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==Career==
==Career==
As a music producer, manager, A&R and executive, Scott has held positions at various music companies and record labels. His expertise in the music business spans over twenty five years. Scott has worked directly with many notable recording artists and companies alike, such as [[Motown Records]] artist [[Val Young]], American rapper [[Warren G]], UK band [[East 17]], and [[Mack Life Records]] serving as Head of Online for British singer [[Mark Morrison]] and later Vice President for the label.<ref>[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/scottcshephard Scott Shephard on LinkedIn]{{Better source needed|date=January 2022}}</ref>
As a marketing assistant, music producer, manager, A&R and executive, Scott has held positions at various music companies and record labels. His expertise in the music business spans over twenty five years.


Scott spent many early years as a manager, consultant and A&R, for both established and new talent. He signed artists to several labels such as [[Caroline Records]] and [[Universal Music Group]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Record of the Day |url=https://www.recordoftheday.com/on-the-move/record/the-loft-club/flicker2017 |website=Recordoftheday.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Loft Club Featuring Lisa Loeb – Flicker |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/10778448-The-Loft-Club-Featuring-Lisa-Loeb-Flicker |website=Discogs.com |language=en}}</ref> and licensed music to the likes of [[Ultra Records]] and [[All Around the World (record label)|All Around the World]] for their dance compilations Floorfillers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mark Morrison & SeeB – Return Of The Mack (SeeB Remix) (2017, File) |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/10563157-Mark-Morrison-SeeB-Return-Of-The-Mack-SeeB-Remix |website=Discogs |language=en}}</ref> He worked directly with many artists such as [[East 17]], [[Credit to the Nation]], [[Sonique (singer)|Sonique]], and [[Mark Morrison]], citing his career breakthrough when he became Vice President for Morrison’s Mack Life label.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scott Shephard - Discography - Discogs |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/4848927-Scott-Shephard |website=Discogs |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Devon man and Exeter label's dance banger tops US charts |url=https://www.devonlive.com/whats-on/music-nightlife/devon-man-exeter-labels-dance-8850716 |website=Devonlive.com |language=en}}</ref> Scott also worked directly with several US artists including [[Alexander O’Neal]], [[Lisa Loeb]], [[Pras|Pras Michel]] of the [[Fugees]], and [[Warren G]], who wrote; ''thanks to Scott Shephard for working and believing in my art'' in the CD booklet of his album The G-Files.<ref>{{cite web |title=Warren G - The G Files (MP3-320, FLAC) |url=https://rapsource.net/cd/warren-g-the-g-files/ |website=Rap Source |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WARREN G – THE G-FILES (ALBUM + CREDITS) |url=http://playbyvip.com/warren-g-the-g-files-album/ |website=playbyvip |language=en}}</ref>
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Scott got his start in music working as a web administrator and promoter for various artists on [[Death Row Records]], the rap label once home to [[Dr. Dre]], [[Tupac Shakur]] and [[Snoop Dogg]].<ref>[http://tharow.tvn.hu/rapperek.htm Welcome to Death Row Staff]{{failed verification|date=January 2022}}</ref> His work included marketing releases such as the [[Dysfunktional Family (soundtrack)]], managing DBSoul.com, the official website for the labels flagship R&B artist [[Danny Boy (singer)|Danny Boy]], and later acting as personal publicist for artists on the label such as [[Danny Boy (singer)|Danny Boy]], SKG and [[Jewell (singer)|Jewell]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.purecashmagazine.com/independent_music_artists_orlando_florida_new_york_california_hip_hop/interview-with-death-row-records-rb-singer-jewell/ |title=Interview With Death Row Records R&B Singer Jewell |access-date=25 January 2016 |archive-date=1 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201152415/http://www.purecashmagazine.com/independent_music_artists_orlando_florida_new_york_california_hip_hop/interview-with-death-row-records-rb-singer-jewell/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>


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After leaving college, he began to work as web administrator and promoter for various artists on [[Death Row Records]], the rap label once home to [[Dr. Dre]], [[Tupac Shakur]] and [[Snoop Dogg]].<ref>[http://tharow.tvn.hu/rapperek.htm Welcome to Death Row Staff]{{failed verification|date=January 2022}}</ref> His work included marketing releases such as the [[Dysfunktional Family (soundtrack)]], managing the official website for R&B artist [[Danny Boy (singer)|Danny Boy]] (dbsoul.com), and acting as personal publicist for artists such as [[Danny Boy (singer)|Danny Boy]], SKG and [[Jewell (singer)|Jewell]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Interview With Death Row Records R&B Singer Jewell |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124003628/http://www.purecashmagazine.com/interview-with-death-row-records-rb-singer-jewell/ |website=PureCashMagazine |language=en}}</ref>
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In 2003, Scott was introduced to music producer [[DJ Slip]] of [[Comptons Most Wanted]], which segued into an involvement with [[Los Angeles]], [[California]] based [[record label]] IV Life Records and Mafia IV Life car club, founded by Ladell "Del Dog" Rowles. In addition to promoting and developing artists careers, he worked on projects with former professional basketball player [[Shaquille O'Neal]], comedian [[Steve Harvey]], and rapper [[Snoop Dogg]].<ref>[http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_contact.cfm?bandID=94557 SoundClick: IV Life Records - LA's #1 Independent Music Label.]{{failed verification|date=January 2022}}</ref>


