We recently connected with Craig Mizell and have shared our conversation below.

Craig, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is the “Five for Five Live Experience” series. Let me share the backstory and why it means so much to me.

After almost 15 years of producing music for various clients, I decided it was time to take a leap of faith and produce my own project. This wasn’t just about making music; it was about bringing artists together. The first part of this journey happened in September 2022, featuring solo artists, including National Recording Artist, LEXI. We recorded live, capturing the raw and genuine performances of five artists in one night. It was electric!

By February 2023, the project had grown to include choirs, and we even had the Detroit Youth Choir join us. This second iteration showcased the incredible power of group performances and brought a whole new level of energy and excitement.

Growing up as an only child, I always craved collaboration and community. Music often felt like a solitary pursuit for me, and I felt like I was on an island. Stepping out and doing the “Five for Five Live Experience” was a big challenge because I had gotten used to working alone as a music producer. But after countless hours of preparation and hard work, we successfully created 20 singles for 10 different artists. My production company, My-Zeal Productions, Co., was able to produce two compilation records, with three more on the way.

This project means the world to me because it marks a huge step in my personal and professional growth. Branching out as an artist and executive producer for my own project, while bringing others into the fold and giving new independent artists a platform to record and release music, was a dream come true. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about creating the sense of community and collaboration that I had always longed for.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a third-generation musician, so moving into the production and business side of music felt like a natural progression for me. Growing up surrounded by music, I developed a deep passion for it, which eventually led me to establish My-Zeal Productions, Co. Our company provides a wide range of services, including music production, music direction, music mentorship, and music education. Through our non-profit initiative, Believe Big, we aim to offer a fun and enriching learning experience to children and teens. We also emphasize that being a musician, artist, or singer is not the only path to a successful career in the music industry.

At My-Zeal Productions, we tackle various challenges for our clients, primarily managing music-related aspects of their projects. Whether it’s supplying musicians and singers, handling full-scale music production and direction for events, or managing studio and live recordings, we strive to be a one-stop shop for all their needs. We also provide essential tools for these projects, including staging, lighting, audio/visual tools, and backline instruments to enhance the overall experience.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to excellence. We pride ourselves on delivering top-tier production quality. Our clients can trust that we will give our very best and operate with a spirit of excellence in every project we undertake.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how we’ve provided A-list production and work, regardless of the scale of the event or production. We ensure that every project we handle receives the same level of dedication and professionalism, whether a small, intimate gathering or a large-scale concert.

I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that My-Zeal Productions is dedicated to making their musical visions a reality. We’re passionate about what we do and committed to creating exceptional experiences through music.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my personal social media audience primarily on Instagram by promoting the talents of others. When I came across a young musician whose skills impressed me, I made it a point to repost and react to their videos. This approach not only highlighted their talents but also organically grew my own audience. By shining a spotlight on these budding artists, I was able to connect with a broader community that appreciated the same kind of musical excellence.

The concept of reaction videos was relatively new when I started, and I was fortunate to be an early adopter of this feature. I saw an opportunity to engage with my audience in a more dynamic and interactive way. My reactions added a personal touch, making the content more relatable and entertaining. People enjoyed seeing my genuine responses to the incredible talents of these young musicians, which helped foster a sense of community and connection.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to focus on authenticity and engagement. Here are a few tips:

Highlight Others: Promoting the talents of others can create a positive and supportive environment. It shows that you’re genuinely interested in the community and not just self-promotion.

Be Genuine: Authenticity resonates with people. Share your true reactions and thoughts. This builds trust and relatability with your audience.

Engage Actively: Respond to comments, engage with other users’ content, and be active in your community. Engagement is key to building a loyal following.

Consistent Content: Regularly posting quality content keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more. Consistency helps in building a recognizable brand.

Leverage New Features: Stay updated with the latest features on social media platforms and use them to your advantage. Being an early adopter can give you a competitive edge.

By focusing on these strategies, you can build a strong, engaged audience on social media. Remember, it’s about creating value and fostering connections, not just accumulating followers.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I believe that society can best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem through legislation that provides better financial support. It’s heartbreaking to see so many talented individuals across various art forms end up financially depleted. While some may face financial struggles due to their own choices, many suffer because they aren’t compensated fairly for their creative works. This is especially true for artists, songwriters, and musicians who are often taken advantage of by those who understand the business side better than they do.

One crucial step to addressing this issue is through comprehensive music business education. Educating artists about the intricacies of the industry can empower them to make informed decisions and protect their interests. By understanding contracts, royalties, and the overall business landscape, creatives can better navigate their careers and secure fair compensation for their work.

To further illustrate the financial challenges faced by artists, it’s important to understand the current compensation landscape, particularly in music streaming. Here are some statistics on how much money artists make per stream on various platforms:

Spotify: Approximately $0.003 to $0.005 per stream.
Apple Music: Around $0.007 to $0.01 per stream.
Amazon Music: Roughly $0.004 to $0.005 per stream.
YouTube: About $0.00067 per view.
Pandora: Around $0.00133 per stream.
Tidal: Approximately $0.01284 per stream.

These numbers show that it takes millions of streams for an artist to earn a substantial income from these platforms. For instance, on Spotify, an artist would need around 250,000 streams just to make $1,000. Given these low rates, it’s clear why many artists struggle financially despite having a large number of streams or views.

This stark reality underscores the importance of fair compensation for creative works. Implementing laws that ensure fair pay and protect intellectual property rights is essential. These measures can provide a safety net for artists and help prevent exploitation. Society benefits immensely from the contributions of creatives, and it’s only right that we support them in ways that allow them to thrive both artistically and financially.

By advocating for better financial support through legislation and emphasizing the importance of music business education, we can create a more equitable and sustainable environment for artists and creatives. This not only benefits the individuals but also enriches society as a whole by fostering a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://myzealproductions.com
• Instagram: @craigmizellceo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craig.mizell1/
• Twitter: @mizellmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu41QGXvJwm_F96QcLtEe3A