Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jimmy Drab. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jimmy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Honestly, I feel like everyday there are risks I’m taking. When you’re the little guy starting up it feels like everything you do is taking a risk. From conception of an idea from the podcast to record label, there’s no guarantee any of these things are going to work out. You just hope that everyday you put something towards it, you see at least a small return.

Jimmy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Well, I’ve had a lifelong passion for all aspects of the music industry. From a teen age just wanting to be that guy on the stage and making the music, to getting older(maybe wiser) and being very interested in how the business of putting records out works. Advancements in technology have opened up other paths like with the podcast. Podcasts weren’t a thing when I was a kid, but exploring that format and shows, I could not only see potential in the format, but the ability to use my own insight and interest to create something unique. Something I constantly find myself saying is that there is nothing new, but anyone has the opportunity to make their thing with their own flare and personal touch. Doesn’t matter if it’s putting out records, writing music, making jewelry, soap, clothes, furniture. Whatever your passion. No one can do exactly what anyone else can do, so if you have a desire to make a thing, it will always be unique. It’s just a matter of getting that thing in front of as many people as you can to find its audience. And speaking of technology, it’s never been easier to interact with an audience using the internet. That’s what I love most is being able to interact and respond to comments and questions in real time with fans or people that may become fans.

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

I love that question because I think there are so many ways to support. Regardless of which form of entertainment you enjoy the best thing to do to help is talk about what you love. Share with friends and likeminded people. Using social media, you can share links and tell friends to follow and share as well. Most every kind of format has a way to follow, rate or even review. All of that helps without having to spend a dime and it not only means so much to the creator but it genuinely brings more attention to that thing which is huge! Then of course you can always buy a product. Wether you buy a ticket, record, merch or most people have these membership services now too.

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

I do a lot of research about influential musicians these days, so I consume a lot of YouTube videos, podcasts and books too when possible and most of those stories and backgrounds can be really inspiring. But none of those have stuck out to me recently as much as a short video I saw with Jim Carrey sharing a story about his father. In short, Jim describes how his dad was a fantastically funny person who wanted to pursue a career in comedy, but because he had a family he had to drop his passion to provide. Eventually becoming an accountant, only to be fired from that job which resulted in his family being homeless for some time. The moral being that even if you settle for the “safe” choice, you could fail at that too, so why not shoot for what you want to do. This life is too short.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.psychicstatic.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinyl_and_vision/
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@psychicstaticproductions
• Other: https://www.ebay.com/usr/psychicstatic https://psychicstatic.bandcamp.com/album/smashed-hits

Image Credits
V&V psychic poster art by Matt Trap. Psychic Static and V&V logos by Javi Merida.