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In 2001, Scott got his start working at a record label, when he was introduced to music producer [[DJ Slip]] of [[Comptons Most Wanted]], which segued into working with [[Los Angeles]], [[California]] based record label IV Life Records and Mafia IV Life car club, founded by Ladell "Del Dog" Rowles.<ref>{{cite web |title=CEO Of IV Life Records Del Dog Killed in South LA Shooting |url=https://www.dubcnn.com/2015/07/09/ceo-of-iv-life-records-del-dog-killed-in-south-la-shooting/ |website=DubCNN |language=en}}</ref> In addition to managing all online marketing and developing artist careers, he worked on projects with former professional basketball player [[Shaquille O'Neal]], comedian [[Steve Harvey]], and rapper [[Snoop Dogg]].<ref>[http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_contact.cfm?bandID=94557 SoundClick: IV Life Records - LA's #1 Independent Music Label.]{{failed verification|date=January 2022}}</ref>
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Scott was appointed [[New Media]] [[Management|Manager]] for the launch of a brand new label in 2004, [[Crooked I#Start of a new Dynasty, and Digital Innovation|Dynasty Entertainment/C.O.B. Digital]] owned by rapper [[Crooked I]] following his departure from Death Row Records. Responsible for the development and implementation of all [[digital marketing]], alongside [[Crooked I]], Scott designed and developed Dynasty TV; the first ever artist-to-fan video streaming platform that showcased music and events, before social video site YouTube existed,<ref>[http://hoodgrownonline.com/crooked-i-launches-dynasty-tv-issues-life-after-death-row-dvd-trailer.html Crooked I Launches Dynasty TV]{{dead link|date=January 2022}}</ref> and WestcoastDynasty.com; a web community which distributed music including the monumental [[Crooked I#Hip-Hop Weekly era|Hip-Hop Weekly]] series. [[Crooked I]] soon became one of the leading faces emerging from musics ‘Digital Era’ and they're innovative marketing strategies were rewarded when music publication ''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]'' magazine labelled him an "Internet Guerrilla" on the cover of their August 2008 issue,<ref>[http://straightfromthea.com/2008/07/01/young-jeezy-covers-vibe-keyshia-asked-me-to-marry-her/ August 2008 Vibe Magazine Cover]</ref> with an article discussing the [[Crooked I#Hip-Hop Weekly era|Hip-Hop Weekly]] series and his approach to marketing on the internet. [[Crooked I]] mentioned Scott at the end of his song "The Finale (Week 52)",<ref>[http://www.dubcnn.com/media/hiphopweekly/ Crooked I's "Hip Hop Weekly #52 (The Finale)"], dubcnn.com</ref> and later signed to [[Eminem]]'s [[Shady Records]] as a member of the American [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] [[Supergroup (music)|supergroup]] [[Slaughterhouse (group)|Slaughterhouse]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rodriguez |first1=Jayson |title=Eminem Signs Slaughterhouse, Yelawolf To Shady Records |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1655811/eminem-signs-slaughterhouse-yelawolf-shady-records.jhtml |website=MTV News |access-date=26 January 2022 |language=en}}</ref>


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Scott was appointed New Media Manager for the launch of a brand new label in 2004, [[Crooked I#Start of a new Dynasty, and Digital Innovation|Dynasty Entertainment/C.O.B. Digital]] owned by rapper [[Crooked I]] following his departure from Death Row Records. Responsible for the development and implementation of all [[digital marketing]], alongside [[Crooked I]], Scott designed and developed Dynasty TV; the first ever artist-to-fan video streaming platform before YouTube existed,<ref>[http://hoodgrownonline.com/crooked-i-launches-dynasty-tv-issues-life-after-death-row-dvd-trailer.html Crooked I Launches Dynasty TV]{{dead link|date=January 2022}}</ref> and WestcoastDynasty.com; a web community which distributed music including the monumental [[Crooked I#Hip-Hop Weekly era|Hip-Hop Weekly]] series. [[Crooked I]] soon became one of the leading faces emerging from music's digital era, and they're innovative marketing strategies were rewarded when music publication ''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]'' magazine labelled him an "Internet Guerrilla" on the cover of their August 2008 issue,<ref>[http://straightfromthea.com/2008/07/01/young-jeezy-covers-vibe-keyshia-asked-me-to-marry-her/ August 2008 Vibe Magazine Cover]</ref> with an article discussing the [[Crooked I#Hip-Hop Weekly era|Hip-Hop Weekly]] series and his approach to marketing on the internet. [[Crooked I]] mentioned Scott at the end of his song "The Finale (Week 52)",<ref>[http://www.dubcnn.com/media/hiphopweekly/ Crooked I's "Hip Hop Weekly #52 (The Finale)"], dubcnn.com</ref> and later signed to [[Eminem]]'s [[Shady Records]] as a member of the American [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] [[Supergroup (music)|supergroup]] [[Slaughterhouse (group)|Slaughterhouse]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rodriguez |first1=Jayson |title=Eminem Signs Slaughterhouse, Yelawolf To Shady Records |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1655811/eminem-signs-slaughterhouse-yelawolf-shady-records.jhtml |website=MTV News |access-date=26 January 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
Scott co-founded [[public relations]] agency 2SPR in 2006, with friend Peter Stannard. The company represented events and projects from notable clients in the entertainment and sports sectors, including [[Stevie Wonder]], [[La Toya Jackson]] and late South African President [[Nelson Mandela]].{{citation needed|date=January 2022}} The company were also involved with numerous hit singles and albums on both the UK and US music charts, notably making history when [[George Tandy, Jr.]] debut single “March” reached No. 3 on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''{{'}}s [[Adult R&B Songs]] chart, being the first independent artist to ever do so on the chart.<ref>{{cite web |title=Premiere: Listen to George Tandy Jr.'s New Song "Alone" |url=http://www.thisisrnb.com/2014/07/premiere-listen-to-george-tandy-jr-s-new-song-alone/ |website=ThisisRnB.com |access-date=26 January 2022 |date=24 July 2014}}</ref>


