Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rebekah Ragland. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rebekah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I’m very happy as a creative individual; it’s honestly better than having a regular job. I have the creative ability to select various artists’ music, and curate it into a playlist that flows and sounds like an in studio produced album. When I had first started getting into my entrepreneurial business, I was still working a regular job maintaining 40 hours a week. That was a bit of a struggle trying to find the balance of putting time into my business, while working for someone else’s business. I was under a lot of stress and pressure due to giving myself deadlines to get my curated playlist out. It wasn’t until this past February when I decided to quit my job and fully focus on bringing Independent and Underground through AndrettiiBadu Records to life. Now I’m really on a mission to bring and be the first Black owned record store/recording studio to my city.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I introduced myself into the music industry as a freelance A&R; artist and repertoire (mainly underground, music that isn’t mainstream) back in 2020. In November, I had dropped my first curated playlist Independent and Underground Volume 1. This playlist featured twenty songs from independent artists that I had selected, to create the sound as if these artists had worked together for a collaborative album. I provide access and the ability to share their music through platforms such as; Amazon Music, Apple Music, Deezer, Spotify, Tidal, YouTube, and YouTube Music. I create all of my playlist through Apple Music, so when I run into a problem with a song that hasn’t transferred to another platform; I reach out to that artist to get that situated. Simple problem that can be worked out.

What sets me apart from others, I would say my keen ear and attention to details when it comes to samples in music. When googling the best definition of sampling it read, “In sound and music, sampling is the reuse of a portion (or sample) of a sound recording in another recording. Samples may comprise elements such as rhythm, melody, speech, sound effects or longer portions of music, and may be layered, equalized, sped up or slowed down, repitched, looped, or otherwise manipulated.” I am able to listen to current music thats been released and recognize the original sample. I also curated a playlist that focuses just on samples, ‘Sucka For Samples’ and ‘Sucka For Samples II’.

I’m the most proud of how consistent I’ve been and also how many artists I’ve connected with in the past few years. Honestly without them, none of this would be possible. I’ve met and became friends with many artists and producers from all over. It’s truly unbelievable how everything is starting to blossom. Networking is the key to success. I want to continue to reach out and help as many independent artists as I can and eventually create an independent record label.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes! My goal is to create an independent record label to continue to help independent artists. Like I stated previously, I want to be the first Black owned record store/recording studio company here in my city of Bowling Green. I want to bring a creative space for artists and other creatives to come shop for records; but also have the ability to create the music that they purchased, with in house producers. With this being said, I would need a team of hardworking, creative individuals who all love and share the passion of music. That’s my next goal to expand my team, and bring everything to life.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I actually have a few books in my collection that come to mind, on of my favorites, ‘The 48 Laws of Power’ by Robert Greene. This book along with the Bible have valuable lessons and advice which helps with the obstacles and relationships you go through in life. The 48 Laws of Power teaches you how to make powerful moves, in which you’ll need for any successful business. Robert Greene also wrote ‘Mastery’ where it helps you explore the journey into becoming a master in any field through dedication, patience, and learning from your mentors.

Another book that has helped me is Don Miguel Ruiz’s ‘The Four Agreements’. Ruiz explains the four principles of living a meaningful life which includes; “Be impeccable with your word”, “Do not take anything personally”, “Do not make assumptions”, and “Always do your best”. Hs other book, ‘The Fifth Agreement’ explains, “Be skeptical, but learn to listen.”

‘The Art of War’ by Sun Tzu is another great favorite of mine, where it teaches you to know when to fight and when not to fight, the knowing how to mislead the enemy, and the knowing oneself and one’s enemy.

I also enjoy reading biographies of the greats and many documentaries of all kinds.

These books helped shaped me into the person I am today, and the success behind my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/AndrettiiBadu
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrettiibadu
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndrettiiBadu