I had the pleasure to interview the amazing Cappriccieo M. Scates. He is the President/CEO of Mytrell Records. He is the author of “10 Steps to Successfully Managing Recording Artists,” and “The 11th Step I Missed. He received in 2011 the Phoenix Award, which replaced the “Key to the City”. As well as the Atlanta City Council proclaiming September 22, 2011 as “CAPPRICCIEO SCATES DAY.” He holds a Masters Degree in Business and Administration.
In 2016, he received a Doctorate of Philosophy was appointed the Ambassadorial Appointment in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
In September he was honored as a Dior Man (Christian Dior). The Dior Men are noted trailblazers for their business engagements, sense of style, and community & philanthropic activities. Let’s get to know Cappriccieo M. Scates more intimately.
CP: What made you decide to become a musician?
CS: I started playing drums in church when I was 5 years old. I am not sure that I decided I wanted to become a musician at that point, but I recall the expression on my grandmother’s face when she would see me play. I liked seeing her light up and that’s why I played.
CP: What are the keys to a successful life?
CS: For me, it has been consistency, humility and balance. The ability to manage and keep things in perspective is extremely important. In fact, I believe being attentive and focused in these 3 areas, coupled with spirituality is the nucleus to a successful life..
CP: How did you become President/CEO at Mytrell Records?
CS: I launched Mytrell after leaving my post as Executive General Manager at Arrow/Universal Records. I wanted to exercise my vision in a way that would allow me to deliver projects to market based on my overall outlook with an ownership interest. Mytrell is representative of my legacy in a way that directly connects to my lineage and allows me to dream, define and deliver projects based on our mission of providing broad-minded and cutting edge music while maintaining its integrity and creative sensibilities.
CP: You have a slogan you go by. What is it and what does it mean to you?
CS: Your floor is someone else’s ceiling. Always be appreciative for where you are, but never stop attempting to reach the next floor.
I adopted this slogan sometime around the late 90’s after realizing I wasn’t where I wanted to be as it related to success, but I was in a better place than I realized. In retrospect, success is relative and determined by the individual. In fact, you will find that to some, metaphorically you are actually standing on their ceiling as it relates to your accomplishments. While to others, they are metaphorically standing on your ceiling. At the end of the day, it’s not about comparing yourself to others, it’s about living out your calling to the best of your abilities.
CP: Who is Cappriccieo at his core?
CS: Simply put, I am someone who is striving to leave a lasting legacy by impacting the world in a way that is greater than myself.
CP: What challenges have you faced? How did you overcome them?
CS: I believe we are all in three phases of life, you are either in a storm, headed towards a storm, or you just came out of a storm. As a result, life is filled with challenges. Specifically, I have had many challenges as they have related to my career, my family, my ability to maintain order and balance within my life and many other challenges as life has presented them. However, I believe the key for overcoming them is facing them head on, being honest about each situation and having a great support system, which have all been keys that have helped me to navigate through my challenges.
You are also an author and publisher. How did you get started? What made you decide to become and author and publisher?
I wanted to write a book for many years. One day I actually decided to take some time and do it. The issue I had was, I literally finished graduate school and started law school the same year I decided to write my first book. It was a challenge nonetheless, but one that I took head on and I am glad that I was able to complete it. Now, would I approach it that way again given the hindsight? Knowing me, I probably would!
CP: Was it a difficult transition from serving in the Army to Civilian Life?
Actually, it wasn’t because I started my business during the time I was on active duty and I was able to segue from active duty into running my business fulltime. Upon completing active duty, I spend the remainder of my service in the Army National Guard, which only requires one weekend each month and two full weeks of service each year. In essence, you are a civilian soldier.
CP: What is next for Capp?
CS: Ultimately, I would like an opportunity to lead one of the major labels. I am not sure exactly how next it is, but it is on my list of things that I pray for.
CP: Where do you see yourself in the next 2-3 years?
CS: At the rate that God has been blessing me lately, it may be beyond my ability to fathom. However, I will still be focused on doing something greater than myself, perhaps with a few more letters behind my name and a pilots license. All while spending quality time with a Mrs. Scates.
CP: How can others connect with you?
CS: Cappriccieo Scates on all social media platforms