Scott was later a consultant for former world boxing champion [[Chris Eubank]], where he acted as PR spokesperson for the boxers well-documented court case against [[Rupert Murdoch]]'s newspaper group [[News International]].<ref>[https://speakingdots.com/statement-former-boxer-chris-eubank-phone-hacking-case/ Statement From Former Boxer Chris Eubank, Over Phone Hacking Case]{{dead link|date=January 2022}}</ref>
Scott co-founded [[public relations]] agency 2SPR in 2004, with friend Peter Stannard. The company represented events and projects from notable clients in the entertainment and sport sectors, including [[Stevie Wonder]], [[La Toya Jackson]] and late South African President [[Nelson Mandela]]. They were involved with numerous hit singles and albums on both the UK and US music charts, notably making history when [[George Tandy Jr.]]'s debut single “March” reached No. 3 on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''{{'}}s [[Adult R&B Songs]] chart, being the first independent artist to ever do so on the chart.<ref>{{cite web |title=Premiere: Listen to George Tandy Jr.'s New Song "Alone" |url=http://www.thisisrnb.com/2014/07/premiere-listen-to-george-tandy-jr-s-new-song-alone/ |website=ThisisRnB.com |access-date=26 January 2022 |date=24 July 2014}}</ref> Scott was later a consultant for former world boxing champion [[Chris Eubank]], where he acted as PR spokesperson for the boxers well-documented court case against [[Rupert Murdoch]]'s newspaper group [[News International]].<ref>[https://speakingdots.com/statement-former-boxer-chris-eubank-phone-hacking-case/ Statement From Former Boxer Chris Eubank, Over Phone Hacking Case]{{dead link|date=January 2022}}</ref>


Scott got his start in the business side of the industry through music manager Johnny Lawes, who owned Jago Management and managed artists such as [[Mark Morrison]] and [[Gabrielle (singer)|Gabrielle]] in the mid-90s. In a tribute to Johnny in 2019, Scott wrote; ''by chance, I crossed paths with this man, who gave me my break, and has been an inspiration throughout my career''.<ref>{{cite web |title=A tribute to Johnny Lawes |url=https://so-lets-talk.com/a-tribute-to-johnny-lawes/ |website=So, Let's Talk |language=en}}</ref> Scott worked with Johnny for many years, which led him to [[Mack Life Records]] to become Head of Online for R&B singer [[Mark Morrison]].<ref>{{cite web |title=PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: CARIBBEAN SUMMER VIBES |url=http://hitsdailydouble.com/the_bside&id=312023 |website=HITS Daily Double |language=en}}</ref> Scott’s career breakthrough came when Morrison made him Vice President of his Mack Life label. His duties then involved working with [[Warner Music Group]] and [[Universal Music Group]] on a multi-platinum catalogue, and he worked on single releases such as ''Cooped Up/Return of the Mack'' by [[Post Malone]], [[Mark Morrison]] & Sickick,<ref>{{cite web |title=Post Malone, Mark Morrison, Sickick – Cooped Up / Return Of The Mack - Discogs |url=https://www.discogs.com/ru/release/24894752-Post-Malone-Mark-Morrison-Sickick-Cooped-Up-Return-Of-The-Mack |website=Discogs |language=en}}</ref>, ''The Mack'' by Nevada featuring [[Fetty Wap]] and [[Mark Morrison]], which amassed over 200 Million streams,<ref>{{cite web |title=Nevada - Award |url=https://dlmdisplay.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/NEVADA.png?bwg=1665068918 |website=DLMDisplay |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nevada Feat. Mark Morrison And Fetty Wap – The Mack (2016, File) - Discogs |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/9211177-Nevada-6-Feat-Mark-Morrison-And-Fetty-Wap-The-Mack |website=Discogs.com |language=en}}</ref> and ''Provide'' by [[G-Eazy]] featuring [[Chris Brown]] and [[Mark Morrison]], which Scott is quoted as saying in the [[Leicester Mercury]] newspaper as having ''received one million streams on Spotify within the first 24 hours of release, giving Morrison his 13th UK hit single, meaning he has had a chart hit in each of the last three decades''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mark Morrison returns to charts in UK and America with new track - Leicestershire Live |url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/mark-morrison-returns-charts-uk-5013141 |website=Leicester Mercury |language=en}}</ref>
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In October 2008, Scott was appointed President of Global Music Group Europe, the Europe Division of New York-based [[record label]], [[Global Music Group]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Former Interscope And Warner Bros. Executive Kevin Black Joins Global Music Group - MVRemix Urban |url=http://mvremix.com/urban_blogs/2009/06/05/former-interscope-and-warner-bros-executive-kevin-black-joins-global-music-group/ |publisher=mvremix.com |access-date=26 January 2022 |date=5 June 2009}}</ref> The company purchased historic hip-hop label [[Death Row Records]] for $25 million on 25 June 2008.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Crosley |first=Hillary |title=Global Music Group Acquires Death Row Assets |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044964/global-music-group-acquires-death-row-assets |access-date=26 January 2022 |magazine=Billboard |date=26 June 2008}}</ref>


