We caught up with the brilliant and insightful James Calmese Jr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

James, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Diving into music, most people believe they have to be somewhere major. You know, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, or Miami to name a few.

Big reason I chose to explore the music business being from a small market is to prove to creatives, you don’t need the reputation of those large cities to do it big.

I currently live in a town of 22,000. I’ve built friendships with Anthony Obas of New York, Freon (Eyesayge) of Orlando. Shaking hands and networking my way into their markets, among others, to the point they send people to stop in my town when they’re near by. “You gotta link with James and see what he’s building in Illinois.” I’ve been to LA, I’ve been to New York, and the biggest difference is the creative community and the constant inspiration. That can be built in smaller markets as well.

We have famous actors and actresses, but when it comes to music we don’t. The talent is there, from AyeBee, LeoTree, GP GotIt, to Bay Ghee, Arzellus, Sknny, so we have the talent, no question.

So my mission at the end of the day, is how am I able to help those talented in smaller markets, break bigger markets. Being outside of them and dealing with the smokescreen that it actually is when it comes to success.

James, 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’m the son of a chicago house Dj, Dj Phelo. Music has always been a major part of my life. To me, music is a universal language and it connects everyone in ways we don’t always see.

Like most I was in college with my dorm room raps with a sock over my microphone and that’s where I was introduced to the bigger picture. I was floor mates with a booking agent who had worked with Sammy Adams, Loud The Child, Yonas, Pell, Gianni Taylor and many others. He now runs a Creative Strategy and Branding Agency out of Phoenix, The Goss Company. So I was essentially breaking in next to someone who was willing to help me develop. What he did as far as business attracted me more than what I was doing in recording. When you’re a creative, self doubt is heavy but then you add life and recording wasn’t for me. Understanding the business and helping those who light up when they talk about their passion was though.

So I spent time learning about what he was doing as far as management and booking but also song promotion thus developing Good Vibes Radio on YouTube. From there, Good vibes, M.I. Edition LLC was created and led to me booking my own shows shortly after.

November of 2018, I booked my first showcase. Legendary, so many mistakes but it was everything I needed it to be to know I had found what I should be doing. Since then, I’ve created a showcase series, Vibe Check. Ill visit different cities to find creatives to put on the main stage when I book higher tiered artist in their area or I invite them back to where I’m located for free. I’ve personally booked Montana of 300, Kirko Bangz, Jarren Benton, & Big Baby Scumbag.

As well as, on the artist management front, my artist JoeL Stevenson has opened for Dave East in Chicago, Kirko Bangz in Quincy, IL. Khamarry has opened for Sada Baby in Indianapolis, Montana of 300 in Chicago, Afroman in Fort Wayne IN, Kirko Bangz in Quincy and has took home 1st place prize in Concert Crave competition series. This year I plan to get AyeBee and my new client Lil Sizzerr on the main stage as well. My booking client, recording artist CHISongWriter, has toured alongside Dizzy Wright & Demrick and opened for Chris Webby & Dizzy in Chicago. Lastly, I’m partnered with rising producer King Lavaughn who also is on my engineering team and a singer/songwriter.

With that said, Artist management & booking are a few services I offer but going into 2023. I’ll also be offering writing services such as EPK development, song/project strategy rollouts, blog write ups/reviews, digital marketing pitching, podcast interviews, and I’m partnering with a new internet radio station where we will feature independents to share their music and come on live to speak.

This is my story, I’m very proud of it because I’ve had dark days but the sun still shines.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

If you know music, it takes money to make money. A lot of money to make money. My very first major I partnered with my friend photographer/videographer John Becker. It was the Montana of 300 show, we did not break even. We were close but the venue lost power mid show and we suffered for that.

Outside of that, I work 12-14 hour days 5 days a week and contribute what I can to my businesses working capital. It’s a lot to learn in your field then on top of how to stay within guidance so Uncle Sam doesn’t come after you, on top of learning how to get business credit. We’ve received in-kind sponsorships on our run from Jimmy Johns but even learning and developing those relationships have proven challenging.

It all comes out of pocket, each show is a risk, each artist investment is a risk. It’s been all money in and no money out since the beginning.

I believe in myself and I believe in my team, so I’ll bet on us every time.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Honestly, my whole thing is good vibes, providing good energy and a safe place. Making sure my team feels seen and heard while holding everyone accountable including myself. Transparency and communication is key due to the bad misconception placed on music business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://goodvibesmi.com
• Instagram: Goodvibes_mi
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/GoodVibes.mi
• Twitter: Goodvibes_mi
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@GoodVibesRadio

Image Credits
JoeL Stevenson, Kj, Xristina, Kirko Bangz, me, NikMoody, Nikki Silva, Dj @SwerveSamuels, Khamarry Partnered Artist JoeL Stevenson & me Anthony Obas & me Me, Anthony Obas, Freon (Eyesayge), Raf (Faroutraf) Myself Partnered Artist AyeBee & myself Birmingham Vibecheck Crew, JaymoeDaRookie, AyeBee, JoeL Stevenson, Gordo, Skinknee Boi, Anthony Obas, CHISongWriter, Rekordz Royale Label Partnered Artist Khamarry, Lil Sizzerr & Myself