Michael “Blue†Williams is an artist manager and President of Family Tree Entertainment, which oversees the careers of hip-hop artists such as Outkast, Scarface and Killer Mike, among others. Williams is also a veteran of Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit, and has worked as a consultant for Def Jam and La Face Records.
As the manager for Grammy award winning artists such as Outkast, MICHAEL "BLUE" WILLIAMS has moved to the forefront of the music and entertainment world. It is a testament to Blue's calm leadership style and diverse experience that he most relishes the methodology of Outkast's triumphs. Blue's enduring passion for his artists and unwavering commitment to their careers makes him one of the most successful managers of the millennium. His longtime list of clients under the branches of Family Tree Entertainment, where he serves as includes Outkast, Case, Lyfe, Nick Cannon, Jagged Edge and Scarface. With new ventures into the film world, Family Tree Entertainment is growing new branches with their first film that positions Outkast with MOSAIC MEDIA GROUP and HBO. The movie will also feature a new Outkast album in the form of a soundtrack. In addition, Blue's experience includes consulting for various artists and labels including Def Jam and La Face
Michael Blue Williams, a manager, explains what it takes to be a good manager. The manager must love the artist's music or love the artist since the artist will take up a lot of the manager's life. Williams also talks about why he's thankful to be a manager. He̳ had the opportunity to see the world and be an ambassador for the world of hip-hop. Williams states that he's looking forward to the future, and is curious as to what the next fifteen years will bring.
Michael Blue Williams, a manager, explains what he looks for in an artist. Williams explains that artists need that star quality, like Monica, Donell Jones, Macy Gray, and Outkast have. A star is going to look good no matter what. However, Williams also discusses the importance of having a work ethic. Even though an artist may have that star quality, the artist won't make it if they don't have a strong work ethic. The artist also needs to be great to work with. Williams points out that in the music industry, people need to like you to help you out. Having good manners is essential. Also in this segment, Williams emphasizes understanding the business as an artist.
Michael Blue Williams, a manager, talks about how he entered the management business, the importance of his past experiences, the significance of relationships, his work with Outkast, his work philosophy, why he chose the music business, Family Tree Entertainment, and the importance of a team.
Michael Blue Williams, a manager, explains different ways to become a manager, such as through an internship or an artist friend. He also discusses methods of finding talent, such as attending open mic nights or going to showcases. Williams stresses the importance of being educated on the music industry too. He recommends reading books or going to seminars. The necessary qualities of a good manager are covered as well. For instance, having great time management and communication skills are essential. Also in this segment, Williams points out who should not be a manager. Artist should not represents themselves or hire their families.
Michael Blue Williams, a manager, talks about the changes in the music industry from the 90's to today. Record labels are now behind the curve trying to adapt after downloading hit the industry. Williams also explains how television provided too much access for artists. As a result, today's aspiring artists believe it's easy to get on television and become a star. He also blames today's perception of easy stardom on generational differences. Unlike the generation of today, his generation grew up hustling which was the reason for their success. Also in this segment, Williams compares and contrasts the major route and indie route. Majors use a cookie cutter method but spend the promotional dollars. Indies are more personal but don't provide the marketing dollars.
Michael Blue Williams, a manager, talks about location. He explains that while an artist no longer has to break in a major city, to get the most out of the music industry one must be in the major cities. If the artist has their distribution in a major city, the artist needs to be able to get in the major label's face.
Michael Blue Williams, a manager, discusses the meshing of Outkast's southern viewpoints and his New York business perspective. He also talks about Outkast's touring history with Ludacris and Moby, the turning point of Outkast's career with Lauryn Hill, the importance of fans, and the creative energy involved with touring. Williams' future goals for Outkast and his thoughts on the difference between average artists and great artists are included as well.
Michael Blue Williams, a manager, talks about his top four priorities for an artist. The first priority is music. The artist needs exceptional music. The second priority is touring. Touring helps the artist build a fan base. It is also a source of income. The third priority is publicity. Publicity helps the artist get out to the fans. Finally, the fourth priority is videos. Videos are an additional marketing tour. With videos, the artist is able to get on television and be in front of even more people.
Michael Blue Williams, a manager, explains the difference between artist speak and label speak. Artist speak is the creative side. The artist's main priority is himself or herself. The managers job is to understand what the artist is saying and then translate to label speak. Label speak is the business side. Williams discusses how a manager must be the bridge between the two. The manager needs to make everyone happy while remaining cost effective.