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In October 2008, Scott was appointed President of Global Music Group Europe, the European division of New York-based [[record label]], [[Global Music Group]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Former Interscope And Warner Bros. Executive Kevin Black Joins Global Music Group - MVRemix Urban |url=http://mvremix.com/urban_blogs/2009/06/05/former-interscope-and-warner-bros-executive-kevin-black-joins-global-music-group/ |publisher=mvremix.com |access-date=26 January 2022 |date=5 June 2009}}</ref> The company purchased historic hip-hop label [[Death Row Records]] for $25 million on 25 June 2008.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Crosley |first=Hillary |title=Global Music Group Acquires Death Row Assets |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044964/global-music-group-acquires-death-row-assets |access-date=26 January 2022 |magazine=Billboard |date=26 June 2008}}</ref> In June 2009, [[Global Music Group]] announced that former Interscope and Warner Bros senior executive Kevin Black had been appointed Chief Operating Officer, while also announcing their expansion into Canada and Europe, with Cliff Wise appointed President of Global Music Group Canada, and Scott Shephard being appointed President of Global Music Group Europe.<ref>{{cite web |title=Former Interscope And Warner Bros. Executive Kevin Black Joins Global Music Group |url=https://thehiphopcosign.wordpress.com/2009/06/06/former-interscope-and-warner-bros-executive-kevin-black-joins-global-music-group/ |website=HipHopCosign |language=en}}</ref>
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Along with Trae Tha Truth and video director PhillyFlyBoy, Scott was the brainchild of one of the biggest urban music videos of 2012, Trae Tha Truth's [[I'm On|I'm On 2.0]].<ref>[http://www.bringingthejuice.com/blog/new-video-trae-tha-truth-biggest-collabo-ever/ NEW VIDEO: TRAE THA TRUTH…BIGGEST COLLABO EVER!]</ref> Rappers [[Big K.R.I.T.]], [[Jadakiss]], [[J. Cole]]. [[Kendrick Lamar]], [[B.o.B]], [[Tyga]], [[Gudda Gudda]], [[Bun B]] and British R&B singer [[Mark Morrison]] all appeared on the song and in the video, along with cameos from the likes of [[Wiz Khalifa]], [[Iggy Azalea]], and [[CeeLo Green]]. In May 2012 MTV announced the all-star music video was MTV's Jam of the Week,<ref>[http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/06/03/trae-tha-truth-rallies-j-cole-jadakiss-and-kendrick-lamar-for-all-star-im-on-2-0-video/ Trae Tha Truth Rallies J. Cole, Jadakiss And Kendrick Lamar For All-Star ‘I’m On 2.0’ Video]{{failed verification|date=January 2022}}</ref> the song also trended worldwide on Twitter ten minutes after it was released.<ref>{{cite news |author=XXL Staff |title=Trae Tha Truth Explains How Star-Studded "I'm On 2.0" Came To Life - XXL |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/02/trae-tha-truth-explains-how-star-studded-im-on-2-0-came-to-life/ |work=XXL Mag |language=en}}</ref> In an interview with music website DopeRaps.com, video director PhillyFlyBoy explained how the song came about, saying that ''“after the success of “I’m On” by Trae Tha Truth, me and Trae had kind of mentioned a possible remix. Then Mark Morrison’s label guy Scott Shephard reached out with interest, and we agreed on shooting not a remix, but a 2.0”''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.doperaps.com/news/doperaps-com-interview-video-director-philly-fly-boy/ |title=DopeRaps.com Interview With Video Director Philly Fly Boy |access-date=20 June 2015 |archive-date=20 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620164556/http://www.doperaps.com/news/doperaps-com-interview-video-director-philly-fly-boy/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>


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Along with [[Trae tha Truth|Trae Tha Truth]] and video director Steven Philip, Scott was the brainchild of one of the biggest urban music videos of 2012. [[Trae tha Truth|Trae Tha Truth]]'s [[I'm On|I'm On 2.0]],<ref>[http://www.bringingthejuice.com/blog/new-video-trae-tha-truth-biggest-collabo-ever/ NEW VIDEO: TRAE THA TRUTH…BIGGEST COLLABO EVER!]</ref> featured [[Big K.R.I.T.]], [[Jadakiss]], [[J. Cole]]. [[Kendrick Lamar]], [[B.o.B]], [[Tyga]], [[Gudda Gudda]], [[Bun B]] and [[Mark Morrison]], along with cameos from [[Wiz Khalifa]], [[Iggy Azalea]], and [[CeeLo Green]]. The all-star music video was MTV's Jam of the Week,<ref>{{cite web |title=Trae Tha Truth Rallies J. Cole, Jadakiss And Kendrick Lamar For All-Star ‘I’m On 2.0’ Video - MTV |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/fdj9tx/trae-tha-truth-rallies-j-cole-jadakiss-and-kendrick-lamar-for-all-star-im-on-2-0-video |website=MTV |language=en}}</ref> and the song trended worldwide on Twitter ten minutes after it was released.<ref>{{cite news |author=XXL Staff |title=Trae Tha Truth Explains How Star-Studded "I'm On 2.0" Came To Life - XXL |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/02/trae-tha-truth-explains-how-star-studded-im-on-2-0-came-to-life/ |work=XXL Mag |language=en}}</ref> In an interview Steven Philip explained how the song and video came about, saying that ''“after the success of “I’m On” by Trae Tha Truth, me and Trae had kind of mentioned a possible remix. Then Mark Morrison’s label guy Scott Shephard reached out with interest, and we agreed on shooting not a remix, but a 2.0”''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.doperaps.com/news/doperaps-com-interview-video-director-philly-fly-boy/ |title=DopeRaps.com Interview With Video Director Philly Fly Boy |access-date=20 June 2015 |archive-date=20 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620164556/http://www.doperaps.com/news/doperaps-com-interview-video-director-philly-fly-boy/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
On June 14, 2015, Shephard was interviewed by journalist Jamey Beth of BreakawayDaily.com,<ref>[http://breakawaydaily.com/post/120484606970/breakaway-daily-interview-with-music-mogul-scott Breakaway Daily Interview with Music Mogul Scott Shephard]{{failed verification|date=January 2022}}</ref> on the future of the music business in the digital age. He announced that he had launched an umbrella organisation, SC923, consisting of several media brands and an award-winning music consultancy company.


