Meet Eddie Smith | Artist Manager/Freelance A&R

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eddie Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eddie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My Passion for Music kickstarted everything. My deep love for music has always been a guiding force in my life. I’ve had a connection to music since a young age, and that passion made me realize I wanted to be more than just a fan—I wanted to be a part of the process that brings great music to the world.I’ve always believed that talent needs to be nurtured. I saw so many artists with incredible potential who just needed the right guidance and support to reach the next level. I wanted to be the one to help them realize their dreams and navigate the complexities of the music industry,Working for others can be limiting, especially when you have your own vision. Starting my own business allowed me to create a space where I could implement my ideas and strategies without having to compromise on my values or goals. I wanted the freedom to choose the artists I work with and the projects I believe in. Artist management, to me is more than just business—it’s about building trust and understanding with the artists. I wanted to create a business model that prioritizes genuine connections, where artists feel supported not just professionally but personally. My goal has always been to make a lasting impact on the music industry by developing artists who are not just successful but also authentic and true to themselves. I wanted to create a legacy of empowering artists to be their best selves, both on and off stage.

By starting my own business, I could combine my passion for music, my desire to help others, and my vision for what artist management should be, all while building something meaningful and sustainable for the long term.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My company is called TakeNotes Management and Media. It’s sort of a play on Words for being a student of life (or ) in any capacity where you could observe,learn and then apply or in the words of Tupac “plan, plot, strategize”Then on the flip side It’s taking this music (notes) and making a positive impact. My journey in this industry has been deeply influenced by a passion for music and a desire to Scream on Shady label executives like Dame Dash …jk!! but all jokes aside,it’s to empower artists while putting the world onto dope Sh*t!

What sets my business apart is our commitment to authenticity and personalized artist development. We don’t just manage careers; we nurture artists from the ground up, helping them find their unique voice and build a sustainable brand that reflects who they truly are. Our approach is holistic, focusing not only on the music but also on the artist’s overall well-being, brand, and long-term success. We believe in building genuine relationships with our artists, where trust and mutual respect are the foundations.

Getting to where we are today hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced my share of challenges—whether it’s breaking into a competitive industry, dealing with setbacks, or finding the right talent to represent. But what has kept me going is a relentless belief in the vision and a refusal to settle for anything less than excellence. I’ve had to be resourceful, learning from every failure and turning obstacles into opportunities.

The challenges have been real, but they’ve also been instrumental in shaping the business. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and adaptability. The music industry is constantly evolving, and to stay ahead, you have to be willing to pivot, innovate, and sometimes take risks that others might shy away from. Surrounding myself with the right team and staying true to my core values have also been key to overcoming challenges.

I’ve learned that success in this business isn’t just about talent; it’s about vision, work ethic, and the courage to bet on yourself. It’s about knowing when to push forward and when to step back and let the artist lead. I’ve also learned the power of collaboration and how important it is to build a network of like-minded people who share your passion and drive.

I want the world to know that my brand stands for more than just artist management—it stands for empowerment, authenticity, and long-term success. We’re not just building careers; we’re building legacies. I’m not afraid to be bold, to challenge the status quo, and to create a path that’s uniquely my own. My story is one of perseverance, passion, and a deep love for music that drives everything we do.

Thank you for your interest in my journey. I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in artist management and to keep making a difference, one artist at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I’m Originally from Boston…Roxbury to be exact. We would Start the day with breakfast at my Bredren Springers house where he insists everytime I visit home I make my famous fish and grits!!! fire!!.
Mid-day we would Take a walking tour of Nubian Square (Tuck ya chains in kids ) don’t let the name change fool you… it’s still Dudley N***as!!!….That evening we would hit Roxbury to visit the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists. It’s a cultural gem in Roxbury that showcases incredible African and African-American art.
Stop down for Dinner at New Jumbo Seafood in chinatown for some amazing Chinese food. The vibe is always lively, and the salt and pepper shrimp is the best …Then we would head to TD Garden and watch Tatum go for 25—celtics games always give you a taste of Boston pride.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, Shout out goes to all the incredible artists who continue to create music ,from my Artist Pyeatt ,my guy Casso in Boston , TTBby out there in Beaumont , Coast Contra in LA—thank you. Your creativity, passion, and your dedication are the lifeblood of this industry, You all inspire not just fans, but also those of us who have the privilege of working alongside you. Your music brings what’s missing to the industry, I am honored to support your art and help share it with the world.

And shoutout to everyone who has ever offered me words of encouragement or advice ,my partner in crime Super talented Producer Alex aka Beeja —thank you. Whether it was a simple words of wisdom, a push in the right direction, or just an opportunity to do what I love to do.Shoutout my guy Knowledge that was at Atlantic Records at the time, brought me in as an intern.Every piece of advice has been a stepping stone, from these people helping me navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories.

This Article is not just mine; it belongs to every artist, every family member, every friend, and every mentor who has been part of this journey. I am deeply grateful to each of you. Thank you for believing in me, for inspiring me, and for reminding me that with passion, support, and a little bit of courage, anything is possible.