Live Session with Human Re-Sources’ Founder and CEO Julius “J” Erving

There’s much to be said when an indie artist chooses to remain indie regardless of the caliber of major label offers tendered. In this Live Session, Human Re-Sources (HRS) Founder and CEO Julius “J” Erving chops it up with us about one such artist on his roster by the name of Kelz. Brooklyn-born rapper Kelz signed a deal with HRS, a brand under The Orchard umbrella, choosing to go with an independent label over some major label interest (and $).

Kelz – Credit Garrett Bruce

The young dynamo Kelz has garnered support from Brent Faiyaz, Pharrell, Jack Harlow, and more. His single “Sinner,” received nods from Drake and Lyrical Lemonade.

We got to learn about the history and journey of Erving and the HRS imprint and how he put work clothes on his dream and made it happen. Along with his duties at the helm of HRS, Erving was also appointed Executive Vice President, Creative Development for Sony Music Entertainment, and Executive Vice President at The Orchard.

Of keen interest to me is that creators receive a specialized experience at Human Re-Sources, which includes access to The Orchard’s on-the-ground local experts, who assist with tailored release strategy and regional support, global distribution channels, a specialized artist & label services team, and services like radio promotion, video/YouTube services, marketing, publishing administration, sync licensing, and more.

Some of the key gems Erving dropped off were how, besides getting the first count on your money, working through an independent situation, preserves the creative control of the artist, allows for real development and mentorship relationships to be created between the artist and the label execs and allows the artist to learn the full scope of the business part of the music business…Tune In!!!

Following this Live Session, Kelz dropped another industry-jarring joint called “Why”…this song further cements my opinion that this young lion will continue impacting the industry for a long time to come.

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Tags: Human Re-Sources, Julius “J” Erving, Kelz, The Orchard

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.