In 2017, he launched FFCONNECT, a curatorial brand for playlists on Spotify. Scott was interviewed by American music industry trade publication [[Hits (magazine)|HITS Magazine]], who featured one of his playlists as 'Playlist of the Week'. Ranya Khoury, streaming manager for [[Hits (magazine)|HITS Magazine]], said ''“Shephard has been able to accumulate over 22k followers on Spotify alone. While browsing through his network page, his playlist Caribbean Summer Vibes immediately caught my attention. Chatting with him about this specific playlist made his keen industry insight evident”''.<ref>{{cite web |title=PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: CARIBBEAN SUMMER VIBES |url=http://hitsdailydouble.com/the_bside&id=312023 |website=HITS Daily Double |language=en}}</ref> The playlist brand was also chosen by music platform [[Soundplate]], as 1 of 15 great electronic music curators on Spotify, ''“FFCONNECT is one of our favourite independent curation brands at the moment,”'' said Soundplate.com.<ref>{{cite web |title=15 Dance Music Spotify Playlist Curators & How To Submit Your Music Free |url=https://soundplate.com/15-dance-music-spotify-curators-submit-your-music-free/ |website=Soundplate.com |date=15 March 2018}}</ref>
In June 2015, Scott was interviewed by Breakaway Magazine,<ref>{{cite web |title=Breakaway Daily Interview with Music Mogul Scott Shephard |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610044052/http://breakawaydaily.com/ |website=Breakawaydaily.com |language=en}}</ref> on the future of the music business in the digital age. He announced that he had launched an umbrella organisation, SC923, consisting of several media brands, including FFCONNECT, a curatorial brand for playlists on Spotify. Scott was interviewed by American music industry trade publication [[Hits (magazine)|HITS Magazine]], who featured one of his playlists as 'Playlist of the Week'. Ranya Khoury, streaming manager for [[Hits (magazine)|HITS Magazine]], said ''“Shephard has been able to accumulate over 22k followers on Spotify alone. Chatting with him about this specific playlist made his keen industry insight evident”''.<ref>{{cite web |title=PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: CARIBBEAN SUMMER VIBES |url=http://hitsdailydouble.com/the_bside&id=312023 |website=HITS Daily Double |language=en}}</ref> The playlist brand was also chosen by music platform [[Soundplate]], as 1 of 15 great electronic music curators on Spotify, ''“FFCONNECT is one of our favourite independent curation brands at the moment,”'' said Soundplate.com.<ref>{{cite web |title=15 Dance Music Spotify Playlist Curators & How To Submit Your Music Free |url=https://soundplate.com/15-dance-music-spotify-curators-submit-your-music-free/ |website=Soundplate.com |date=15 March 2018}}</ref>


