04/17/2026
Want to work in the music industry but don’t know where to start?
🎙️ Welcome to Career Corner — promoted by Red Day Media
In this episode, we sit down with MJ, Regional Director of Urban Audience at Republic Collective (home to Def Jam Recordings, Republic Records, and Island Records), to break down how he turned ambition into access.
From walking into a radio station asking for an internship… to working in the mailroom… to building real relationships that opened doors at the highest level — MJ’s journey proves there’s no single path, but there is a way in.
🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How to break into the music industry with zero connections
• Why starting small leads to major opportunities
• The real way networking works (and why most people get it wrong)
• How to stand out in internships and actually get remembered
• Why being memorable beats being perfect
• The different lanes in music: promotion, marketing, radio, live events & more
• How to pitch yourself creatively (resumes aren’t enough)
• The mindset that wins: under-promise, over-deliver
MJ also gives a behind-the-scenes look at his day-to-day — working with radio stations, setting up interviews, building campaigns, and connecting artists to fans nationwide.
💯 But the story runs deeper…
“MJ” (Michael Jackson) comes from a small town in Marianna, Arkansas — a place where music wasn’t just heard, it was lived. Inspired by his father, a Chicago DJ and street legend who built his own music store, MJ grew up studying the game early. From rapping as a kid to chasing the industry head-on, he carried that foundation with him.
Now based in California, he’s not only built a career — he’s built impact.
His hometown still thrives musically to this day, with waves of talent and movement from Red Day Media to names like Cecily Wilburn, Velle Fargo Cash Richest, and Ashundra Betts. From 2020–2026, the city has been making noise — and MJ is part of that legacy.
📈 This isn’t just an interview — it’s a blueprint.
If you’re serious about music, entertainment, or the business behind it… this is where your path starts.
🎧 Listen now. Learn the game. Build your way in.
