Today we’d like to introduce you to André Davis.
André, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Well, I’ve loved music for longer than I can remember. My love probably borders on obsession, haha. I was in 1st grade when I got in trouble at school for printing out lyrics to Dr. Dre’s “Let’s Get High” and bringing them to school (I used to spend hours looking up lyrics to my favorite songs). Also remember being, maybe six years old, recording my favorite songs from the radio onto a cassette so I could listen to them on a walkman. Later, that transitioned into making my own personal CD’s with my favorite songs. You can imagine when mp3 players came out my life changed. I even remember spending all of my prepaid boost mobile minutes on ringtones, haha. My phone was dummy dry too. Nobody ever called me, but you couldn’t tell me nothing!
My love for music is natural. Maybe from something embedded in the culture around me. A lot of influences from my Belizean roots, older cousins, friends, etc. I had homies and family that made attempts as artists. I would do anything I could to support them (shoutout to Ryan W.), trying to fill in gaps and be an extra mind/set of hands. However, it wasn’t until after I graduated from undergrad at San Diego State that I realized I could turn my love of music into a career. Before that, I was certain I’d have a career in Psychology. In that time of confusion, I did random jobs like proctored the California Bar Exam, interned at a rehab facility, and even taught English in an elementary school in Madrid, Spain for a year.
Now, I’m living out my dream. I’m days away from earning my MBA from CSU – Long Beach, but that’s not exciting to talk about, haha. Related to music, on one hand, I’m an Urban A&R intern at Interscope Records, where I get to learn from extraordinary people. On the other hand, I work daily with my favorite artist, ICECOLDBISHOP. We’re laying the foundation of ICE COLD RECORDS. It’s an inexplicable feeling being able to build something with your favorite artist/good friend from the ground up – step by step. I love it. If you haven’t heard of him, you should look him up. He’s special.
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
A smooth road? Well….naaa. Haha. However, I’m not here to make excuses or complain. That hasn’t helped me get where I’m at now, and it won’t help me get to where I want to be either. We (ICECOLDBISHOP/ICE COLD RECORDS) are independent. Many are unaware of how much goes into uplifting an artist and even I’m just scratching the surface. At Interscope, I’m lucky to see different departments function together as a machine. I scrape that knowledge and implement it so one day ICE COLD RECORDS will become that same powerhouse with what we have. It’s so beneficial to be able to learn something at Interscope and directly apply it to a project I’m firmly connected to.
I guess I could address the scammers in the music industry. Demanding payment for music submissions, playlist placements, performances, press/editorial features… A lot of weirdo activity – real greasy people. We eurostep all of that. Thankfully, there are reputable outlets such as VoyageLA, COLORS, Adidas, Pigeons & Planes, etc. that are doing great work and have pure intentions. I love outlets like that – such as yourself. What you have here is amazing.
Everyday is a battle. I’m literally fighting to make people care, haha. Though, if this was easy, it wouldn’t be worth it. It’s the path we chose and we’re not afraid to take the long road because we know what situation is most comfortable for us. I hear all the time that “it takes seven years to become an overnight success.” When you take shortcuts, you miss steps, and the goal for us is to build an empire and leave a legacy. So I put my faith in hard work, honor, and dedication. We’ve been fortunate to work with people who believe in us and see the vision. I’m always thinking of ways I can push the brand of ICB forward. Even if that means converting believers 1 by 1. ICB and I game plan damn near every day. When I see how much he puts into this, that’s the least I can do. He is the exemplification of blood, sweat, and tears. I know some of my Instagram followers are tired of me posting about ICB but….. f*ck em. Straight like that. I told him the first time we ever spoke I’m 100% in. Whether this turns out to be a sprint or a marathon.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ice Cold Records and Interscope Records (Urban A&R Intern) – what should we know?
ICE COLD RECORDS is an independent record label founded by the artist and all around creative, ICECOLDBISHOP. We specialize in urban music and are known for creating phenomenal music. That’s what we’re known for right now, as of April 2019. There’s no limit to this, and we don’t believe in ceilings. ICECOLDBISHOP is really into cinema. I wouldn’t be surprised if one day he wins an Oscar or something. You’ll see it once we start putting out music videos. Personally, outside of A&R and helping run the label, I’m getting more interested in photography. Maybe one day we’ll be an all-encompassing entertainment conglomerate, who knows?
Personally, I think I’m most proud of seeing the support when IRATE dropped. It was a rush I’ve never felt before. Some of our favorite artists are fans of the music, which is cool to know we caught their attention. We got picked up by amazing playlists and there’s a sense of gratification knowing that other people love something like I do.
What sets us apart is how resourceful we are. We’re just a few people with passion and a dream. What we’ve been able to accomplish running almost solely off that and synergy, we give ourselves some credit for. If we can do all this by just getting it out the mud, it’s a scary sight of what we can do with even a slightly better situation.
Outside of music, I want to have a positive effect on my community. Being able to provide opportunities is something that’ll arise once I’m in more established positions of power. On that train of thought, most respectful praise to Nipsey Hussle. Someone who laid a blueprint for top tier entrepreneurship.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
In a general sense that’s applicable to everyone, I define success as a synonym to satisfaction. No matter what that “thing” is, or how others perceive it. If it leaves you satisfied, then that’s success. Personally, for me, success means being in a position to do whatever I desire. No dreams deferred. I won’t be satisfied until that’s where I’m at. There are so many people I want to provide opportunities for, businesses I want to start, investments I want to make, trips I want to take… The list goes on and on. I look at people like Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, Top Dawg, Diddy. Have you ever seen the video where Diddy was throwing stuff in his office? “I’M A SAVAGE!!!!!!!”
That’s the level I need to be on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://instagram.com/icecoldbishop/
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Dennis Hope, Justin Childress
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