In November 2017, Scott founded his own independent boutique record label, So, Let's Talk Ltd.<ref>[https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/11086221/officers SO, LET’S TALK LTD - Officers (free information from Companies House)], beta.companieshouse.gov.uk</ref> The labels relationship with its artists run deep, with [[Pras|Pras Michel]] of the [[Fugees]] being the first artist to sign a deal, resulting in the release of a collaboration single with [[Exeter]]-based band The Loft Club.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Loft Club, Cherry Beach, Pras - Flicker 2.0 |url=https://www.discogs.com/The-Loft-Club-Cherry-Beach-Pras-Flicker-20/release/12354649 |publisher=Discogs.com |access-date=26 January 2022 |language=en}}</ref> The labels first independent release in spring 2018,<ref>{{cite web |title=So, Let's Talk Ltd. |url=https://www.discogs.com/label/1488895-So-Lets-Talk-Ltd |website=Discogs |access-date=26 January 2022 |language=en}}</ref> a debut single by [[United Kingdom|British]] singer [[Richard Osborne (singer)|Osborne]], entitled "Complete (Lucky Rose Remix)"<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vincent |first1=David |title='It has been amazing' - former Ipswich student Osborne on his dance hit success |url=https://www.eadt.co.uk/what-s-on/debut-single-success-for-ipswich-singer-songwriter-richard-osborne-1-5787821 |work=Ipswich Star |date=20 November 2018 |language=en-UK}}</ref> surpassed 15 million streams across platforms by spring 2019, amassing over 10 million streams on Spotify alone.<ref>{{cite web |title=Osborne / Ocean Floor / Single Review » Press The Music |url=http://pressthemusic.com/osborne-ocean-floor-single-review/ |website=Press The Music |access-date=26 January 2022 |date=22 July 2019}}</ref>
In November 2017, Scott founded his own boutique record label, So, Let's Talk Ltd.<ref>[https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/11086221/officers SO, LET’S TALK LTD - Officers (free information from Companies House)], beta.companieshouse.gov.uk</ref> The labels relationship with its artists run deep, with [[Pras|Pras Michel]] of the [[Fugees]] being the first artist to sign a deal, resulting in the release of a collaboration single with [[Exeter]]-based band The Loft Club.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Loft Club, Cherry Beach, Pras - Flicker 2.0 |url=https://www.discogs.com/The-Loft-Club-Cherry-Beach-Pras-Flicker-20/release/12354649 |publisher=Discogs.com |access-date=26 January 2022 |language=en}}</ref> The label has released music by [[East 17]], [[Mark Morrison]], [[Alexander O’Neal]], [[Roachford]], [[H-Town (band)|H-Town]] and [[Snoop Dogg]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Devon man and Exeter label's dance banger tops US charts |url=https://www.devonlive.com/whats-on/music-nightlife/devon-man-exeter-labels-dance-8850716 |website=Devonlive.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=So, Let's Talk Ltd. |url=https://www.discogs.com/label/1488895-So-Lets-Talk-Ltd |website=Discogs |access-date=26 January 2022 |language=en}}</ref> In 2018, Scott had offers from major distributors to distribute the label. He decided to stay independent, secured a distribution deal with Stem, and the labels first release in March 2018, a debut single by [[United Kingdom|British]] singer [[Richard Osborne (singer)|Osborne]] entitled "Complete (Lucky Rose Remix)",<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vincent |first1=David |title='It has been amazing' - former Ipswich student Osborne on his dance hit success |url=https://www.eadt.co.uk/what-s-on/debut-single-success-for-ipswich-singer-songwriter-richard-osborne-1-5787821 |work=Ipswich Star |date=20 November 2018 |language=en-UK}}</ref> surpassed 15 million streams across platforms by spring 2019, amassing over 10 million streams on Spotify alone.<ref>{{cite web |title=Osborne / Ocean Floor / Single Review » Press The Music |url=http://pressthemusic.com/osborne-ocean-floor-single-review/ |website=Press The Music |access-date=26 January 2022 |date=22 July 2019}}</ref> According to music analytics website Songstats, as of 2022, the labels independent catalogue had exceeded 50 million streams on digital music stores<ref>{{cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CmJ9WVmoNJg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== |website=Instagram |language=en}}</ref> and 500 million plays on TikTok.<ref>{{cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Clv_2f9oD8s/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== |website=Instagram |language=en}}</ref> In 2023, So, Let’s Talk had two single releases reach the US ''[[Billboard magazine|Billboard]]'' charts; on 16 September 2023, “Strokey Doke” by American R&B group [[H-Town (band)|H-Town]] reached number 26 on the [[Adult R&B Songs|''Billboard'' Adult R&B Songs]] chart,<ref>{{cite web |title=Adult R&B Airplay - Billboard |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-adult-r-and-b-airplay/2023-09-16/ |website=Billboard |access-date=16 September 2023 |date=16 September 2023}}</ref> and on 21 October 2023, “Pac Man” by Shazam Conner & Justin Novak entered the US ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales]] chart at number 4.<ref>{{cite news |title=Devon man and Exeter label's dance banger tops US charts - Devon Live |url=https://www.devonlive.com/whats-on/music-nightlife/devon-man-exeter-labels-dance-8850716 |website=Devon Live |language=en}}</ref> Both singles also reached number 1 on the US iTunes chart.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shazam Conner and H-Town's Strokey Doke Tops iTunes Chart |url=https://eurweb.com/2023/shazam-conner-and-h-towns-strokety-doke-tops-itunes-chart/ |website=EURweb |language=en}}</ref>

On January 23, 2021, Scott was interviewed by Sarah Gosling on BBC Music Introducing In The South West. It was later made available on [[BBC Sounds]] as a programme called ''Record label advice with Scott Shephard from So Let's Talk''.<ref>{{cite web |title=BBC Local Radio - BBC Music Introducing In The South West, Record label advice with Scott Shephard from So Let's Talk |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p094wytv |website=BBC |language=en}}</ref>


==Sources and references==
==Sources and references==

Revision as of 17:46, 22 November 2023

Scott Shephard
Birth nameScott Christopher Shephard
Born(1979-09-19)19 September 1979
OriginExeter, Devon, England
OccupationMusic industry executive
Years active1999-present

Scott Christopher Shephard (born 19/09/1979) is a British music industry executive and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of So, Let's Talk and former President of Europe for American record label, Global Music Group.[1]

Personal life

Shephard was born in Exeter, Devon, England, and is a business alumnus of Exeter College. He married his long-time partner Joanne, in a private ceremony in Shropshire on 15 February 2015. British singer Toyah Willcox and Dennis Seaton, frontman of the British reggae band Musical Youth both performed at the wedding reception.[2]

Career

As a marketing assistant, music producer, manager, A&R and executive, Scott has held positions at various music companies and record labels. His expertise in the music business spans over twenty five years.

Scott spent many early years as a manager, consultant and A&R, for both established and new talent. He signed artists to several labels such as Caroline Records and Universal Music Group,[3][4] and licensed music to the likes of Ultra Records and All Around the World for their dance compilations Floorfillers.[5] He worked directly with many artists such as East 17, Credit to the Nation, Sonique, and Mark Morrison, citing his career breakthrough when he became Vice President for Morrison’s Mack Life label.[6][7] Scott also worked directly with several US artists including Alexander O’Neal, Lisa Loeb, Pras Michel of the Fugees, and Warren G, who wrote; thanks to Scott Shephard for working and believing in my art in the CD booklet of his album The G-Files.[8][9]

After leaving college, he began to work as web administrator and promoter for various artists on Death Row Records, the rap label once home to Dr. Dre, Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg.[10] His work included marketing releases such as the Dysfunktional Family (soundtrack), managing the official website for R&B artist Danny Boy (dbsoul.com), and acting as personal publicist for artists such as Danny Boy, SKG and Jewell.[11]

In 2001, Scott got his start working at a record label, when he was introduced to music producer DJ Slip of Comptons Most Wanted, which segued into working with Los Angeles, California based record label IV Life Records and Mafia IV Life car club, founded by Ladell "Del Dog" Rowles.[12] In addition to managing all online marketing and developing artist careers, he worked on projects with former professional basketball player Shaquille O'Neal, comedian Steve Harvey, and rapper Snoop Dogg.[13]

