Today we’d like to introduce you to Beka Bishop.
Hi Beka, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story starts with my concert-going, musical family. Music was instilled in me at a young age with music lessons, singing in church choirs, and concerts. I am so grateful to have a musical family – my dad plays bass, my brothers play bass and drums, and my sister and I sing – because my decision to work in the music industry wasn’t a huge shocker for anyone. Growing up, I loved to attend concerts… it honestly became my personality! I have had the honor to see so many amazing artists ranging from Mötley Crüe and KISS my freshman year of high school to seeing Jon Bellion at least five times (I’ve lost count at this point).
After I graduated high school, I decided to not follow my dream and passion to work in the music industry. I was honestly just so scared because it wasn’t the traditional route that people took in my hometown. I put myself in a box and worked different jobs in marketing and real estate, but I was never satisfied or happy. During this time, I had the amazing opportunity to intern with Building429 and Blake Whiteley where I got to see what the industry was like for myself. I fell in love with the music business and knew I had to take my career one step further.
I attended Full Sail University from 2019-2020 and graduated Valedictorian in Music Business. I had SO many amazing opportunities to lead teams, work alongside legends, and overall develop my skills. Graduating during the pandemic was truly horrifying because the industry was running off of live streams and TikTok. My intention was to graduate and work in the live entertainment scene as a tour manager, but of course, that was impossible during a global pandemic. Rather than sitting and waiting for the industry to heal, I co-founded my own artist management company, B Sweet Management, with Nick Sweet.
Today, I have the amazing opportunity to run and manage B Sweet Management and work alongside so many artists to achieve their goals as an artist manager and social media manager. I also co-host La’Royal Bishop Podcast, which is a podcast for independent artists to help them dominate in the music industry, with Kenny Meyers. Outside of these projects, I’ve had the opportunity to do social media freelance work with many companies such as EM.Co, which is Tim McGraw’s management company.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The music industry is never a smooth road and if it starts to become one, prepare for the biggest bump of your life! The ride is totally worth it though, I mean I get to work with some of the most talented musicians, producers, and singers every day.
One of the main reasons I chose to go back to school for my Bachelor’s degree was because I was told, “You have two things that are hindering you from being successful in the music industry – being a female and not having a degree.” So of course, I got the degree, proved everyone wrong, and hope to be in a position someday to fire anyone that says that to ANYONE starting in the industry. Slightly kidding, but people who are narrowminded have no business being in the industry, in my opinion.” I don’t want to sound like a mean person.
There have been many internal and external struggles that have helped develop me into the woman and professional that I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of B Sweet Management. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
B Sweet Management is an artist and event management company based in Nashville and Orlando. Our mission is to educate, prosper, and propel our diverse roster to bring longevity to their music and careers. We value keeping humanity in the music industry, empowering our team and clients, keeping our approaches different, and prolonging our artists careers. We see artists and creatives as people and not products.
I’m extremely proud of B Sweet Management for many reasons but here are a few:
– April 1st was our one-year anniversary. Not only did we survive the first year of being a business, we also started and survived through a pandemic!
– We value and protect artists – our goal is to be a change in the industry so artists feel equipped to represent themselves and not have issues with getting screwed over by anyone in the industry
– We have been able to work with artists in the Latin, Pop, Rap, Rock, Country, and EDM scenes!
We offer services that tailor to our artists needs, whether that be full-time management, show promotion, booking, social media, or even branding!
We have a lot of big things coming in 2022 and I can’t wait to share!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I get asked this question a lot and I feel like I change my answer each time!
No matter what I want to make a positive impact on the music industry that is recognized throughout the world. Mental health is extremely important to me as well as making the path in the music industry fair for all in opportunities and compensations. These topics are finally being put on the table and I’d love to be a part of the change.
Professionally, I hope to continue working with artists that I believe in. I absolutely love what I get to do each day. You know how you feel when you’re listening to your favorite song with the windows down on the most beautiful day? That’s how I get to feel every day with the job I have, and I am so grateful.
My big goals for the next couple of years are to be named in Forbes 30 Under 30 and Nashville Briefing’s 30 Under 30. I would also love to work on a project with Ryan Tedder, Jon Bellion, Miley Cyrus, Kip Moore, Eminem, Haley Reinhart, Greta Van Fleet, Alice Cooper, Selena Gomez, Aerosmith, and/or Illenium.
I like to keep myself open for opportunities so I’m sure as time goes on, my goals will expand and reach new horizons.
Contact Info:
- Email: beka@bsweetmanagement.com
- Website: https://www.bsweetmanagement.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bekabishop_/
Image Credits
Landon Parker
Rachael Jordan
James Stewart
Scott Siman
Beka Bishop
Juli Griffith
Kelly Clague
Brian Kaplan
Rod Essig
Blake Chancey
Jack Purcell
CreativAngel Sweet
Nick Swee
Scorpio Szn
