Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to SéBakunzi Matemane. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
SéBakunzi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
Thank you for your inquiry. As a recording studio manager, I have had the privilege of working in a creative field that I am truly passionate about. While my journey to earning a full-time living from my creative work was not immediate, it has been a fulfilling and rewarding process.
Starting out, I initially supplemented my income by taking on various freelance projects and working part-time in the industry while building my skills and network. Over time, I focused on honing my craft and building a reputation for delivering high-quality work and exceptional client experiences.
One of the major steps in my journey was securing a position as a recording studio manager. This role allowed me to combine my passion for music with my organizational and managerial skills. It provided stability and a consistent income, enabling me to fully immerse myself in the creative work I love.
To expedite my progress, I actively sought out networking opportunities, collaborated with industry professionals, and continuously expanded my knowledge and expertise in recording techniques and technology. I also invested in marketing my services and building strong relationships with clients and artists.
While the journey may have had its challenges and required persistence, I believe that each step and milestone played a crucial role in reaching my current position. Looking back, I would say that seeking mentorship or guidance from experienced professionals in the industry could have potentially sped up the process. Their insights and guidance could have provided valuable shortcuts and accelerated my learning curve.
Overall, earning a full-time living from creative work is a culmination of passion, dedication, continuous learning, and building a strong professional network. It’s an ongoing journey, and I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have brought me to where I am today.
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.
My name is SéBakunzi Matemane, and I work for NxTLvL Studios in Austin, Texas. Our studio is owned by Jese Webb, a well-known businessman in the area, who founded the studio with the aim of supporting local artists and preserving Austin Texas’ reputation as a music-friendly city.
As a studio manager, my role revolves around overseeing the day-to-day operations of the studio. I work closely with our engineers and producers, helping them refine their skills and navigate the challenges of a saturated market. One of the things that sets us apart is our commitment to providing a non-smoking environment, ensuring a clean and professional atmosphere for our clients.
At NxTLvL Studios, we offer a wide range of products and supporting services. We specialize in professional Electronic Press Kits for artist development, catering to musicians who want to present their work in a polished and engaging manner. Additionally, we provide podcast recording and production services, helping individuals and businesses bring their ideas to life in the audio format.
Music production is another core offering at our studio. We have a team of experienced professionals who can assist artists in creating high-quality recordings, whether it’s for albums, singles, or other musical projects. We also organize songwriting camps, fostering creativity and collaboration among aspiring songwriters.
Voiceover recording production and editing is an area where we excel as well. Our studio is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and technology, allowing us to capture and enhance voice recordings for various purposes, such as commercials, narration, and more.
What I’m most proud of is our commitment to supporting local talent and providing a nurturing environment for artists to thrive. We understand the challenges they face in a competitive industry, and we strive to help them navigate those obstacles while earning a living doing what they love.
If you’re considering working with us, we want you to know that NxTLvL Studios is more than just a recording space. We are a creative hub that offers comprehensive services to help artists, podcasters, and businesses elevate their work. Our dedication to professionalism, our range of services, and our passion for supporting artists make us a valuable partner for anyone looking to create exceptional audio content.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
As a studio manager working closely with artists, the most rewarding aspect for me is witnessing the transformative journey of artists as they realize their dreams and perfect their craft. Being a part of their creative process and providing the support they need to thrive is truly fulfilling.
Helping artists express themselves authentically and capturing their unique visions is a privilege. Seeing their ideas come to life, whether it’s through recording music, producing podcasts, or creating other forms of audio content, brings me immense joy. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their growth, both artistically and personally, as they push the boundaries of their own creativity.
Being a guide and mentor to artists as they navigate the challenges of the industry is another aspect I find fulfilling. Assisting them in honing their skills, refining their sound, and overcoming obstacles gives me a great sense of accomplishment. Collaborating with talented engineers and producers, I can provide the resources and expertise needed to elevate their work to new heights.
The impact that artists have on their audience is truly remarkable, and being a part of that process is rewarding in itself. Helping artists connect with their listeners, evoking emotions, and leaving a lasting impression through their art is a privilege. Witnessing the impact their work has on others, whether it’s inspiring, comforting, or challenging, reinforces the importance of our role in nurturing their talent.
Moreover, fostering a supportive and creative environment within the studio is crucial. Building a community where artists can collaborate, learn from each other, and grow together is immensely gratifying. Seeing artists thrive in an atmosphere where their visions are respected, their voices are heard, and their potential is nurtured brings a profound sense of satisfaction.
In summary, as a studio manager working with artists, the most rewarding aspect is witnessing their artistic growth and helping them realize their dreams. Guiding and supporting them on their creative journey, capturing their unique visions, and witnessing the impact they have on their audience fills me with a deep sense of fulfillment. Being a catalyst for their success and creating an environment where their art can flourish is both a privilege and a source of immense satisfaction.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
To best support artists, creatives, and foster a thriving creative ecosystem, there are several key actions that society can take, especially in a post-pandemic world where technology has made it easier for individuals to record at home and bypass the traditional studio process.
1. Invest in Arts Education: Society should prioritize arts education in schools and communities. Providing access to quality arts programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities helps cultivate creativity from a young age and nurtures the next generation of artists. By valuing and supporting arts education, we can ensure a continuous flow of talented individuals into the creative field.
2. Create Funding Opportunities: Establishing grants, scholarships, and funding programs specifically for artists and creatives is essential. Financial support can alleviate the financial burdens many artists face and enable them to focus on their craft. Governments, philanthropic organizations, and private sponsors can contribute to these initiatives, recognizing the cultural and economic value that the arts bring to society.
3. Embrace Collaboration and Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between artists, businesses, and organizations fosters a thriving creative ecosystem. By forging partnerships, artists gain access to resources, platforms, and new audiences, while businesses benefit from creative input and innovative thinking. Collaboration can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes and a more vibrant creative community.
4. Provide Accessible and Affordable Spaces: Creating affordable and accessible spaces for artists to work, perform, and exhibit their creations is crucial. This includes affordable studio spaces, exhibition venues, rehearsal rooms, and performance spaces. By removing financial barriers and providing the necessary infrastructure, artists can thrive and contribute to the cultural fabric of society.
5. Recognize the Value of Art: Society should acknowledge and appreciate the value that art brings to our lives. This involves supporting and attending art exhibitions, performances, and cultural events. Recognizing the economic impact of the creative industry and advocating for fair compensation for artists helps sustain their careers and encourages the continuation of their work.
6. Adapt to Technological Advancements: Embracing technology and its role in the creative process is essential. While advancements in recording technology allow individuals to create from home, society can still support artists by valuing the expertise and unique offerings of professional studios. Providing resources, training, and technological support can help artists navigate the digital landscape and maximize their creative potential.
7. Foster a Culture of Respect and Fairness: Recognizing the rights of artists, including copyright protection and fair compensation for their work, is vital. Respecting intellectual property rights, supporting fair payment structures, and combating piracy and unauthorized use of creative works contributes to a sustainable creative ecosystem.
By implementing these strategies, society can create an environment that supports artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem. It ensures that artists are valued, their work is recognized, and they have the necessary resources and opportunities to flourish in a rapidly changing landscape.