Scott was appointed New Media Manager for the launch of a brand new label in 2004, Dynasty Entertainment/C.O.B. Digital owned by rapper Crooked I following his departure from Death Row Records. Responsible for the development and implementation of all digital marketing, alongside Crooked I, Scott designed and developed Dynasty TV; the first ever artist-to-fan video streaming platform before YouTube existed,[14] and WestcoastDynasty.com; a web community which distributed music including the monumental Hip-Hop Weekly series. Crooked I soon became one of the leading faces emerging from music's digital era, and they're innovative marketing strategies were rewarded when music publication Vibe magazine labelled him an "Internet Guerrilla" on the cover of their August 2008 issue,[15] with an article discussing the Hip-Hop Weekly series and his approach to marketing on the internet. Crooked I mentioned Scott at the end of his song "The Finale (Week 52)",[16] and later signed to Eminem's Shady Records as a member of the American hip hop supergroup Slaughterhouse.[17]

Scott co-founded public relations agency 2SPR in 2004, with friend Peter Stannard. The company represented events and projects from notable clients in the entertainment and sport sectors, including Stevie Wonder, La Toya Jackson and late South African President Nelson Mandela. They were involved with numerous hit singles and albums on both the UK and US music charts, notably making history when George Tandy Jr.'s debut single “March” reached No. 3 on Billboard's Adult R&B Songs chart, being the first independent artist to ever do so on the chart.[18] Scott was later a consultant for former world boxing champion Chris Eubank, where he acted as PR spokesperson for the boxers well-documented court case against Rupert Murdoch's newspaper group News International.[19]

Scott got his start in the business side of the industry through music manager Johnny Lawes, who owned Jago Management and managed artists such as Mark Morrison and Gabrielle in the mid-90s. In a tribute to Johnny in 2019, Scott wrote; by chance, I crossed paths with this man, who gave me my break, and has been an inspiration throughout my career.[20] Scott worked with Johnny for many years, which led him to Mack Life Records to become Head of Online for R&B singer Mark Morrison.[21] Scott’s career breakthrough came when Morrison made him Vice President of his Mack Life label. His duties then involved working with Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group on a multi-platinum catalogue, and he worked on single releases such as Cooped Up/Return of the Mack by Post Malone, Mark Morrison & Sickick,[22], The Mack by Nevada featuring Fetty Wap and Mark Morrison, which amassed over 200 Million streams,[23][24] and Provide by G-Eazy featuring Chris Brown and Mark Morrison, which Scott is quoted as saying in the Leicester Mercury newspaper as having received one million streams on Spotify within the first 24 hours of release, giving Morrison his 13th UK hit single, meaning he has had a chart hit in each of the last three decades.[25]

In October 2008, Scott was appointed President of Global Music Group Europe, the European division of New York-based record label, Global Music Group.[26] The company purchased historic hip-hop label Death Row Records for $25 million on 25 June 2008.[27] In June 2009, Global Music Group announced that former Interscope and Warner Bros senior executive Kevin Black had been appointed Chief Operating Officer, while also announcing their expansion into Canada and Europe, with Cliff Wise appointed President of Global Music Group Canada, and Scott Shephard being appointed President of Global Music Group Europe.[28]

Along with Trae Tha Truth and video director Steven Philip, Scott was the brainchild of one of the biggest urban music videos of 2012. Trae Tha Truth's I'm On 2.0,[29] featured Big K.R.I.T., Jadakiss, J. Cole. Kendrick Lamar, B.o.B, Tyga, Gudda Gudda, Bun B and Mark Morrison, along with cameos from Wiz Khalifa, Iggy Azalea, and CeeLo Green. The all-star music video was MTV's Jam of the Week,[30] and the song trended worldwide on Twitter ten minutes after it was released.[31] In an interview Steven Philip explained how the song and video came about, saying that “after the success of “I’m On” by Trae Tha Truth, me and Trae had kind of mentioned a possible remix. Then Mark Morrison’s label guy Scott Shephard reached out with interest, and we agreed on shooting not a remix, but a 2.0”.[32]

In June 2015, Scott was interviewed by Breakaway Magazine,[33] on the future of the music business in the digital age. He announced that he had launched an umbrella organisation, SC923, consisting of several media brands, including FFCONNECT, a curatorial brand for playlists on Spotify. Scott was interviewed by American music industry trade publication HITS Magazine, who featured one of his playlists as 'Playlist of the Week'. Ranya Khoury, streaming manager for HITS Magazine, said “Shephard has been able to accumulate over 22k followers on Spotify alone. Chatting with him about this specific playlist made his keen industry insight evident”.[34] The playlist brand was also chosen by music platform Soundplate, as 1 of 15 great electronic music curators on Spotify, “FFCONNECT is one of our favourite independent curation brands at the moment,” said Soundplate.com.[35]

In November 2017, Scott founded his own boutique record label, So, Let's Talk Ltd.[36] The labels relationship with its artists run deep, with Pras Michel of the Fugees being the first artist to sign a deal, resulting in the release of a collaboration single with Exeter-based band The Loft Club.[37] The label has released music by East 17, Mark Morrison, Alexander O’Neal, Roachford, H-Town and Snoop Dogg.[38][39] In 2018, Scott had offers from major distributors to distribute the label. He decided to stay independent, secured a distribution deal with Stem, and the labels first release in March 2018, a debut single by British singer Osborne entitled "Complete (Lucky Rose Remix)",[40] surpassed 15 million streams across platforms by spring 2019, amassing over 10 million streams on Spotify alone.[41] According to music analytics website Songstats, as of 2022, the labels independent catalogue had exceeded 50 million streams on digital music stores[42] and 500 million plays on TikTok.[43] In 2023, So, Let’s Talk had two single releases reach the US Billboard charts; on 16 September 2023, “Strokey Doke” by American R&B group H-Town reached number 26 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart,[44] and on 21 October 2023, “Pac Man” by Shazam Conner & Justin Novak entered the US Billboard Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart at number 4.[45] Both singles also reached number 1 on the US iTunes chart.[46]

