Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Nicolaou.
Hi Chris, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2011, I graduated from the University of Oklahoma, where I studied advertising and marketing. But, once out of school, despite months of honest effort, I hadn’t landed a job, let alone a interview call-back. So, I decided to intern at a recording studio helping with some their graphic design and marketing initiatives.
I remember within my first hour of being in the studio I knew this is what I wanted to do. That night, I got home and started downloading a bunch of music production software, sample packs etc. and jumped in.
Soon, I wasn’t doing anything but making music during work…which eventually lead to conflicts with my boss etc. Within a year I quit the internship and opened my own studio.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nope, the entire journey has been peppered with struggles – fear, anxiety, doubt, failure, insomnia, ruined friendships, lost time, betrayal… pongee-sticks and probably more. But, if you adjust your perspective and face adversity like an opportunity make your success, a story one worth hearing…hard days become almost exciting.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Dallas-based hip-hop music producer – I’ve worked with and/or collaborated with some of the city’s most well known rappers and artists. Regardless of the role I’m playing in a project, I give the same amount of effort, time and energy. I take as much pride in bringing others projects to life as I do my own because ultimately my name is attached to it.
I guess, I’m partial to the saying – a person is only strong as his/her network. I’m most proud of the network of friends, partners and associates build and maintain over the years.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Most weekdays, I find myself hyper-focused on work or projects for hours and hours on end, which sounds like discipline or “hard-work” but, can often be just obsessive and counterproductive. It’s important to find something you enjoy, that’s both entertaining and mentally challenging enough to defer your attention away from obsessive work habits. I like reading, because it yields “positive yardage,” without burning the candle at both ends.
If you’re like me, and decide you are actually going to read – maybe read something that might also helps provide inside into problems you’ll face tomorrow.
Here’s one I’m reading now:
Maximize Your Presence & Leverage The Power of Your Personal Brand by Nadia BIlchik
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.phantomcityrecords.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poofymanpcr/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poofymanpcr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@phantomcityrecords?si=0D7k9MoYmf4K1yvS
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/poofyman
Image Credits
Ashley Koops
Nicholas Ramirez
Victor Gonzalez
