[Interview]: I AM PR Agency’s President, Olivia Dikambi Interviewed by N The Background [The Music Biz- A look behind the scenes]
I AM PR Agency is a New York based Public Relations and Brand Management Agency. I AM PR Agency, LLC provides unique, creative, innovative and results-oriented services. The company tailors its communications to suit your needs wherever you are. Via artist/ business development, social media marketing; media & public relations, event planning, brand building & management and consulting services, we ensure highly effective campaigns to create a buzz for our clients.
How long have you been doing PR?I have been blessed to be doing PR for almost 2 years now! I’m very happy to be able to do it full-time.
How long have you been doing PR?I have been blessed to be doing PR for almost 2 years now! I’m very happy to be able to do it full-time.
What makes I AM PR different from other PR firms?I AM PR Agency takes pride in providing a one-on-one approach to its clients. We work with acts who all are at different stages in their careers. Whether they have no bio, no EPK, or whether they are on tour, we make sure to tailor each campaign based on their specific needs. I AM PR Agency operates as a one-stop shop, I’m involved in all aspects of my clients’ careers. I supervise their branding, double-check their participation in certain shows/ concerts to make sure it is actually a good look for them, and schedule their photo shoots, or the revamp of their websites with my in-house staff. I AM PR Agency develops its clients from day one. It’s almost like a mini-label except it’s a PR & Brand Management agency.
What are the secrets behind successful PR in the music industry?
I think one of the top secret is consistency. You are as good as your last hit. So even if you scored a placement in the New York Times today, it’s all about tomorrow and the following day, etc. I believe consistency is key in all aspects of life, not just in the PR field. Another secret is hard-work, or what I call smart work. You have to plant the seeds, if you want your money tree to grow. People have this perception of publicists just writing press releases, or just being socialites. It’s far from it. There are fun parts in being a publicist, but you have to put in some serious work, trust me! 
What insight can you give to artists looking for press, radio or television play, and additional exposure?
Artists need to identify where they stand in their careers before they organize their team. Some artists think they need a publicist, when in reality they need a manager. Some artists think they should be touring, when in reality they should focus on building their fan base first. All artists need to identify their ideal revenue streams. Maybe their music would be a better fit for licensing opportunities on TV. Maybe it would be better for them to focus on touring, or perhaps they should focus on radio, if they have a buzzin’ single. It’s important to identify these things prior to hiring a publicist or anyone for that matter. Artists: if you don’t know where you stand, make sure to contact me, we can schedule a consultation.
What are some of the current projects you are working on?
I’m working on several projects at once. I’m staying busy! I’m working on campaigns for 2 urban rock bands, The White House Band, and Stereo Crowd. They are a hybrid of Rap/Rock genres. I’m also working on a campaign for a music video director Naheem Adio, and reworking his branding. Then I rep an Electro-Pop Urban artist Tunde Olaniran, and we’re currently promoting his debut single. I also work with several Rap/Hip Hop artists: R.E.A.L from the Bronx; Lerix, and Ralphy Boy from Brooklyn. I’m doing a re-branding campaign, and handling the public & media relations for Chasson Gracie, an award winning marketing strategist & CEO of Gracie Management. Last but not least, I just signed on to handle the launch event/ party of Bougie Broads Magazine in June 2011. A formal announcement will be made very soon.
What are some of the future goals of your firm?
My future goals for I AM PR Agency is to expand to more fields, such as Sports PR, Literary publicity and much more. I also want to be international in a few years and have an office abroad. But a near goal is to develop the concert series I co-founded called Rap Rocks. It’s a concert tour celebrating Rap, Rock, and Rap/Rock bands. We’re currently building it & taking all over the country. I can’t wait for it to be seen & heard all over.
For more information, or if you are interested in becoming a client, please contact me via email: olivia@iampragency.com. Make sure to “Like Us’ on Facebook.com/iampragencyand visit our website www.iampragency.com
Source: N The Background
