Today we’d like to introduce you to Oronde Jenkins.
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?
I was born and raised in Chicago, and have always been surrounded by music. Once I realized I could make a career out of it, I hit the ground running, graduating from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in music business and immediately moving to LA. I was hired at Warner Music Group in the publishing licensing department four months later, and have now been with the company for 13 years.
While in LA, I had my hands in a bunch of different avenues: produced and recorded a few music releases, worked in marketing and branding for a church and its nonprofit and freelanced in photography, videography, and creative direction. I’m equal parts left and right-brained, so balancing the business and creative worlds has been very fulfilling.
In 2017, I transferred to Warner’s new Nashville office, and am currently the Senior Manager for Catalog Publishing Licensing. In short, I ensure writers and their music publishers get the royalties for the use of their songs. I still make time for creative projects in the photo, video, and music space, as well as some consulting for artists and nonprofits.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth, but I always say growth and comfort are rarely in the same room.
It’s been an adjustment being a city boy from Chicago and LA, acclimating myself to the slower pace of Nashville and the southern region. However, the opportunities for career growth and personal development in Nashville have been amazing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My main career is in music licensing and copyright, which is on the legal side of the music industry. It’s the part that energizes my left brain. My team at Warner is responsible for licensing the publishing rights for our catalog and international repertoire, which includes acts of all genres like Grateful Dead, Notorious B.I.G., Fleetwood Mac, KSHMR, and more. There’s a lot more to it, but that’s the crux of our role within the label. In addition, I also started a website called MusicPub101.com back in 2013 that teaches people about the world of music publishing, which has also led to speaking on panels and even an online course.
Which is a perfect segue to my creative side, which stimulates my right brain. I was mainly known for freelancing in web and graphic design in college and my 20s, which transitioned into photography, videography, and overall creative consulting. I’m also known for music: I consider myself mainly a songwriter, but I also produce, sing, and have done a little music supervision. My creative work allows me to continue to grow and master the skills I enjoy while setting the pace so I don’t burn out. It also brings me joy to assist others in their journey to greatness. For example, the music video I produced/edited for my friend Jarrett Johnson’s rendition of “Lift Every Voice And Sing” was a component in seeing him and the song nominated for a Grammy!
It’s really weird talking about myself and my work, because (a) it seems really vain, and (b) it’s a bit all over the place to the outside world. But really, it’s two sides of the same coin.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The lessons I learned during the ongoing pandemic could fill an entire book, but the key points all stem from three words: life is short. Tomorrow isn’t promised, so cherish everything (and everyone) you have. Pursue the things you desire, even if you’re afraid. Be okay with where you are in life, but continue to strive for more. And don’t accept less than you rightfully deserve, whether that is in your career, in your family, romantic relationships, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.orondejenkins.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orondejenkins/
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/chicitysoulstar
- Other: https://www.orondemusic.com
