BRAND STORY #1: CARELESS AND THE PURSUIT OF PASSION IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
I’ll create a new segment in this newsletter called BRAND STORY.
In this segment, I get to talk about businesses in various industries that are pursuing a strong passion for what they do.
Also, talk about how the founders influence the overall story of the business. I'll give you a hint -- often, you can see it through these things:?
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There are days that you’d just put Spotify on shuffle and you encounter great music, but what really struck me is the story of how this specific label -- careless -- started.
Very different from the usual niche corporate business that I talk about, but just read on further the IMPACT of pursuing your passion and to put the intention to really go after it.
This may not be relevant to you, but it would be a good read about passion and influence.
Like any good writer, I went online to read credible sources … okay, okay I google stalked them, basically.?
At first thought, I said, CARELESS is a fitting name for their record label.
In a literal sense, “I couldn’t CARE LESS about what people tell me I should do, I will follow my passion.”?
I thought it was an act of rebellion.
I'd pat myself on the back for a good guess, but good ol' Wikipedia says otherwise, basically ...
The name Careless began as an inside joke between [James] friends after hearing a dubstep remix of “Careless Whisper.” When James was recording “Palm Dreams,” he was asked to give a name for the label. He came up with “Careless.”
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You know what they say, “Birds with the same feather flock together.” This brand knows exactly what type of artists they want to sign with them ...
An artist who embraces that authentic self-expression and puts it into artistry – not to mention, rebellious.?
Rebellious is a good thing - you know, in every industry, specifically if you are a public figure the crowd will form an idea of who you are.
The worse kind is if they end up telling you how you should act.
what you do
what you say
Doing these things to stay relevant and palatable to the public. It's crazy!
This public portrayal and pleasing the mass becomes the EXACT opposite of authentic living.
The spotlight can be too overwhelming, it can feel restrictive and limiting -- Imagine what it is like for these artists.
Honestly, I commend the entire careless artists (and other people in the industry) who are really standing up for what their artistic creativity -- It takes a lot of courage to do this.
Courage to pursue their own passion
To follow their own pursuit of success and to exceed their own limits.
Probably I’ll just state the obvious but this Filipino record label has what it takes to go international!
Since I do like to talk about the storytelling behind businesses, let’s look at the overall influence of James Reid’s Personal Brand on his own Record Label, Careless.?
Inspired by the music video they posted a year ago titled Hello, James left a meaningful description talking about the impact of introspection and pursuing a passion.
Hello, having spent a lot of my time by myself during the quarantine, I’ve learned to dive into the depths of PERSONAL INTROSPECTION. It’s truly beautiful knowing and experiencing TRUE GROWTH—a growth that’s only birthed within. Our minds are infinite in so many ways, and learning how to tap into that is ULTIMATE FREEDOM. I’ve learned how to translate that to my everyday actions and now I’m 100% always driven to achieve MY GOALS so that the universe can be a BETTER PLACE ?? ?? - James Reid
No path is similar, but each path will always have difficulties … You have to know that success does not happen overnight and it is not a one-size-fits all.
For some people, pursuing passion is a luxury, and it really is a luxury of time.
And you know, not everyone has the time.?
So pursuing a passion can also have its downside. Particularly, when we are conditioned to think in a specific (and destructive) way.?
To settle for what already exists … since it’s safer.
Imagine if James Reid just settled with Viva and decided to just go with it. There wouldn’t be a record label that encourages freedom of artistic creation for like-minded artists.?
Now, singers, musicians, and other creatives who have the same vision as James Reid get to collaborate.?
Despite all creative differences, these things just complement each other.?
From an artist with a dreamlike, mystical approach to visuals.
To a more old school and grounded Filipino roots.
Or even a drastic shift to modern aesthetics.
How these artists are uniquely different, yet embrace their own style and support all artistic endeavors.
Definitely a rebel by choice, and all artists by blood.
That's the best part of businesses, the community you get to build because of the same idea you have for the future -- each and everyone working for the success of each other. (in an ideal world, that is)
Above & Beyond,