We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ricko Clark a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ricko, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
The Beginning:
It all started with my passion for music and sound. My brother and I began making music in my mom’s garage. We couldn’t wait to get home after school to create, using multiple cassette tapes to layer different sounds. Back then, we didn’t have the luxury of digital tools—no Pro Tools, just pure creativity and determination. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for the process of building something from the ground up, which still drives me today.
The idea for Jazzi Musiq Productions was born from that love for both production and engineering.
From Idea to Action:
Once I had the idea, the first step was learning everything I could about running a studio. I already had experience as a producer and engineer, but running a full-fledged studio was a different challenge. I began researching studio setups, equipment, and acoustics. I invested countless hours in understanding the technical side—how to create the right environment for artists, not just sonically, but atmospherically.
The Early Days – The Setback:
When it came time to build my dream studio, I wanted to make sure everything was perfect—both in design and functionality. I hired a contractor to take on the job, expecting a professional, smooth process. Unfortunately, that was far from what I got.
The contractor turned out to be unprofessional. He started the project but then became unreliable, missed deadlines, and failed to communicate. I had already paid him for most of the work, but he couldn’t finish the job. It was a tough moment—I had put my trust and money into the wrong hands, and the progress of my studio came to a halt. I had to figure out how to move forward.
Bouncing Back:
Instead of letting that setback stop me, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I researched how to finish parts of the studio myself and hired more reliable professionals to help where I needed expertise. It was an expensive and stressful lesson, but it taught me the importance of finding people you can trust when building something important.
Despite the setback, I kept pushing, and eventually, the studio came together. In the end, it was worth it because it taught me resilience and problem-solving—skills I carry into every session now.
Learning Curve:
Once the studio was up and running, the next few months were a steep learning curve. I had to handle everything from setting up recording sessions to mixing and mastering, while also learning about the business side—contracts, pricing, and building relationships with clients. It wasn’t easy, but every session taught me something new. I began to understand how to give artists what they wanted while pushing them to explore their potential sonically.
Breakthrough:
As word spread, more artists came through the door, and I was able to grow the studio. It wasn’t just about having the right gear—it was about creating a vibe that made artists feel like they could be their best. It took time, persistence, and a lot of trial and error, but eventually, Jazzi Musiq Productions became more than a studio. It became a place where artists trusted me with their vision.
Looking Back:
What started as an idea evolved into a full-blown business because I was willing to put in the work—learning the industry, making connections, and perfecting my craft every day. Even though there were setbacks, like the contractor who almost derailed my plans, I never lost
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About Me & Jazzi Musiq Productions
My name is Ricko Clark, and I’m the proud founder of Jazzi Musiq Productions. Music has always been a part of my life, and it started long before I became a producer or engineer. My brother and I used to rush home after school to make music in my mom’s garage. We didn’t have the technology that’s common today; instead, we worked with cassette tapes, layering sounds and creating tracks manually. That experience ignited my passion for music and taught me the value of creativity and hard work, which has shaped my approach to music production today.
Jazzi Musiq Productions was born out of my love for music and sound engineering. We specialize in studio recording, production, mixing, and mastering for all types of artists and musicians. Our services go beyond just the technical side of things—we help bring an artist’s vision to life by paying close attention to detail, ensuring that their unique sound is captured and enhanced. We offer the ability to record everything from drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, vocals, and more, which allows artists to have a fully immersive experience when they come into the studio.
What We Solve
For our clients, we solve the problem of capturing their sound in the best way possible. Many artists have a vision but struggle to translate it into a finished product that stands out. We work with them, guiding them through every step of the recording process, providing expertise not only in the technical aspects of sound engineering but also in the creative direction of their music. We help them find the right balance between creativity and quality, so their work sounds exactly the way they envision it—or even better.
What Sets Us Apart
What sets Jazzi Musiq Productions apart is our commitment to creating a personal and collaborative environment. It’s not just about the studio time; it’s about crafting an experience where artists feel supported and inspired. We know that creativity thrives when you feel comfortable, which is why we put so much emphasis on the vibe and the atmosphere of our sessions. Another key factor that sets us apart is my hands-on experience as both a producer and an engineer, combined with years of industry knowledge. I’ve been in the shoes of the artist, so I know what it takes to make a recording session successful. I’ve also built this studio from the ground up, even overcoming setbacks like hiring an unprofessional contractor who nearly derailed the progress. That perseverance shows in the quality of service I bring to my clients.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the growth and evolution of Jazzi Musiq Productions over the years. From the early days of recording in a garage to now owning a full-fledged production studio, I’ve watched it all grow into something bigger than I could have imagined. Seeing the artists I’ve worked with evolve and succeed is something that brings me great pride. I’ve had the pleasure of working with incredibly talented individuals who trust me to bring their vision to life.
What I Want People to Know
At the end of the day, what I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that Jazzi Musiq Productions isn’t just about making music—it’s about creating a memorable experience. Whether you’re an up-and-coming artist or a seasoned professional, we’re here to ensure that your project gets the care, attention, and expertise it deserves. Our slogan says it all: It’s not just Musiq, it’s a way of life. Music is deeply embedded in everything we do, and we’re here to help you make your best work yet.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has definitely been a combination of consistency and an unwavering focus on attention to detail.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The majority of my business has come from referrals. When you treat people well and consistently deliver excellent work, they naturally want to share that experience with others. Word of mouth has been invaluable in growing my clientele. Artists talk, and when they have a great experience at Jazzi Musiq Productions, they tell their friends, collaborators, and industry contacts. This organic growth has been the foundation of my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jazzimusiq.com
- Instagram: @ricko_clark
- Facebook: Ricko Clark