Today we’d like to introduce you to S’von.
Hi S’von, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
How I got started in the music business – I started my musical journey studying percussion at the St. Louis Conservatory of Music (CASA). After a few years of that, I switched over to piano and continued at the conservatory and also began playing at church in St. Louis. I then went to undergrad at Jackson State University where I was a double major in piano performance and vocal music education. Once I graduated undergrad, I moved to Los Angeles and found my way into the music business working at a recording studio, then later as a touring musician. At this point, my involvement in the music game covers a wide spectrum…from touring to music production for indie artists, to some scoring/music supervisor for some television productions. It looks a lot smoother when you write it. However, it has had its ups and downs along the way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. However, everyone in this business faces the same challenges. So, it wasn’t anything abnormal. One of the biggest challenges to overcome is consistency. Most people think that once you book something, you are set for the rest of your career life. This is far from the truth. Booking a “major” situation is just the beginning. You never know how long it will last and you never know where your next situation will end up. You will and should constantly look forward and set up your next situation…no matter how great your current situation is. People change their minds…the market changes…the artist is no longer “it”…personalities can clash with one person and everyone will get switched out by the association. I would say that you definitely should leverage all of your talents and consistently improve your skill set as often as possible.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a musician (keyboardist). My current main source of income is from touring. I am most known for touring in the “pop” music world. I am best known for dependability and flexibility when it comes to styles of music. What sets me apart from others is my understanding of the business and my understanding of performers. It’s one thing to know how to play and to relate to other musicians. It’s another thing to understand how the business works and dealing with labels, managers, and just non-performers/non-creatives in general. One hand doesn’t necessarily understand or work well with the other…even in 2022.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For everyone starting out on this journey…if you are in a school music program, learn everything the program has to offer and learn from your fellow students who study different aspects than what your focus is. It is the ONLY time where you can get a concentrated level of free insight at any time of day…any day of the week. Universities are getting a bad rep these days. But, I would argue that just aren’t utilized properly. You don’t need to go to University to be successful. However, if you are already there, you can leverage it to give yourself a head start past those who are not. The opposite is also true. The big lesson is to take what you have and be ok with where you are…so that you can use it to your advantage. They both have good and bad points.
Contact Info:
- Website: svononline.com
- Instagram: svon1
- Twitter: @svon1
