We recently connected with Greg Maneikis and have shared our conversation below.

Greg, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The best investment I ever made was in my relationships with my band Black Sheep Optimists. We’ve been working on music for 5 years together now, and there were many times we could’ve folded for a variety of reasons. But we found ways to stay consistent no matter the adversity we faced. We’ve had a great 2022 that culminated with us getting a chance to headline the historic Pecan Street Festival here in Austin, TX on September 17th.

I’d say the biggest lesson I’ve learned from my time with the band is that there are always a million reasons to quit, but if you can find one reason to keep going, then you need to hold onto it like your life depends on it.

Greg, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was initially inspired by my cousin Steve Moy who was a rapper, producer, DJ in Waltham, MA. He was the first one who showed me the ropes in terms of making music, and then I always looked up to the rappers in my high school like Dan Smith (Supraliminal )and Louis Harris (Charmingly Ghetto), but it wasn’t until I moved from Boston to Austin in 2012 that I really started pursuing music as a passion.

For my solo career, I learned a lot in the open mic scene here in Austin where I got to meet and collaborate with some great people like Jackie Venson, Clint Manning, Samantha Lee, Raul Ochoa, to name a few. I also learned that there are so many talented people, especially in hip hop that you need to learn from others because there’s a lesson in every interaction. Some of the emcees I really grew to respect here in Austin are Zeale, Tone Royal, Nick Cruz, Clifton Dukes, Scuare, and so many more I can’t keep track. It’s truly insane how many talented artists there are.

I’ve come a long way since then and truly believe I am discovering my voice as an artist, and working with the guys at Black Sheep Optimists has pushed me out of my comfort zone into a whole new world of creativity and artistic expression.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I think Paulo Cuelho’s “The Alchemist” is the most influential book I’ve read with regards to pursuing my career as an artist. I’ve been following the omens all my life and pursuing my personal legend. There are so many moments in life where you might feel it’s not worth your time, but if you look closely you’ll see that there is magic at work.

Working as a substitute teacher led me to collaborate with some of those students, which led me to my sound engineer Robie Rowland. Robie taught me so much about what it takes to be a recording artist and I never would’ve become who am I without his initial guidance and tough love.

I mean shoot, I met Daryl on an airplane 9 years ago and now he’s one of my closest friends and creative partners. I met Dave on a community panel speaking about how music can help serve the youth. I’ve put out Craigslist ads that led me to meet Zach Black and Diego Lozano (my music video director). The universe is conspiring in my favor because I am pursuing my personal legend.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Honestly, I’d say to simply talk about the things your friends are doing to people. It doesn’t have to be sharing things on social media because it’s none of my business what a person chooses to share or how they choose to utilize their platform. But if you have a friend who creates, show them love by spreading the love on a grassroots level. You never know who will open up invisible cities of prosperity for your friends, so talk them up and show them love.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blacksheepoptimists.com
• Instagram: @maneikis_music / @blacksheepoptimists / @greenenvypod
• Facebook: @blacksheepoptimists
• Twitter: @miniminoe / @greenenvypod