We recently connected with Remon Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Remon, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

Some of the biggest trends I’m seeing in my industry obviously has been the use of technology and artificial intelligence. I got started back in 2008. Since then, I’ve been involved in a little bit of everything. At some point or another I’ve touched music, radio, podcasting, TV, film, fashion; the list goes on. In that time, I’ve watched things change drastically. The technology that has developed in that time has made it possible for people to get projects done easier, cheaper and faster. From my perspective, there are just as many positives as there are negatives.

For example, one positive is that things are more accessible. There are people who can’t afford to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a formal education or investing in equipment, but maybe they are incredibly creative. These days people are filming movies, recording podcasts and creating music with their iPhone. Technology makes it easier for creatives to create. The downside to that is the barrier of entry is much lower. Which means literally ANYBODY can do it. The market gets oversaturated, and people don’t have to respect the craft anymore. If you don’t have to go through the process of investing time, energy and money into your craft, there’s a chance you’re probably not going to care as much about quality. So, the work isn’t pure anymore, it’s stepped on. The products are watered down. And you can tell because everything is so fleeting now. The work doesn’t stand the test of time anymore.

Then, there’s the rise of artificial intelligence. With AI, people can type in a short prompt and have an app do all the work for them. People are using AI to write scripts, songs, create artwork and so much more. Which again, has it’s down sides. People become dependent on it and maybe even lazy to a certain extent. There are people who have spent years developing a skill, and now someone can come create the same product with the use of an app.

There are so many layers to this, and I don’t want to sound like the old guy that says, “Well, back in my day…” So, I think I’ll stop here for now. But, as someone who works in the advertising and entertainment industries, I think it’s fair to warn people they have to be adaptable. Technology isn’t slowing down, and AI isn’t going anywhere. So, the sooner creatives learn to make these tools work to their advantage, the better it’ll be for them.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

So again, I started out as a recording artist, back in 2008. At the time, I noticed there weren’t many, if any, media outlets that allowed new, local, underground or independent artists to share their work. So, I created one and launched a website, The Urban Advocate, in 2009. I featured recording artists, visual artists, clothing designers, community leaders and much more. That venture led me into radio, film work, philanthropy and a host of other things. I was a co-host of The Vincent Tucker Radio Show which lasted 11 years and won 19 awards. I was a part of building The Anger Room, which was the original “rage room”…before those were a thing. I’ve worked with a few different community organizations like MBK Dallas. I’ve been helping organize feed the homeless drives, visited and spoke with kids in youth prisons, organized clothing drives, shoe drives, voter registration drives…and many other things to serve the community. I actually have a President’s Volunteer Service Award, which is kinda cool.

Film work is what I’m focused on these days. I’ve released short films, shot promotional videos for companies and shot podcasts, as well. Recently, I’ve directed and produced a few TV segments with my partner Suave Burgandy that appeared on the CW network and worked on a couple film projects. I’ve been quietly working on a couple of documentaries, one of which will be released in 2024. I have a few projects I’m working on this year and I’m in the process of rebranding. I feel like I’ve been laying the foundation for everything that’s coming next, so I’m excited for this next phase and next chapter in my journey. I think it’s going to be more impactful than anything I’ve done previously.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’ve had to pivot multiple times in my life. business and career. Again, I’ve been involved in so many aspects of media and entertainment in my life. I recently spoke to a group of high school students preparing for college and the main thing I spoke to them about was pivoting. Sometimes you start out doing one thing and realize there may be a better path for you. One of the biggest pivots I’ve made was going from music to videography. I love music. I enjoyed writing and I enjoyed performing. I’ll always be involved in music, in one way or another. But my camera has opened up more doors and created more opportunities for me than the microphone. There’s a scripture in the Bible, Proverbs 19:21, that says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” So, we can make all the plans in the world but sometimes life steers us in a different direction. In which case, you can’t be afraid to pivot.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The mission for my creative journey is the same mission I had when I started The Urban Advocate: to entertain, enlighten and inspire. I’ve never really cared for people to know me, I just want them to know and respect my work. Of course, everyone wants to make money and be successful, but what does any of that matter if you have to sacrifice your integrity. I want the work that I do to have a positive impact in people’s lives. I told someone a long time ago, I want to bring light to the lives of the people I cross paths with. I want the same thing for my work. I want it to be meaningful and have purpose. Numbers don’t matter as much to me, impact does. So, if I can accomplish that, then I will consider what I’ve done successful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/urbanadvocate
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/theurbanadvocate

Image Credits
The 96 Twinz SoSo City