Patrice K. Cokley is a brand & marketing strategist, music business consultant, and educator working in the music industry.
As the Owner of label, marketing and management company, The Bassline Group, Patrice provides developmental support for emerging artists and entertainers.
In addition to consulting artists and record labels, she is also a college professor at SAE Institute: Chicago where she teaches Entertainment Marketing within the Music Business Program; and a brand ambassador for Lugz footwear.
Balance the Grind had the pleasure of speaking with Patrice about juggling her multiple roles, a day in the life of managing recording artists, unplugging on the weekend, and plenty more.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your background and career?
I’m a Brand & Marketing Strategist who has a strong passion for the music business. I’m a Detroit native that’s currently residing in the metro Chicago area.
I hold both a BS and MBA in Marketing, and love working with talented and creative people.
2) What is your current role and what does it entail on a day to day basis?
I own a talent management and marketing company called The Bassline Group where I manage and market recording artists. I currently represent 2 very unique hip hop artists and a very accomplished DJ/Producer.
My role entails:
- developing their brand
- putting together strategies to grow their awareness
- coordinating photo and video shoots
- registering their music with various rights organizations to collect royalties
- managing any other creative projects
- managing my team of interns.
I also teach Music Business & Marketing at SAE Institute in Chicago, part-time.
3) What does a typical day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
My days are pretty random. One day a week, I’m in the city, teaching multimedia and web development.
Other days I could either have a full day of meetings, or I’m working from home or a local coffee shop. Every blue moon I will attend a live show, or coordinate an event/performance with my artists.
4) In between everything you do and all your responsibilities, how do you ensure you find some sort of balance in your life?
I try my hardest to unplug on the weekends to spend time with my significant other, exploring the city or attending a festival.
I also just started working out again. I injured my ankle pretty bad that resulted in a misalignment that caused a lot of pain when walking or standing for extended periods of time.
After seeing and being cleared by my chiropractor, I’m happy to be back in the gym. Outside of that, I have no balance. My passion and hobby is actually my career, so it’s more challenging to find balance.
5) Are there any gadgets, tools or products can’t you live without?
My phone and laptop. I earn a living on both.
6) What is the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day?
I don’t have one. No one day is perfect. Some days I don’t get the most out of it, and it’s okay. We need to unplug, relax, and do nothing sometimes.
