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

Alright, Reed thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I feel like I’m one of the most fortunate people on the planet, and I really mean that. I make my living in music, which is something I always *wanted* to do, but not something I ever dreamed would be possible. The thing that most folks don’t understand is how intense this work can be. I am, basically, on call at all times… and that’s because I have a personal relationship with the artists I represent.

So to answer your question– heck yeah I fantasize about being serving coffee and clocking out at a normal time and then being able to shut off my brain and relax. Am I getting better about setting boundaries? Sure. But it’s still a struggle, and to whom much is given, much is required. It is what it is.

Reed, 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 co-owner of Single Lock Records, a Grammy-winning independent record label that’s celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2023. In addition, I started an artist management company, Thousand Dances Artist Management, last year. Most importantly, however, I play the drums, and the pursuit of making art has driven every other facet of my life since I sat down behind a drum kit.

At Single Lock, we invest in artists/bands and produce/release their records all over the world. At Thousand Dances, I dig into the nitty gritty and help artists handle every facet of their careers. Sometimes I play drums for those artists, too. It’s a pretty rewarding bunch of jobs.

I think what I do is special because I am a working musician who brings that perspective to everything I do. The music business is chock full of people who thirst for a backstage laminate but can’t play a lick. Everyone has a role to play, I just think I have something unique to offer… and I hope the results speak for themselves.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I think art is the only refuge we have left, to be quite frank. Music saved my life, and I believe strongly in its ability to conjure magic and bring people joy and relief. My goal, in all that I do, is to help connect people who are looking for that. Artists are looking for that as much as the audience is– there’s a role to play for both. If I’m doing my job well, the audience is discovering something special that enhances their life… and the artist is doing the same, in a way that can sustain their creative enterprise.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I’m not sure society is ever going to truly care–as a whole– about anything more than what’s impacting them directly and immediately… but with that said, we can choose to vote for representatives that value the arts and the impact it has on our communities, country and world. We need to demand that streaming services pay a fair wage to rights holders. We need to embrace our local music venues and all-ages spaces that bring in artists, and we need to happily pay the cover or buy the ticket.

It really comes down to making a conscious choice to support the arts in your community. It’s a local problem that requires a local solution.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.singlelock.com / www.thousanddances.com
• Instagram: @reedtwatson
• Twitter: @reedtwatson

Image Credits
All are owned by me