On Impact Podcast 006: Steve "Steve-O" Carless
On Impact Podcast
In Episode 6 of On Impact Podcast, host Benny Pough welcomes esteemed music executive Steve “Steve-O” Carless for an inspiring conversation about his journey from New Jersey to the heights of the music industry. Steve shares how his early exposure to sports, the arts, and education shaped his path, and how high school friendships sparked his passion for the business side of music. He reflects on breaking into the industry at Star Trak Entertainment, working with Cipha Sounds, and making sacrifices, including taking an unpaid internship at Def Jam, that ultimately led to career-defining...
info_outline
On Impact Podcast 005: JD Anderson
On Impact Podcast
In Episode 5 of On Impact Podcast, Benny Pough welcomes marketing expert, JD Anderson, to the show. During the discussion, JD takes listeners on a journey through his dynamic career, from his early days in pop-up ad marketing to working with top-tier artists like Rihanna, Future, and DJ Khaled. He shares his secret aspirations of becoming a rap artist, his first big break with Beanie Sigel, and his transition from the blogging era to the rise of social media. JD reflects on his experiences marketing both songs and artists, witnessing the ascent of Travis Scott, and traveling to seven countries...
info_outline
On Impact Podcast 004: Anthony Rumeo
On Impact Podcast
In Episode 4 of On Impact, Benny Pough sits down with Anthony Rumeo, a leader in the exotic car industry, to explore his journey from humble beginnings to success in the luxury market. Anthony shares insights into the parallels between exotic car deals, entertainment, and music, while breaking down the difference between asset-class and luxury-class automobiles, the mindset of buyers, and the care required for investment-grade vehicles. He also reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, lessons from his successes and missteps, and how persistence, discipline, and passion shape his drive...
info_outline
On Impact Podcast 003: Danny "Su" Griffin
On Impact Podcast
In this episode of On Impact, Benny Pough sits down with Danny "Su" Griffin, who shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in Paterson, New Jersey, to becoming a force in the music industry. Danny opens up about how the loss of his father propelled him into the business and reflects on his pivotal discovery of Fetty Wap and the explosive success of “Trap Queen.” Offering advice for the youth of Paterson, Danny emphasizes the power of authenticity and the importance of having champions who believe in your music. He delves into the differences between independent labels and majors,...
info_outline
On Impact Podcast 002: Sita Lewis
On Impact Podcast
In this episode, Benny Pough sits down with Sita Lewis, award-winning television producer and creator of Mama Sita’s Miracle Butter Cream, to discuss her inspiring journey through the entertainment industry. Sita reflects on how her upbringing as the daughter of entertainment legend, Butch Lewis, set a high standard of excellence, leading to her early career at BET, where she learned on the job. The conversation covers the importance of faith, authenticity, and staying true to her values, including how her letter to Tupac in prison, guided by her faith principles left a lasting impact. Sita...
info_outline
On Impact Podcast 001: Freddy Cameron, Jr.
On Impact Podcast
In the latest episode of On Impact, hosted by Benny Pough, Freddy Cameron, Jr., MBA, shares his fascinating journey and insights. He discusses his pivotal relationship with MC Hammer, which helped shape his early career, and his dual pursuits in retail and the music industry, highlighting the strategy of having "2 Plan As." Freddy explains his decision to choose retail over music, emphasizing the benefits of a stable career, and how he used his retail roles to discover and elevate new talent. He reflects on his success as a minority in various professional spaces and his career transitions...
info_outlineIn Episode 6 of On Impact Podcast, host Benny Pough welcomes esteemed music executive Steve “Steve-O” Carless for an inspiring conversation about his journey from New Jersey to the heights of the music industry. Steve shares how his early exposure to sports, the arts, and education shaped his path, and how high school friendships sparked his passion for the business side of music. He reflects on breaking into the industry at Star Trak Entertainment, working with Cipha Sounds, and making sacrifices, including taking an unpaid internship at Def Jam, that ultimately led to career-defining moments, such as his connection with Nipsey Hussle. Benny and Steve pay homage to industry icon Irv Gotti Lorenzo, discuss the impact of technology and algorithms on music, and explore whether independent artists should pursue major label deals. Steve opens up about his Grammy-winning journey, working with Beyoncé, his presidency at Warner Records, and the deeper purpose of his career, serving and inspiring others. The episode closes with a discussion on legacy and Steve’s top five rappers, making for a must-listen conversation for anyone passionate about music and impact.
About Today’s Guest:
Steven Pierre Carless, also known as "Steve-O", is an American record executive, talent manager, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. He is best known for working with Nipsey Hussle. In 2020, the duo received two Grammy Awards for the songs "Racks in the Middle" featuring Roddy Ricch and "Higher" with DJ Khaled.
The 7x Grammy nominated executive producer, manager, and creative architect is a senior creative executive with over 20+ years of entertainment experience spanning music, artist management, film, cultural branding, touring, and creative development. With tenures previously at Island Def Jam, Atlantic Records, and the new boutique version of Def Jam Recordings, he has overseen and assisted in the creative development of the careers of Big Sean, YG, Jeezy, 2Chainz, Dave East, Pusha T, and many more, with the goal and expectation of perfecting and innovating the artist to consumer relationship.
During those years he has also helmed and operated film and technology consulting agencies, an artist development company, and has even founded talent management and branding firms in New York City.
Key Points from this Episode:
-
Welcome, music executive, Steve “Steve-O” Carless
-
Steve’s early life in New Jersey
-
Sports, the arts, and education as vehicles for success
-
How high school friends inspired Steve-O to get into the music business
-
How not being able to rap created an environment for Steve to thrive on the business side of music
-
Benny Pough and Steve Carless pay homage to Irv Gotti Lorenzo and his career
-
Breaking into the music business at Star Trak Entertainment
-
Working with Cipha Sounds and his entertainment company
-
Sacrifices and pressures of taking an unpaid internship at Def Jam
-
How Steve Carless got connected with Nipsey Hussle
-
Benny Pough and Steve Carless reflect on winning 7 Grammy Awards
-
Realizing his life’s purpose: service
-
Working with Beyonce
-
On becoming the president at Warner Records
-
Technology in music and serving music to the masses through “the algorithm”
-
Should independent artists pursue deals with major labels?
-
Steve’s top 5 rappers
-
A discussion on legacy and serving to inspire others
Mentioned on the Show:
Thank You!
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of On Impact. If you found value in the conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others looking to level up their lives and careers. Stay connected for more impactful stories and insights with leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping the future. Follow us on social media for updates, and catch every episode wherever you listen to podcasts.