On January 23, 2021, Scott was interviewed by Sarah Gosling on BBC Music Introducing In The South West. It was later made available on BBC Sounds as a programme called Record label advice with Scott Shephard from So Let's Talk.[47]

Sources and references

  1. ^ "Global Music Group". Archived from the original on 20 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
  2. ^ "It's a mystery solved: Singer Toyah's swing-ing time in Shropshire". Shropshire Star. {{cite news}}: Text "Shropshire Star" ignored (help)
  3. ^ "Record of the Day". Recordoftheday.com.
  4. ^ "The Loft Club Featuring Lisa Loeb – Flicker". Discogs.com.
  5. ^ "Mark Morrison & SeeB – Return Of The Mack (SeeB Remix) (2017, File)". Discogs.
  6. ^ "Scott Shephard - Discography - Discogs". Discogs.
  7. ^ "Devon man and Exeter label's dance banger tops US charts". Devonlive.com.
  8. ^ "Warren G - The G Files (MP3-320, FLAC)". Rap Source.
  9. ^ "WARREN G – THE G-FILES (ALBUM + CREDITS)". playbyvip.
  10. ^ Welcome to Death Row Staff[failed verification]
  11. ^ "Interview With Death Row Records R&B Singer Jewell". PureCashMagazine.
  12. ^ "CEO Of IV Life Records Del Dog Killed in South LA Shooting". DubCNN.
  13. ^ SoundClick: IV Life Records - LA's #1 Independent Music Label.[failed verification]
  14. ^ Crooked I Launches Dynasty TV[dead link]
  15. ^ August 2008 Vibe Magazine Cover
  16. ^ Crooked I's "Hip Hop Weekly #52 (The Finale)", dubcnn.com
  17. ^ Rodriguez, Jayson. "Eminem Signs Slaughterhouse, Yelawolf To Shady Records". MTV News. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  18. ^ "Premiere: Listen to George Tandy Jr.'s New Song "Alone"". ThisisRnB.com. 24 July 2014. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  19. ^ Statement From Former Boxer Chris Eubank, Over Phone Hacking Case[dead link]
  20. ^ "A tribute to Johnny Lawes". So, Let's Talk.
  21. ^ "PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: CARIBBEAN SUMMER VIBES". HITS Daily Double.
  22. ^ "Post Malone, Mark Morrison, Sickick – Cooped Up / Return Of The Mack - Discogs". Discogs.
  23. ^ "Nevada - Award". DLMDisplay.
  24. ^ "Nevada Feat. Mark Morrison And Fetty Wap – The Mack (2016, File) - Discogs". Discogs.com.
  25. ^ "Mark Morrison returns to charts in UK and America with new track - Leicestershire Live". Leicester Mercury.
  26. ^ "Former Interscope And Warner Bros. Executive Kevin Black Joins Global Music Group - MVRemix Urban". mvremix.com. 5 June 2009. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  27. ^ Crosley, Hillary (26 June 2008). "Global Music Group Acquires Death Row Assets". Billboard. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  28. ^ "Former Interscope And Warner Bros. Executive Kevin Black Joins Global Music Group". HipHopCosign.
  29. ^ NEW VIDEO: TRAE THA TRUTH…BIGGEST COLLABO EVER!
  30. ^ "Trae Tha Truth Rallies J. Cole, Jadakiss And Kendrick Lamar For All-Star 'I'm On 2.0' Video - MTV". MTV.
  31. ^ XXL Staff. "Trae Tha Truth Explains How Star-Studded "I'm On 2.0" Came To Life - XXL". XXL Mag.
  32. ^ "DopeRaps.com Interview With Video Director Philly Fly Boy". Archived from the original on 20 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
  33. ^ "Breakaway Daily Interview with Music Mogul Scott Shephard". Breakawaydaily.com.
  34. ^ "PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: CARIBBEAN SUMMER VIBES". HITS Daily Double.
  35. ^ "15 Dance Music Spotify Playlist Curators & How To Submit Your Music Free". Soundplate.com. 15 March 2018.
  36. ^ SO, LET’S TALK LTD - Officers (free information from Companies House), beta.companieshouse.gov.uk
  37. ^ "The Loft Club, Cherry Beach, Pras - Flicker 2.0". Discogs.com. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  38. ^ "Devon man and Exeter label's dance banger tops US charts". Devonlive.com.
  39. ^ "So, Let's Talk Ltd". Discogs. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  40. ^ Vincent, David (20 November 2018). "'It has been amazing' - former Ipswich student Osborne on his dance hit success". Ipswich Star.
  41. ^ "Osborne / Ocean Floor / Single Review » Press The Music". Press The Music. 22 July 2019. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  42. ^ "Instagram". Instagram.
  43. ^ "Instagram". Instagram.
  44. ^ "Adult R&B Airplay - Billboard". Billboard. 16 September 2023. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  45. ^ "Devon man and Exeter label's dance banger tops US charts - Devon Live". Devon Live.
  46. ^ "Shazam Conner and H-Town's Strokey Doke Tops iTunes Chart". EURweb.
  47. ^ "BBC Local Radio - BBC Music Introducing In The South West, Record label advice with Scott Shephard from So Let's Talk". BBC.
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