Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Daniel Cantrell, owner and founder of Unrivaled Records. Unrivaled Records has developed a roster that spans the full spectrum of popular music, comprising an unmatched catalog of talented, professional musicians who can release hits while still innovating, elevating popular music to the next level.
How did you get into what you do right now? Please tell us more about your journey.
I am from Las Vegas, New Mexico (The Original Las Vegas)! I have worked in the hospitality industry here for over ten years. Last year, however, I had met this girl. She had worked at a local convenience store that I frequent quite a bit because it was close to my house. She had been gaining quite the following on YouTube with every new song she would post. One thing was for sure, anyone that knew her at all knew one thing for sure. That was her love for music, and her dream of being a full-time artist was something that drove every decision she made. I had asked her if she’s ever been to a studio to record. She had told me a while back that one of her friends got her into one. She had enjoyed the experience, but the result had just provided an outline more or less of areas she would like to improve on for herself. I had thought it was super cool that someone hooked her up like that. I found myself kind of just silent waiting to hear about other studio sessions or other ways people had actively taken an interest. It never came. I found myself really upset by this. I was brought up by good people. They instilled in me a real “don’t talk about it, be about it” kind of attitude when it came to helping people. She had messaged me, telling me about this competition she signed herself up for. I had admired the go-getter attitude she showed by entering herself in that. She had just hit me up to ask if I could help her get a beat onto a CD. I told her I hadn’t done anything with CDs in a long time. Of course, I gave it my best shot. Couldn’t get it done. Luckily she got it done. I felt like such a dummy and because I dropped the ball on that. I thought about how I could redeem myself. Fortunately, I work for a place that has a ballroom. I had hit her up to offer the ballroom to her to practice her song. Being that it was about three weeks away. I thought it good to let her get a feel for lights on her, get a feel for a microphone in her hand, and develop as kind of stage presence.
Who are your role models?
My role models have always been my family. They’ve always helped me whenever I’ve needed it with whatever I’ve needed.
What inspires you?
Oh, boy, inspiration. You know, I see the importance of the value of everybody being able to live a more beautiful life. I’m so blessed to know the people I do. I’ve met so many creators of beautiful things, people who bring something of value to this world. I feel like everybody does. I believe everyone has an audience. I can help find them for u.
Please tell us about your record label.
Growing up, I had it in mind to create and own a record label. This yearning was greatly inspired by the inhumane treatment of artistes by existing record labels. In my plans, I wanted to bring legitimacy, teamwork, and putting music before the money back to the forefront of the music industry. It was greatly inspired by the situation around me. My experience has known no bounds as I have infused this drive into my record label. It has now become a haven for young and budding artists ready to take on the music industry. Thereby, starting a collective of artists to mentor and learn from each other and teach others as a way of bringing back the togetherness of community and helping artists of every medium to have a place to display their art.
What’s your most memorable experience?
My most memorable experience was the first show my first artist had. I had the privilege to see first hand. From the front row, my friend, my artist, lives in this moment that I can only describe as Beautiful, what a beautiful moment. Most artists don’t hit a stage till after they record a single, album, or demo. Mind you, not only was it a show. It was a competition. Rare is it that I’ve seen someone put themselves out there like that. It’s not even up for discussion, she killed it. I wish you could have seen it. I’ve helped a lot of people do a lot of things. I went up to congratulate her and literally had to put my hands over my eyes because her shine was so bright. I felt like I was staring into the sun. Even now, I don’t think she truly understands what she did for me that night. How she changed my life.
Which social media channels work best for promoting your work?
My main social media channels are Facebook and Instagram, and you can also check out my website.
What’s your greatest fear?
My biggest fear is simply not living up to my potential. As well as having to go back to a 9-5 job. I’ve worked for so long and so hard to prevent that from becoming my life again. It would be one of the biggest L’s in my life and that I can not take.
Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you understood better before you ever got started?
Oh boy hindsight, a hell of a thing, no? One thing I wish I knew better would be for sure how complicated and stressful running a label is. This one is maybe even bigger than the previously mentioned. I wish I would have known how many people are ok to talk about it but not be about it. So frustrating!
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
Some of the strategies I’ve used are for sure Ditto Music’s Record Label In A Box, without them and their phenomenal service, I could not have provided my own incredible services to my artists! As well as taking courses on udemy.com such a great platform for learning any skill! As well as FL studios and Adobe and their various programs!
What keeps you going when things get tough?
When things get tough, and I want out, I remember two stories told by Mr. Eric Thomas (the hip hop preacher) His Buster Douglass story and his success guru story. They always help me realign myself with my goals and dreams and gives me my second wind to keep doing what I do.
Any message for our readers.
A message for your readers. Hello everyone, In times like this with all that’s going on in the world. Never lose hope. Remember a kind act, a kind word, a helpful gesture starts a ripple effect. It’s easy to hate. It’s harder to love when you’re not required to. If you find yourself feeling hopeless or lost. Reach out to someone to reach out to me. It’s a big world, and no one has to be alone in it. I don’t have to know you to love you. I care about everyone and want everyone to feel at least once in life what it’s like to live your best life. God Bless, and Thank you.