We were lucky to catch up with Freddie Harb recently and have shared our conversation below.
Freddie, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
It all started when I was DJing regularly at bars and clubs around San Diego. I was getting booked so much that it became difficult to manage, and a few of my friends, who were also DJs, were experiencing the same thing. We were basically trying to juggle too many bookings, and it was clear we needed a better system to handle it all. That’s when the idea for Sleeping Giant Music came to life. At first SGM was a record label but the mp3 came out and halted that endeavor, but all of us DJs we’re doing well and we pivoted to a booking agency.
At first, it was just about organizing our own gigs. But as things took off, we realized we could create something bigger—a platform that helped other artists too. We knew this would work because we were addressing a real need in the industry: making the booking process easier for both venues and entertainers. We weren’t just managing gigs; we were providing a solution to a chaotic system that many DJs struggled with.
What really excited me was the potential to grow beyond just club gigs. There was a huge demand for entertainment at corporate events and weddings, so we expanded to create SGM Events. We weren’t just a bunch of DJs booking each other anymore—we were building a business that helped all kinds of clients find the right entertainment for their events. That’s when I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’ve been DJ’ing since high school, so music has always been a part of my life. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to play at some incredible venues and events, and that passion naturally transitioned into running my own businesses. Today, I’m the president and founder of Sleeping Giant Music (https://sleepinggiantmusic.com), I own NOS Recordings (https://nosrecordings.com), and own Distinct Mastering (https://distinctmastering.com). Each company represents a different side of the music industry—whether it’s managing bookings, providing entertainment for events, producing music, or offering high-quality mastering services.
What we do best is solve problems for our clients. At Sleeping Giant Music, we simplify the booking process. Whether you’re looking for a DJ, a live band, or alternative entertainment, we make it easy for clients to find exactly what they need. On the production side, NOS Recordings is my newest endeavor along with Erick Diaz and Lavelle Dupree. It’s a platform to self release our music and eventually we to showcase other talent on the label, while Distinct Mastering ensures that the quality of the music clients put out is top-notch. All of the mastering at NOS Recordings is done by myself at Distinct Mastering for a consistent sound and the art direction is done by Erick Diaz’s agency Anonm (https://www.theanonymagency.com).
What sets us apart is our experience and our commitment to quality. The founders of SGM were all DJs, so we understand the industry from the inside. We know what it takes to create a memorable event or produce an amazing track because we’ve been doing it for years. I’m really proud of the fact that we’ve grown from managing local gigs to becoming a full-service entertainment company that serves clients on a international scale.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a team can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with creatives, but the key for me has always been communication and trust. I try to make sure that everyone on the team knows exactly what their role is, but I also give them the freedom to explore their own ideas. People are more motivated when they feel like they have ownership over their work.
Another big thing is celebrating wins—whether it’s a new client or a successful event, we always take the time to acknowledge when things go right. It keeps the team motivated and reminds us why we do what we do. I’ve also learned the importance of listening. Understanding what your team needs and what motivates them individually goes a long way in keeping morale high and the work environment positive.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
When we started Sleeping Giant Music, we were one of the first companies to operate the way we did. Three of the owners are DJs, so we knew exactly what artists needed when it came to bookings, payments, and professionalism. That gave us a unique perspective, and I think that’s what helped us build our reputation early on.
We’ve always focused on building trust—both with our clients and with the artists we represent. We deliver quality every time, and we don’t cut corners. That consistency is what helped Sleeping Giant Music grow, and over time, people began to trust us as a reliable source for entertainment. It also helps that we’ve built strong relationships in the industry over the years. That network has been invaluable in helping us continue to grow and expand into new areas.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://freshcobarmusic.com / https://djfreshone.com / https://sleepinggiantmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshcobarmusic / https://www.instagram.com/deejayfreshone/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deejayfreshone / https://www.facebook.com/FreshcobarMusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freshone/
- Twitter: https://x.com/FreshcobarMusic / https://x.com/djfreshone
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLXqCjiSXAIddT6YV6uDOew
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/freshcobarmusic
Image Credits
Jeff Corrigan