Maybe the newest requirement for songwriters is brutal honesty — or maybe that’s always been the case. In rolling out’s interview with songwriter Don Major — of We Got Hits and Make It Happen Management — his unflinching willingness to share his thoughts and private feelings was nothing short of exhilarating. The diverse songwriter who regularly ventures into an array of musical genres — including R&B, pop, and alternative music — has worked with popular artists like Slim of the group 112, and the infamous Ray J during his “For the Love of Ray J” days. –roz edward
When you made the transition to songwriter, things took off for you. Why is that?
I think people understood that my real passion was for songwriting, and it came through in my music. I know that I loved songwriting and artists and producers could see it.
What are the challenges of being a songwriter in the current industry?
You have to have talent and you have to have a strong mind. You can’t just accept no as an answer. That is not to say that you aren’t going to get anyone telling you “no” — you are. But don’t let it beat you down. You have to take the “no” along with the criticism and make your self better. The difficulties in this industry are pretty much like what everybody goes through — deals, money, relationships, politics — but you can’t let it slow you down. Just like in real life, you take a step back, assess, and then go at it again.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being a black man in this world. It can be hard because we are already put out there like we are thugs and hoodlums, and I’m not any of those. I work, I do my thing and I pursue my music. So my biggest accomplishment and the thing that I am most proud of is the fact that I am a positive black man.
What do you like best about the industry?
The best thing is to be accepted by your peers. That’s what lets you know you’re going in the right direction. And then there’s the great people that I have worked with. From Jack Knight to Jazze Pha, these are amazing people that believed in me and I trust them. I have also worked with super producers Justice League and the Runners. They knew that I had something and they helped me cultivate my talent. That’s what put’s a smile on my face …
