About Me
Hiriam Hicks, the former President of Island/Def Jam (Urban Music), best known as the executive who engineered the division from scratch into a $28 million dollar entity in its first year, announced the opening of the ARTIST FACTORY; a twenty-thousand square foot enterprise serving the interests of artists and the integrity of the entertainment business. The mission of the ARTIST FACTORY is to create, develop, produce, train and market entertainment, all under one roof. The Atlanta-based operation is a multimillion dollar facility, and home to a number of divisions. Each sector represents the diverse elements necessary to propel and sustain an artist's career. The various departments include promotion, graphic design, publicity, marketing, A&R, media and vocal training. Hiriam, along with his skilled team of 20, will oversee the departments. The ARTIST FACTORY will serve as an independent entity with the primary objective of creating a solid foundation for artists to build lengthy and prosperous careers. The Factory also provides long-term development and guidance for groundbreaking acts to achieve careers as seasoned artists. "I admire Hiriam for all the success he has had in the music industry and the sales generated by his accomplishments. With the development of this new business model I am confident the ARTIST FACTORY will be the launching pad for tomorrow's stars." states, Cathy Hughes Founder/Chairperson Radio One Inc. It all starts with the music. The ARTIST FACTORY has an assemblage of today's hottest Hip Hop, R&B, Latin and Gospel writers and producers, all under the direction of Hiriam Hicks, a man who's track record and hit ratio is outstanding. Hicks understands the limitations and missed opportunities artists face when they record a hit record and are not able to deliver it on stage. The ARTIST FACTORY training center includes dance rehearsal rooms as well as a complete stage. These amenities open up the chance to utilize vocal and choreography training to produce the best stage presence for live performances. While shaping and producing the final product, the AF marketing, publicity and promotion departments will strategize plans by trained experts in their respective fields. The in-house A&R division will provide the cohesiveness to remain focused and observe a project to it's successful conclusion. More importantly, the cadre of professionals will be virtually living with the music and the artist while all the elements are being developed. "This gives the AF staff a distinct advantage in the marketing and promotion of our acts. We truly recognize our acts, allowing us to react better to their visions of success," says Hicks. "Our marketing and promotion staff is not only networked into the streets, but are also merged in the community of on-line marketers keeping them on the cutting edge of what counts and what doesn't. Our staff is locked onto the trends so we can match packaging and positioning of our acts according to their demographic core. Whether it's a micro marketing or a national plan, the AF team is always ahead of the curve", Hicks adds. Entering the General Motors-like building of the ARTIST FACTORY is a glance into the window of music history through the numerous plaques and photos adorning the walls. Continue through the halls and you will find doors leading to the future of the ARTIST FACTORY. One such door is the soundstage--the goal of every artist starting their career. As they progress through the assortment of training sessions, eventually graduating to a live concert performance, this will be one of their last stops. Here they will practice the art of entertaining an audience before entering the real world of music as well-rounded, developed artists. Refining an artist has obviously been a staple in the industry, but the ARTIST FACTORY will provide artist development services that are rarely executed. Major record companies and independent labels will benefit from the company's full-fledged services offered under one umbrella. The greatest advantage is that the departments work collectively as one unit versus independently by separate companies. In addition, artists receive undivided attention similar to personal management - a role that is second nature to Hicks. Prior to joining Island in 1995, Hicks was the managerial force behind the success of superstars New Edition, Keith Sweat, TLC and Bell, Biv, Devoe. To date, Hiriam's accomplishments in the music business represent over 48 million albums sold. He garnered tremendous success with award-winning artists Dru Hill, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Kelly Price, and The Isley Brothers, among several other hit groups and soundtracks. However, with all these accolades to his credit, Hicks has never lost sight of what's important - the artist and the music. Rarely has the business seen one of its most respected executives step down from their esteemed post, and step up to such a noble endeavor. By stepping back and looking in, Hicks recognized what was missing. As a result, his brainchild was born. With the ARTIST FACTORY, Hicks will utilize his plethora of experience, knowledge and resources to reform the vital areas of the artist development concept and process. In addition to his work in the business, Hicks spearheaded numerous community service initiatives. His humanitarian efforts include works in such worthy programs as the Rebuild The Churches Fund, the International Association of African American Music (IAAAM), the Black Music Association, and the Literacy Lyric Project. Rapper/activist Chuck D praises Hiriam for "always being quick to roll up his sleeves and help young people in our community in any way he can. He's intelligent, he's savvy, and he's committed," Chuck D adds. The ARTIST FACTORY exemplifies these characteristics and his commitment. Hicks also created "Unity In The Community," a campaign of various programs designed to increase community service, awareness and pride, as a catalyst for community change. "A Star is Born," an eight-month high school program focusing on community, family and humanity was one such endeavor. As a diligent and proficient music industry veteran, Hicks has earned the reputation as a man of considerable action. Throughout his career, he has had the courage to tread new ground and seek ways to expand on his already vast cache of knowledge. He continues to find ways to create, build and improve by utilizing his presence to provide meaningful change. It has been this pioneering spirit and uncanny vision that have earned him the admiration and respect of some of the most prominent members of the music industry. From its introduction, throughout its growth, the ARTIST FACTORY will prove to be an invaluable resource to any record company, of any genre, and will surely be a welcomed compliment to the industry's artist development process as a whole.
