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Introduce yourself to the PMP Community

What's good PMP this is Omar Grant A&R for Kelly Rowland

Walk us through your 'industry journey'

My first official job in the music industry coming fresh out of college was being a road manager for Beyonce on her Seriously In Love Tour. Then for the next 3 years I was a road manager for Destiny's Child as a whole. I realized that I was more in love with the production side more than being on the road traveling because once your own the road you're working an album that's done already but I like the creative part as far as putting the album together and being there from the beginning. So when the girls (Destiny's Child) were in the studio I would always be around trying to soak up as much information as I can. Then I got a position over at EMI Publishing as Director of A&R thanks to Big Jon. After leaving EMI I'm here currently working on Kelly Rowland's latest project.

What label is Kelly signed to and break down your specific duties as her A&R?

Kelly recently signed to Universal Motown but I'm the point person as far as setting up studio time, finding talented songwriters and producers for her to work with and everything else involved with putting together a solid album.

How is the project coming together?

The project is near completion, probably a couple of more songs left to fill out the album but we really have a clear picture and clear understanding and its coming out really incredible. All the people that have been close to the project and close friends have been really giving us a lot of love on it and that's honest opinions from people we respect. I think people are going to be surprised with the project, its something different, she's really showing off her vocal ability and overall its just great music.

In your opinion is Universal Motown putting the proper muscle behind the project?

Definitely, that was one of the main reasons why she wanted to do the deal with them because of their enthusiasm for the project and they get the vision which is important. They're really excited over there so she feels real good about the situation

What kind of music should we expect from this project? Will it reflect the current dance/pop sound that is dominating the mainstream?

Well people have to realize when you think about someone like David Guetta who has worked with everyone from Black Eyed Peas to Akon to Rihanna and others Kelly was the one who really broke him in the States with the 'When Love Takes Over' record. So she's apart of ushering that sound that's out there but at the same time she's going to stay true to her urban and R&B roots and give those that love her for that something as well.

To me it's going to be a fusion of different sounds that's going to take her to the next level. You will hear some dance tracks but you're going to hear some dance with an R&B feel to it as well to round it out. It's a good mix of dance, Hip Hop and R&B. I'm a stickler for real creative songs that tell a story or put you in a zone to feel real good.

Compare the difference between working for a company like EMI and working for yourself as a independent A&R

The only real difference is you don't have to clock into an office situation but as an A&R whether you're working for a company or not you're not working the usual 9 to 5 hours anyway. To be successful you really have to hustle and put in long nights and early mornings and just get it in. You have to be out there in the studios and at the different events so you're not in the office much anyhow.

In your opinion what does it take to become a great A&R?

If you love this music and you're a fan of music then that should come before anything else. You do have some A&R's that have their own political agendas or may be in the business for things other than music but for me I love putting music together and the whole grind that comes with it. If you put your love for the music in front of any political agendas then everything else will be fine

For all the producers and songwriters reading this what advice would you give them?

It's about owning your craft and if you really want to go in you can't give up. First and foremost do your research, find out who the players in the game are and what projects are out there so you're not shooting in the dark...work smart not hard. Work on developing your own unique sound that can set you apart from the rest and respect your craft. Don't go out there and talk about 'I make beats' when you don't even understand what that really means or understand the art of songwriting. Own your craft and be a songwriter in every sense of the word.

Are you working on any other projects or have plans to work with different artists?

Right now I'm currently focused on this project but I do have some things coming up very soon so I will love to get back on the PMP and discuss it when everything is ready to go. I will be going in hard so I'm going to need the best material from the producers and songwriters on the PMP definitely.

What is your outlook on the music business overall in 2010? We just had Sade go Gold in her first week off of her latest project and then you have other artists that can't sell anything much at all

Its crazy...with Sade man she's incredible and everybody's been wanting to hear a Sade record for the longest so her numbers make sense. When I heard her first single I couldn't wait until the whole album was out so it's a big build up because she's an icon. To me it comes down to quality music because the fans expect to pay for quality. If you put out a half-ass album the consumer is just going to download it off the Internet and not pay for it.

Do you think there is a trend towards a more adult-contemporary sound that may cater to the older audience that came up buying CD albums?

I think it's not so much as a trend towards adult-contemporary as it is great music being released and the public loving it. Maxwell album was incredible and people will support the product because artists like that have built a reputation for putting out consistent great music time and time again.

What music are you currently listening to?

I love so many different types of music and artists its hard to name them all but I'm definitely listening to that new Sade record as well as the Black Eyed Peas album.

As an A&R is there a struggle between creating a cohesive album and having enough singles that can work on radio?

To me there are a lot of factors that play into that whether it's the artist because some artists come with a sound that tends to gravitate towards the radio format but to me it's all about the music so you should put out the kind of music people want to hear. Of course from the label's perspective you're going to need some records that can work on radio but to round out the album you need cuts that may not be a single but are the fans favorite records. It might be a really great ballad or love song that might not be a radio hit but still can be a great song. I think variety is key to having a great album  because if the whole album is nothing but uptempos or nothing but ballads then it may not be as well-rounded. That's also the beauty of music, it can flow in so many different ways it's unlimited.

Do you think there is a lack of music creativity in the business nowadays?

There's always room to push the creative boundaries further but that's not to say you don't have artists that are doing that right now. The acts that are successful are usually the ones that can take that creativity to the next level so it speaks for itself.

Any last words for anybody that's interested in working full time in the music business?

Short and sweet, do it for the love man. Do it because you want to do it and not for any other reason but the love. It's a business you're going to have to love, don't chase after the glitz and glamour.