We recently connected with Chris Nicolaou and have shared our conversation below.

Chris , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I’ve been producing music for roughly 11 years. But, it’s only recently (over the last three or four years) that I’ve actually earned recognition for my work. That’s because it took roughly seven years to become worthy of recognition, period. My partner at Phantom City Records, 7 Tha Great, is a prolific rapper from Dallas. He came in everyday for the first five years we worked together and never once asked for a beat from me. (of course this was my ultimate goal). So, instead of forcing the issue, asking him to get on one of my tracks, or send him beats unsolicited. I just kept working to get better – Day in, day out honing my craft, studying the music, learning arrangement etc. Until finally, one day and five years later, he walked in and came straight into the studio asking about the beat I was working on. From that point on, I’ve been his producer and it’s that relationship that has led to almost every opportunity or accolade I’ve achieved thus far in this industry.

It’s very important to be patient and learn your craft,

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

Im a Dallas area hip-hop producer, artist and entrepreneur. In 2015 I opened my first business, Audia Creatives, a graphic design studio in Deep Ellum. Not long after, in 2017, I launched my second business, a hip-hop record label called Phantom City Records, also based in Deep Ellum. Both businesses were founded for the same fundamental purpose – to provide small businesses, entrepreneurs and unsigned artists an opportunity to realize their dreams by offering industry grade work and professional services for fair prices. Off the top of my head – we do, Websites, Photography, Videography, Graphic Design, Commercial Scoring, Podcasts, Audio Engineering and Recording. You name it, we do it.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

There’s a lot, but one I’m sure of –

To anybody interested in pursuing a life in a creative field – TRIGGER WARNING – Santa Clause, The Tooth Fairy and Leprechauns don’t exist – neither does “doing it for the love of it.” Viewing your work through this lens is fruitless, meaningless and is the quickest way to be labeled an amateur. Be prepared to strike a balance between your creative liberties and what makes you money. Trust me, I know it hurts but someone needs to say it.

For example, I truly believed if you worked hard enough and made extraordinary music I would be successful. Truth is, it has to be commercially viable and you’re opinion has nothing to do what the market demands. Money is inextricably tied to everything. Start tuning your self accordingly.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As far as the record label goes – our vision is to provide local talent an alternative to uprooting themselves in pursuit of their dreams. We want to eventually compete with major labels and keep artists in Dallas. period.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.phantomcityrecords.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poofymanpcr/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCRlife/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgzsFLMApTRhy2lCFOc6Eg
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/phantom-city-records-dallas

Image Credits
Nick Van House Ashley Koops LT Thornton