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

Hi Darnell, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
Taking the chance on myself, has single-handedly been the most important decision. Not allowing what other people think to play a role as well as understanding that lessons are going to have to be learned in the beginning. I have been fortunate to have a lot of successes early on, but I know that, the lessons will come to. No matter what it may look like to the outside people. I have to make sure that I always am moving forward and progressing at a rate that I am happy with over everyone else. I am happy to say that, and the three years we have been operating, we have a team of 10, had put out numerous musical projects as well as a short film now.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Winter 97 is an independent artist management firm based out of Greenville, South Carolina. My team and I decided to create our brand because we saw the lack of proper representation amongst creators where we are from. There is so much talent that is overlooked in our city because it is a smaller network. I believe we were very fortunate to have a team that we do come together for this purpose. As we began fine-tuning our strengths, we began giving attention in our hometown, like never before. The challenges that we faced have really taught us critical lessons about how to deal and interact in many different managerial positions. The thing that says us apart is absolutely our dedication to our talent whom we manage.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give the upmost respect and credit to my co owner Days on 85. He is and extremely talented artist/producer/songwriter, who I have been friends with for 15+ years. While I was doing minimal managerial duties on his behalf, he one day explain to me that I needed to manage him full-time. Something in which I knew nothing about, but he felt, I had done more than anyone we had come across up to that point. Him, knowing that I would give it my all if he could convince me of it was not a hard sale. I have always enjoyed business, not to mention I am a people person and I love music. I’ve actually made all the sense in the world, and he helped to unfold that for me.

Website: https://www.winter97.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snookw97/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@winterninety-seven6100

Image Credits
Photo credits: Atom Blk

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.