Al Manerson is without question a man passionate about the credibility of today’s music and the recording artists who make the music. He isn’t pursuing the one-hit wonders. Manerson prefers to take the road not taken or the same “music formula” that music labels prefer these days. The award-winning executive music producer, artist manager, songwriter and producer who specializes in A&R, promotions, marketing, sales and production is on a mission to create long-term careers for the recording artists he works with. It turns out that Manerson initiated the collaboration of the band’s frontman and Grammy Award nominee, Stokley Williams, as a producer with hip-hop recording sensation Wale, who earned his first No. 1 album The Gifted on the national Billboard charts, the surprise hit of summer 2013. Since the radio, sales and chart success of Wale’s The Gifted album, Williams is now a sought after music producer with some surprising upcoming production collaborations with today’s top recording artists.
Read more here.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
My finding God’s purpose for my life and the talents He has blessed me with inspire me daily. Because of this, I taken nothing for granted and hone my craft each and every day.
How did you determine your career path?
I grew up surrounded by music. My dad was a drummer. My sister and brother both sang and played piano. When I was younger I was fascinated by fashion and sports but was forced to play the drums. I did not like playing the drums in the beginning. I learned to appreciate music, its rhythms and its healing power.
I often ran with the fast crowd but managed to put myself through college. Upon graduation, my first job was with Raytheon where I was hired to work as a product manager in the Trident One Missile Department. I knew early on that this job did not best suit me. But it shaped my foundation and provided me with the discipline and critical thinking skills required. Shortly after, a man asked me if I wanted to work in the music business. I was very interested and went to New York for the interview for the job. There was a very long line of people waiting to be interviewed for the same job. I asked the receptionist where her boss was and she informed me that her boss was in Chicago. I decided at that moment to fly to Chicago that afternoon. When I arrived I walked past several assistants without announcing myself and found the name of the person that told me to go to New York for the interview. I thought the job was mine and was lead to believe that was the case by this gentleman. I looked in the gentleman’s offices after locating it and found that he was in a meeting with five other key executives including the gentleman’s boss who originally offered me the job. This gentleman’s superiors stated that I had cut the competition in half by flying to Chicago and I was hired on the spot.
What other industries connect to your career choice?
Based on my background, I could really work in several different industries. I have the business and marketing background and understand what is required to be successful. So I will go wherever God leads me. I could teach or preach. Very few people know that I was a kid model as I loved fashion and still do. I was a model and took some classes at CBS/ Epic. (Little did I know that I would work there later). I worked there and while bringing a dress, met a superstar product manager named Sandra DeCosta. I also met a woman named Ms. Laverne Perry who thought it was cute that I brought them clothes and as a result I was able to do wardrobe for the SOS band. Everything is connected.
Describe the skill sets that are essential to future business leaders and innovators.
Essential skill sets for business leaders are, patience, thick-skin, the ability to follow-through with a project, consistency, time management and spiritual growth.
Define innovative methods you apply to your business and life.
I am very direct with my clients and with business partners. I follow through on everything I give my word on. If I want more for the client than they want for themselves, I cannot represent them. I am very strategic on every approach. I have developed a business model that I follow that works best for me. Integrity is always paramount. I like that I sleep soundly and peacefully at night.
How do you set goals and evaluate your success?
I set goals by looking at the landscape of what is required. I look for the very rare gems and then brush them off and polish them. I develop them until they absolutely shine. My personal fiscal year is in September so then I get a chance to check where I am and try to finish very big before the end of the year. I do a very honest assessment.
Who do you consider peers in your field? Who is setting a great example of best practices?
Even though I have not found anyone with a specialized background, I have had a chance to do some partnerships with Blueprint as they are doing great things. I respect the work of KZC.
How do you stay abreast of changes in your field?
I am always working and developing my craft. My background and past accomplishments have afforded me the opportunity to continue to be resourceful and obtain vital global information regarding the business daily.
Name your favorite role models for success in two industries.
My only role models are my mother and father and David Geffen for expanding the entertainment platform.
Names three books that changed how you saw life that you would recommend to others.
The Souls of Black Folks, The Fire the Next Time and The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success.
Explain why lifelong learning is important to you.
Every day is a new adventure and we must be able to understand why everything is all connected and our talents in many areas fuel our thoughts and perspectives. I love waking up to a new challenge/ adventure.
Describe the voice of success that you hear in your head.
“Can’t” is never a word in my head or vocabulary. I speak truth to those things as if they are. I know that “All things are possible with God”. I also, never. ever, make excuses.
Community success based on what you do in the community means what to you?
Community is at the pulse of everything . We start things and end things in the community. We place elected officials in government by way of the community. More and most importantly, we have the privilege of learning how to work together for a common goal in living life as a community. If we believed and acted in the strength of our communities we could accomplish much more. Our collective, collaborative efforts have brought about the most change.
What role does technology play in your daily life?
Technology plays an important role as it helps us stay ahead of ‘the game” and helps us “connect the dots”.
What software and technology tools have made the biggest difference in your life?
Pro tool, logic mac, iPhone, etc.
How do music and cultural events define your self-identity?
I examine my favorite periods and recall the best of the best groups, and remember the music of that time and the lyrics. Music is a cultural event. It brings people together; it defines many emotions and the times in which we live. It can also describe our hardships and dilemmas while offering solutions. Music “has soothed” a many, cultural” beast.
Define your personal culture.
My personal culture is integrity, integrity, integrity and as the older wise sages often said, “If you will lie, you will steal”.
Describe your favorite vacation spot.
Trinidad for me has always provided the peace and tranquility I need. It fuels and feeds my spirit.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would you change?
I would change fear among/ against people of color.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change?
I would not change anything about myself as I know God has made me to be who I am and has me on this remarkable journey of self discovery and insight. It is only my path lead by Him.
