• Tell me your elevator pitch, tell me about yourself, how do you introduce yourself to people?

My name is Jason Johnson. I am from New York. I was born and raised in The Bronx. I am a highly skilled marketing specialist with 15 years of music marketing and brand development experience. I have worked at several record labels throughout the Universal Music and Sony Music system. I am currently the Senior Vice President of Marketing & Brand Strategy at music streaming platform Audiomack. I earned my degree in Business Management from Pace University. Jason is a strong advocate of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and diversity in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics).  

• You've worked at a major label and you've transitioned over to a digital streaming platform, what are the differences and why did you make the choice to do so?

On the label side, I would be strategizing on how to tell the artist’s stories best and find ways they can connect with their current fans and find new ways for them to build new fans. On the streaming platform side, I am focused on finding ways artists can connect with their current fans and find new ways for them to build new fans. In addition, I am focused on telling the brand's story and showcasing how we can best add value to artists and fans. 

• How do you balance working and your own projects, what advice do you have for anyone in the same situation?

You have to take the time to understand time management. At the beginning of the week, you should take the time to look at your goals and prioritize what is important. Focus on the things that need to get closed and schedule days that you should focus on each individual project.   Please get a calendar and a whiteboard. 

• What is your superpower and how did you find it?

My superpower is the power of belief. I truly believe that anything is possible with faith, hard work, and determination. It sounds cliche to say this, but I have been knocked down so many times by my power of belief keeps me going. This power of belief is going to help me provide for my family and create a legacy.

• What does it mean to be a brand strategist for artists?

To sit down with an artist and help them truly understand their overall brand identity. What does your brand stand for, who is your audience, and what story are you trying to tell?

• What advice do you have for any young person wanting to work in Music or brand strategy?

I always tell people to stay curious. Who are your favorite artists? What label are they signed to? Who is their project manager or a&r.  Who is their manager, lawyer, or agent? These are the people behind them that make them a star. Take the time to go online and research. Look at their album credits. Study these people and find their wins. Reach out to labels, agencies, and management companies about internships. You just need to get yourself in the door and when you do, always add value.  When it comes to brand partnerships, look up all the current brand campaigns going on. There is an agency that did the work for the campaigns. Find who did the campaigns and find out if you can intern for the agency. 

• Afrobeats has been around for a while, but currently, it's taking over the charts across the globe and the recognition is crazy at the moment. What do you think this is down to and how can we keep it up?

I am beyond happy that Afrobeat music is growing globally at a rapid pace. We keep it up by collaborating globally and making sure Afrobeats artists have the platforms to be seen. 

• Audiomack is Africa's biggest streaming platform and really champions afrobeat, what is the plan with the platform, and what are they looking to do in 2023?

We are continuing to make sure that we are empowering the African music community, not just the Afrobeats genre. We are taking the time to invest back in the music community.  We are focused on making sure that all artists have the tools and resources to continue to grow globally. We want to make sure we are helping all African artists get paid.   

• What has been your favorite afrobeat song to work/champion in the last years?

I wouldn't say a specific song that was my favorite, but my favorite project to champion within the last few years has been Burna Boy African Giant. 

• What do you think the future of Afrobeats looks like?

The future of Afrobeat music is limitless with more resources poured into the genre.