Today we’d like to introduce you to Chadrick Fellers.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
WastedPotential is a very unique company in the music industry. You can almost think of it as a one-stop shop from the beginning to the end.
WastedPotential is a creative firm handling tour design, tour, and production management, and live lighting/sound labor in the music and entertainment business. You can think of it as a one-stop shop from the beginning to the end, all under one roof. We help artists, managers, and labels from the creative side, and the actual execution side as well.
WastedPotential was founded in 2012 in Chicago, IL. I was in College at Columbia College Chicago. I was a fan of a small artist who asked on Facebook if anyone in the Chicago area could help book a show. I had no experience in the music industry whatsoever but I reached out to help. Long story short, the show went great, and the artist asked me to come on tour to help with various jobs. I had to make a decision of whether to continue school or drop out. I chose to drop out and pursue the arts. My Italian grandmother was NOT a fan of my decision and told me I was “wasting my potential” and to pursue school and being a lawyer, doctor, etc. (traditional job). I didn’t have a company name at the time, so I decided to put a positive spin on what she told me and call the company WastedPotential. Fast forward to now, and so many of our artists and staff relate to our brand, everyone in music/entertainment at some point has had someone tell them they are “wasting their potential.”
Not only does Wastedpotential handle managing over 100 workers in their database, but our team does amazing creative work on the creative direction, stage design, lighting design, merch design, and even CGI/Animations. WastedPotentials work has been featured on things like Main Stage Coachella, Ellen, Kimmel, Fallon, SNL, MTV VMA’s, NPR Tiny Desks, & countless arena and tours all across the world.
Some artists WastedPotential has worked with are Doja Cat, Jack Harlow, Lil Baby, Kid Laroi, Karol G, Daniel Caesar, Ed Sheeran, Russ, Migos, Cardi B, Juice Wrld, Roddy Ricch, Lil Nas X, ASAP Rocky, BeBe Rexha, Da Baby, Amine, Dan+Shay, & countless others.
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?
There are always struggles along the road. Especially in the touring world of the music industry, where there really aren’t any “rules.” It’s kind of the wild west in a way. Whatever way you personally find success may not work for others, and vice versa.
I’ve learned from doing things the wrong way early in my career, and now I’m fortunate enough to be able to teach a lot of the younger people we work with those lessons and help them avoid mistakes.
From tour buses breaking down and finding ways to somehow logistically make the show go on to gear failing or breaking, there have been countless struggles along the way lol.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We’re known for helping artists create big moments in their live performances and specialize in helping bring it to reality as well. Not just coming up with the creative ideas, but genuinely helping execute.
I’m really proud of the team we’ve built here. Everyone really enjoys working together; we’re constantly trying to level up and help each other succeed.
I’m proud of some big moments we’ve helped create. Whether that’s Jack Harlow kicking off the MTV VMA’s, to Lil Baby and Daniel Caesar Main Stage Coachella, to the countless tours we’ve designed and sent out. So many awesome moments over the years.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think my level-headedness and ability to keep calm have really been beneficial in my career. I truly don’t let anything shake me, and I’m proud of that.
In my field, there are constantly curveballs thrown at you and things going wrong. It’s important to keep a cool calm & collected approach, as your client may be right in front of you, and artists/managers tend to sense your energy pretty quickly.
Contact Info:
- Website: wastedpotential.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wastedpotential/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WastedPotentialPresents/
