We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Eric Thrasher a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, ERIC thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
My interest in the music industry was ignited during my senior year of high school when I began working at Soul Brothers Record Shop. While I had always enjoyed music, it was through this experience that I developed a deep passion for it. The proprietor of Soul Brothers Record Shop and True Soul Studio, Mr. Lee Anthony, had been my art teacher during my final year of high school.
Following the conclusion of the football season, I found myself with spare time after my fifth-period class. Recalling a television interview featuring Mr. Anthony discussing his recording studio, True Soul Studio, and record label, True Soul Records, I approached him with an inquiry about potential employment opportunities at Soul Brothers. Despite lacking prior experience in retail, particularly in the music industry, I expressed my genuine love for music as my motivation.
Mr. Anthony, intrigued by my enthusiasm, arranged for me to meet him at the store after school that day. There, he provided me with comprehensive on-the-job training, acquainting me with the organization of music inventory, pricing structure, operation of the cash register, and overall store procedures. His mentorship proved invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunity he afforded me. Thus began my journey in the music industry, and the rest, as they say, is history.
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.
Eric Thrasher Sr. is a seasoned Consultant and Adjunct Professor at MediaTech Institute.
Eric’s academic journey led him to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a focus on Marketing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR).
Venturing into independent street promotion, Eric collaborated with esteemed entities such as Total Experience Records, Elektra Records, Warner Bros. and RCA Records. His tenure at Soul Brothers Record Shop and True Soul Records further enriched his industry acumen.
Eric navigated through roles with major record labels, including Motown Records, International Records, Warner Bros, Virgin Records and Perspective Records. His contributions to Motown Records underscore his pivotal role in shaping the careers of renowned artists such as Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and Diana Ross, alongside nurturing emerging talents like Johnny Gill and Boyz II Men.
Transitioning to Warner/Reprise Records and Virgin Records, Eric continued to foster meaningful relationships within the entertainment industry, working with esteemed artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, El DeBarge, Take 6, Zapp & Roger ,Tina Turner, After 7 and Shaggy.
His tenure at Perspective Records, under the mentorship and guidance of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, showcased his adeptness at cultivating talents such as Mint Condition and Sounds of Blackness.
Embarking on consultancy endeavors with TRAMA Records and Shaquille O’Neal, Eric’s expertise in radio promotion and marketing strategy solidified his reputation as an industry leader.
Eric’s proudest accomplishments lie in his collaborations with esteemed colleagues and artists, alongside his unwavering commitment to family. His enduring relationships in the radio and entertainment sectors underscore his influence and legacy.
Eric’s dedication to education finds expression through his role at MediaTech Institute, where he imparts invaluable knowledge about music history and industry insights to aspiring young professionals, ensuring a legacy of excellence and mentorship for generations to come.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Society can best support artists and creatives by fostering a culture of appreciation, investing in arts education, providing funding and resources, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and respecting the value of creative work through fair compensation and recognition.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Yes, earlier awareness of mentorship programs, networking events, and online resources for skill development would have greatly enhanced my creative journey.
