Michelle Arthurton has been a champion for reggae music and artists for over 15 years.  Her passion and love for the music has led her to start E2 Recordings, Inc, which has several subsidiaries: E2 Studios, E2 Recordings, E2 Bookings, E2 Onair Radio and Le 2 Music Publishing.  As the only female on the board of the Caribbean American Cultural Caucus, she is committed to the development of the entertainment industry across the Caribbean and other regions.

USmile Magazine caught up with Ms. Arthurton to talk about E2 Recordings, Inc and how she has managed to remain on top in a male dominated industry.

USM:  Why did you start E2 Recordings, Inc?

MA:  Reggae music has been my passion since I was a child.  It has been a dream of mine for a very long time to have my own radio station, recording studio and management company so when the opportunity presented itself, I took full advantage of it.   I feel that reggae music was going in a different direction from the core reggae sound and I wanted to produce positive music with substance and longevity.

USM:  What are some of the services that E2 Recordings, Inc will be offering its clients?

MA:  E2 Recordings, Inc offers its clients access to the best recording studio with the latest technology, CD duplication, and printing.  E2 Recordings, Inc has many years of experience in the music industry and is knowledgeable of all the legal process involved.  In addition, E2 Recordings, Inc is a full service provider for artists from business consultation to reviewing publishing contracts.

USM:  What’s your long-term vision for E2 Recordings, Inc?

MA: We want to be the leader in reggae music and put out great and positive music that everyone can appreciate.

USM:  What will E2 Recordings, Inc offers reggae artists that they will not receive at other publishing and management companies?

MA:  The majority of reggae artists don’t receive the type of care and support that other artists in the music industry receive.  E2 Recordings, Inc wants to create an environment where we can educate and develop our artists in all aspects of their career. We also want to assist new artists who are producing great music but are not getting the air play that he/she deserves.

USM:  Why did you choose to establish your company in Brooklyn?

MA:  We want to be close to the artists and the Caribbean community. E2 Recordings, Inc is in a great location in Brooklyn that is very accessible to most artists.

USM: What are some of the efforts being made to preserve reggae music?

MA:  I am a member CPR (The Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music) and our mission is to raise the bar in the creation, promotion and preservtation of reggae music by distributing positive articles, blogs, research and holding educational forums regarding reggae music.

USM:  Why did you decided to relocate to the U.S.?

MA: I was established in the Caribbean but I wanted to broaden my horizon and have different experiences.

USM:  What challenges do you face being a woman and a mother in a male dominated industry?

MA: This business is extremely challenging for women. I find that men try to tune me out, which makes it   very difficult for me to get my point across. I have been called a b***h when I am being assertive.  I have had many experiences where individuals try to walk all over me or dismiss me because I am a woman.  I constantly have to prove myself over and over again.  Unlike most men, I still have to take care of my family at the end of the day, which can be particularly challenging.

USM:  How are you able to overcome these challenges?

MA:  I continue to do a good job and gain the respect of everyone around me.

USM: What inspires and motivates you to pursue your dreams?

MA: My entire family is in the music business so I was introduced to music at a very young age.  I developed a great passion for music very early in life and knew that I wanted to work in the music industry in one way or another.  I am truly motivated and inspired because I am doing what I love.  This doesn’t feel like work, it is a lot of fun for me.

USM:  What pivotal role do you play as the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science/The Grammy’s, Reggae Ambassadors World Wide?

MA: I am a voting member of the Grammy’s; I joined as a voting member because many of the Grammy members are not knowledgeable of reggae music.  The majority of the Grammy members who are voting on reggae music are from other genre or signed to other labels.  As a Grammy member, I am able to identifying those artists who deserve to be nominated and recognized for their work.

USM:  How does being a member of the Grammy’s impact the way in which you manage your artists?

MA: The artists that E2 Recordings, Inc manages get the recognition that they deserve.  We make it a point of submitting their work to the Grammy’s.  Besides producing, performing and promoting our artists music, we educate and teach them about the music business.

USM:  What advice would you give other women who are looking to get into the business?

MA: I would say to anyone who wants to be in this business to be sure that they are passionate about the music industry before they get involved.  I would suggest that they attend music conventions and forums to learn about the business from experience professionals.

I would also recommend that they attend a music business school to educate themselves about the business.  Most importantly, I would say to anyone who wants to be in this business to be confident and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

To learn more about E2 Recordings, Inc go to http://www.myspace.com/e2studios.

USmile Magazine