perspective Records (Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis), Arista Records, MCA Records and Def Jam Records — are there any record companies left? Love or hate it, it’s that time of the year. Christmas is around the corner and thanks to Benny one artist dropped a Christmas song that will be played to the end of time. Time to Pivot! Benny shares his experience leaving Def Jam to become the president at Roc Nation—" it was a natural fit, it was great, had some really big success—it was time to take a chance.” ON IMPACT is about Betting on Yourself. Radio’s not dead. It still has value. BUT how do today’s upcoming artists survive the streaming wars and social media demand? Keep in mind Taylor Swift sold millions of vinyl records—BUT who has a record player anymore?! “You’re not going to be IT today but definitely going to be IT tomorrow.” Young artists look for the opportunity to sell your artistry — it’s all part of the GRIND! Love, share and follow: https://www.bennypough.com

Strike A Chord

London Rock guitarist Niro Knox joins STRIKE A CHORD to discuss his upcoming album release. Niro’s been playing in rock bands since Slash has been shredding Guns N’ Roses; King Lizard, KilliT and Holloway Hell. Niro is now stepping front and center with his own LP. Spilling tea, sipping tea and just plain old tea time, Niro originally from Israel moved to London 19 years ago and found his guitar pick in the local rock scene. Inspired by rock legends of the time, it was natural to resonate with being a kick ass guitarist. Later Niro found a disconnect between music and songs—what does that mean? Niro worked with Rasmus Bon Andersen (Diamond Head) to prepare as lead singer on this new album—BUT how did a cheeky t-shirt link up the two artists? Record label or self-publish? Niro made a conscious decision to produce this album on his own—BUT why not join a record label for the extra support? What does it really cost to produce a track at a studio like Abbey Road or Fiction? Niro started a Kickstarter campaign to help fund this album. Listen to the demos. It’s time to have a cuppa and ROCK! Support this kick ass artist: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/niroknox/debut-album-21