Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tim Black. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tim, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Currently I have 2 businesses that I’m operating. My first business is Time Is Money Entertainment. It came about in 2006. I had a previous situation I was in and I felt like a lot of time wasn’t utilized which drove me to focus on maximizing my time. While in the studio I said the phrase “my Time Is Money” and it just stuck. It had a ring to it plus it was an acronym for my name so my motto from that point was Time Is Money. I refused to waste a second when it came to the music. I attended every show I could attend and in the studio, I made every moment count. My film business Reel Quality Films was started with me and a family member. We were helping to film a wedding reception pro bono and the feedback was great so we decided to push forward with filming. I was always interested in film. I filmed several music videos prior to this business venture. Music and videography goes hand in hand. I decided to upgrade my video equipment and get to work. It’s been nonstop ever since.
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.
Just like most people, I’ve always had the love for music. I actually played the saxophone as a kid, but unfortunately that was short lived. Once my number one supporter (my father) passed away when I was in the 4th grade, I decided to stop. That never stopped me from loving the art of music though. There was always some good music playing in the house growing up. I use to get inspired during my high school years seeing the guys freestyling at the vending machine. At that time I was a dedicated basketball player, so rapping wasn’t something I even considered. It wasn’t until I decided to go to the studio with a few of my cousins and I wrote my first rhyme. From that point it was something I had to be involved in. Eventually I ventured off on my own and built an in-home studio and I worked daily in the lab. To date I have 17 solo projects, which includes full length projects and EP’s. Also I’ve released 8 compilation projects with several artist.
In regards to the film business, I’ve mainly filmed music videos for my team. To add to that I’ve filmed Birthday Parties, Welcome Home Parties, Branded content, Gym Workouts, Engagements and Weddings. Recently I filmed my first short film which is a 16 minute film where I’m directing and acting. The title of this short film is “Doves Cry” and will be available on Reel Quality Films YouTube channel on 4/4. The follow up short film will be written and directed by me titled “Ready for Love” and will be released summer of 2024.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One lesson I had to unlearn was everyone will not support you. In the beginning I believed that all of my family and all of my friends would support me but I learned quickly that’s the furthest from the truth. I understand everyone couldn’t make it to every show/performance, but it didn’t take long to recognize when I had shows at well known clubs in the city, and I opened up for some big names in the city, EVERYONE wanted to come out and support. The goal from that moment was to get strangers in tune with what I was doing which led to doing shows and features with artist from out of state, also collaborating with producers overseas. I’ve received a lot of advice over the years, but one of a few that stand out is my sister telling me to keep making music, keep perfecting my craft and make money from the strangers who are true fans not the closest people to you.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I’ve been on social media for some time now and what I’ve done is post my material frequently but not to the point where it’s annoying. It feels good when someone take the time to share my material on their social media platforms. It doesn’t cost a dime for someone to support and whoever is reading this and if you share my material, just know its greatly appreciated. I applied the same principles I used in the CD era in the social media era. The same way I spent money on promotional CD’s and flyers is equivalent to paying for sponsored post on social media and Google Ads. My advice to anyone starting to build their social media presence, do your research, build a team with the same mindset as yours, and stay consistent with up to date content.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timblackdetroit
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTimBlack
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/timblackdetroit
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ReelQualityFilms
- Other: YouTubeMusic – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcXrRr-TyjDfjh9NnevNAew Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/6RFUBuqbLjwBXFegkXFiIM Apple Music – https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tim-black/355277961