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Rising Young Executive


Tracy Press - DC Regional Action Coordinator

President, Sweet Soul Entertainment

 

"There is no greater motivator than a string of harmonic notes or a uniquely arranged melody, the power of a diva or the enchanting rhythm of a favorite song. Love for the music, the business, the personalities, and the crazy way they all connect is what keeps me endlessly inspired." -T. Press

 

Tracy Press has been actively involved in various parts of the music and entertainment industry for over six years. She is the founder and president of Sweet Soul Entertainment, whose services include coordinating industry events, consulting various entertainment companies and professionals, and publishing industry related publications. She formed the company to employ her capabilities in varied aspects of the industry and have direct control over the management of the projects she was involved in. By way of the numerous contacts she had made and experience she'd acquired, she was able to launch a successful start to her business. Her projects, through Sweet Soul, have included work with music conferences, record labels, artists and producers, major corporations, industry professionals, athletic organizations, liquor distributors and many other companies.

 

Like many professionals in the urban music industry, Tracy began her career promoting parties and events in New York. Through contacts she made and minor affiliations she had with the music scene, she nurtured her infatuation with the business. Her first job in the music industry was with EMI Music (the conglomerate). She worked as an assistant to Senior VP & Legal Counsel, Guy Marriott. Under his wing, she learned about the general operation of the music industry; sales, legal matters, music publishing, marketing, strategy & planning, etc.

 

Tracy came to DC, via her attendance at Howard University. Motivated by D.C.'s budding music scene, she decided to continue developing her career there, hoping to make a impact on DC's growing music market. Her first industry association in DC was as a local promotions rep for Def Jam Recordings. As Def Jam's first college rep at Howard University, she promoted the company's music and co-coordinated projects and special events, in the metro area, with a focus on the college market.

 

Prior to managing Sweet Soul, full-time, Tracy worked with Chucklife Productions, a record label headed by super-producer Chucky Thompson (Bad Boy Hit-Man) and distributed by Epic Records. She began as Promotions Manager, in which she handled industry relations, retail and radio, and worked street promotions. In due time, she was promoted to VP of Marketing and Promotions, and assumed the additional responsibilities of creating and managing the street team, publicity, developing marketing/promotional plans, supervising all special projects and events, and other marketing related functions. Due to the small size of the company, she was also involved with strategy and planning, human resources and booking.

 

Tracy Press' concentration areas within Sweet Soul include entertainment and marketing consulting, the Entertainment Opportunities (EO) List, and presenting various industry-related events. Through consulting, she works with entertainment companies on individual activities, marketing and PR, project management and industry involvement. Past and present clients have included the Philadelphia Music Conference, producer Chucky Thompson, Tanqueray, Songwriter's Assn. of Washington, VIBE Music Seminar, Microsoft/NBA, Spark Media, Washington Sports, etc. She also works with industry professionals across the country in career development and placement. The EO List is an email publication distributed to over 1300 members of the various entertainment, sports, and fashion industries that list open positions, artist/producer/ screenwriter opportunities, industry events, entertainment news, and other information in the business. Tracy also produces various industry events that bring together entertainment professionals to network and socialize, as well as showcase artists, new products, and entertainment companies. She has previously partnered with companies like Remy Martin, BMG Distribution, American Express, Def Jam, Kemp Mill Music, Courvoisier, Warner Brothers, Sister 2 Sister, J Records and many others for her events.

 

As an Action Coordinator for NABFEME (National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment), Tracy represents the organization in the Mid-Atlantic area and organizes their monthly events and activities. In 2002, she received the Action Coordinator of the Year award at NABFEME's International Summit. Tracy is also a member of NARAS. Though she divides her energy between these key commitments, her true enchantment will always be with the music business. Tracy anticipates continued growth with both her career and business, as she embraces the concepts of her own philosophy: "Hard work breeds success, determination promises longevity, and passion is power."


 



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