Meet Katrina Frye | CEO Indie Music Label, Lauretta Records

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

Hi Katrina, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work and life have always been intermingled for me. From the people I choose to work with to the vendors I hire, they are people I want to spend time with during work hours and after. Being in the music industry I learned very early on that it’s 90% relational 10% business or work. Whether you tour, songwriter, produce or run a label all of these roles are contingent on the creation of Art. And for Art to be created and nurtured an artist must feel safe, seen, and inspired. This is why I’ve had to blend my work and life. My work grew when I expanded my life, when I expanded my circle of friends and interests. Then my life grew as my work grew, they have both complemented each other. I know it’s not for everyone but for me, I love it. It has come with sacrifices like more business trips and travel than personal and more work friends than personal friends but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I think as an entrepreneur and creative everyone has to find their path towards a balanced life.

Of course, you still have to draw boundaries and I’ve learned that the hard way but here are some boundaries I draw for myself (again these are personal for me to take or leave what works best for you):
1. No serious business talk after 10pm
2. Always hang out with someone you are going into business with and make sure you can talk about more than business
3. Always let people you do business with see that you have life.
4. Don’t have more than 2 drinks at a business function.
5. If you work with friends make sure they know when you are talking just as friends or as business partners.
6. Always pay friends when in business together and if not, exchange resources.
7. Carve out time to learn how to evolve your craft and work, stay inspired.
8. Carve out time to be a better human and care for your people.
9. Don’t expect everyone to have the same boundaries as you or care about yours.
10. Always know why you are doing the work.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Lauretta Records is an independent music label based in Los Angeles, CA with a unique focus on rebirthing artists and breaking brands into television and film licensing. With song placements stretching from movie trailers, promo spots, television shows, and national commercial campaigns, we believe tv/film is the new radio for music.

With fresh music and a fresh look, our artists are ready to capitalize on the blooming market, which can sometimes seem elusive. We work directly with companies based in Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville. Together we have placed over 50 songs in the last three years and look forward to giving more songs a space to be shared.

I started this label in 2020 because I was fed up with not seeing some like me at the negotiation table for artists. I am a young black female with 10 years of music industry experience. I want more young people to know they have what it takes to change this industry now and forever.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start with the LA Observatory. I love that hike and view of the city with lunch in highland park. Spend the rest of the day at LACMA to see some art and then dinner Downtown with a nightcap at the Ace Hotel rooftop bar.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes! I would love to Shoutout my team, who make it possible for me to have a work-life balance. That’s Gabrielle Veneracion, Chris Rondina, and Michael Ynchausti. They keep Lauretta Records running smoothly every day. They try new things and rarely say no to all the challenges and opportunities I throw their way.

For book inspiration, I would say Lynn Twist’s book “The Soul of Money” really transformed my life as a leader and entrepreneur.

Website: https://www.laurettarecords.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurettarecords/, https://www.instagram.com/katfryed/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinafrye/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurettarecords

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurettarecords

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHdIVuV7K1DTny_6UpkslNA

Other: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0MOvi41xBUNXu0s3gXGkoc?si=N52a5R1eRFKHaU0LMPWr2w https://soundcloud.com/lauretta-records

Image Credits
Karen Hernandez for the two headshots, group photo is by Gabrielle Veneracion.