Conversations with Max Gousse

Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Gousse.

Hi Max , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my music career as a programming assistant at Video Jukebox Network aka The Box in Miami Florida. I ultimately became the urban video programmer & artist relations rep for the channel. That led me to an encounter with Giant Records executive Cassandra Mills, who offered me the opportunity to lead her NY office, At Giant we had major success with New Jack City Sdtrk, Color Me Badd & Jade. I then left for my own label venture with East West records called Mecca Don Records and had an immediate hit with Adina Howard’s “Freak Like Me”. I built the label & eventually sold to WMG. I then transitioned to music publishing at MCA Music Publishing. I was recruited to run Sony’s Epic Records West Coast A&R and saw success with B2K, the #1 Box Office hit You Got Served & sdtrk & signed superstar Jhene Aiko. During my tenure, Mathew Knowles & I became friendly and he recruited me to run A&R at Music World. I oversaw all recording projects included Grammy-winning record ms by Beyonce in addition to Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams & Solange albums.
After 5 years I became the VP of the iconic Def Jam Records and rebuilt its west coast A&R Dept. We had success with rapper YG and also discovered & developed Tydollasign & DJ Mustard.
I then went into business with Warner Records establishing Artistry Records and had immediate success with Saweetie, who went on to sell 5 million singles in 2 years. I am now focused expanding the Artistry brand into music, vertical dramas, and TV shows in partnership with Agency Studios and Adrian Miller’s Xyion

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My business is always challenging. The key for me has been to lean into the change and to lead. Right now we’re at the forefront of music tech & shortform content for mobile.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m best known as having overseen Beyoncé’s biggest albums “Bday” and “I Am Sasha Fierce” & “Dreamgirls”. Very proud of those projects as they spawned the mega-hits “Single Ladies”, “Irreplaceable” & “Halo”
I specialize in helping recording artists be the best they can be and matching the right talent to ultimately produce a lasting & impactful record.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is my days playing for the Bonnie Robins in the PAL, NY

Pricing:

• Board Advisory
• Artist Development

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.artistryrecordings.com
• Instagram: @mrmaxgousse
• Facebook: Maxgousse
• LinkedIn: https://Www.linkedin.com/in/maxgousse
• Twitter: Maxartistry

Image Credits
Max Gousse