We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Omari Mcclain a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Omari, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
If I could go back in time, I do wish I had started my creative career earlier. My first experience in college wasn’t even focused on music—I pursued a degree as an autobody technician, learning to repair and paint vehicles. At the time, I had a passion for music and the industry, but I didn’t have the knowledge or connections to navigate it. I wasn’t aware that pursuing music through formal education or structured opportunities was even an option until much later when my entertainment attorney mentioned it.
It wasn’t until my late 20s or early 30s that I decided to chase a career in music and enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University. While I’m grateful for the path I eventually found, starting later meant learning through trial and error and making mistakes later in life that I could’ve corrected much earlier had I started sooner.
That said, every experience—early or late—has shaped who I am today. Starting earlier may have given me more time to refine my craft and learn the business, but the journey I’ve taken has taught me invaluable lessons and given me unique perspectives that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Omari, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
For those who may not know, I wear many hats in the music industry. I’m a recording engineer, mix engineer, co-producer, booking coordinator, graphic designer, and social media manager for artists, among other roles. My journey began as a college student when I started recording friends who were aspiring artists. We worked on music together, performed at local clubs, and developed their identities, including creating stage names and crafting their brand presence.
This passion led me to establish my own record label, So Be It Entertainment, where I began to dive deeper into the industry. I learned something new every day—whether it was about the technical side of music production or the nuances of the business itself. Through trial, error, and perseverance, I’ve continuously refined my skills and adapted to the ever-evolving music landscape.
Even now, I’m constantly working to improve my sound, my production quality, and my ability to structure great songs. What sets me apart is my hands-on approach and my commitment to the artists I work with—I’m deeply invested in their growth and success. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built, the knowledge I’ve gained, and the creative work I’ve been able to bring to life.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
One of the biggest misconceptions non-creatives often have is the assumption that anyone involved in music or running a record label should experience instant success or wealth. They don’t always understand the uphill battle creatives face in building a fanbase, getting their music heard, and standing out in a highly competitive industry.
With advancements in technology allowing people to record music from home and the accessibility of streaming platforms, the competition has grown exponentially. Thousands of new tracks are uploaded daily, making it increasingly challenging to capture attention and find an audience.
Beyond the music itself, creatives are also navigating an industry that’s constantly evolving, requiring adaptability and resilience. Success takes time, persistence, and an incredible amount of effort behind the scenes—far from the “overnight success” many might imagine.
It’s not an easy journey, but understanding these challenges can help non-creatives appreciate the dedication and hard work that goes into building a career in music or any creative field.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My primary goal is to make a living doing what I love—creating music and contributing to the success of talented artists. I strive to be remembered as someone who not only produced great music but also played a pivotal role in helping artists achieve global recognition.
If I’m being honest, I also aspire to earn accolades and awards for my work in music. These achievements would symbolize the dedication and effort I’ve poured into my craft. Above all, I want my hard work and passion to be recognized and appreciated.
Contact Info:
