In Episode 6 of On Impact Podcast, host Benny Pough welcomes esteemed music executive Steve “Steve-O” Carless for an inspiring conversation about his journey from New Jersey to the heights of the music industry. Steve shares how his early exposure to sports, the arts, and education shaped his path, and how high school friendships sparked his passion for the business side of music. He reflects on breaking into the industry at Star Trak Entertainment, working with Cipha Sounds, and making sacrifices, including taking an unpaid internship at Def Jam, that ultimately led to career-defining moments, such as his connection with Nipsey Hussle. Benny and Steve pay homage to industry icon Irv Gotti Lorenzo, discuss the impact of technology and algorithms on music, and explore whether independent artists should pursue major label deals. Steve opens up about his Grammy-winning journey, working with Beyoncé, his presidency at Warner Records, and the deeper purpose of his career, serving and inspiring others. The episode closes with a discussion on legacy and Steve’s top five rappers, making for a must-listen conversation for anyone passionate about music and impact.
About Today’s Guest:
Steven Pierre Carless, also known as “Steve-O”, is an American record executive, talent manager, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. He is best known for working with Nipsey Hussle. In 2020, the duo received two Grammy Awards for the songs “Racks in the Middle” featuring Roddy Ricch and “Higher” with DJ Khaled.
The 7x Grammy nominated executive producer, manager, and creative architect is a senior creative executive with over 20+ years of entertainment experience spanning music, artist management, film, cultural branding, touring, and creative development. With tenures previously at Island Def Jam, Atlantic Records, and the new boutique version of Def Jam Recordings, he has overseen and assisted in the creative development of the careers of Big Sean, YG, Jeezy, 2Chainz, Dave East, Pusha T, and many more, with the goal and expectation of perfecting and innovating the artist to consumer relationship.
During those years he has also helmed and operated film and technology consulting agencies, an artist development company, and has even founded talent management and branding firms in New York City.
Key Points from this Episode:
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Welcome, music executive, Steve “Steve-O” Carless
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Steve’s early life in New Jersey
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Sports, the arts, and education as vehicles for success
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How high school friends inspired Steve-O to get into the music business
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How not being able to rap created an environment for Steve to thrive on the business side of music
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Benny Pough and Steve Carless pay homage to Irv Gotti Lorenzo and his career
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Breaking into the music business at Star Trak Entertainment
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Working with Cipha Sounds and his entertainment company
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Sacrifices and pressures of taking an unpaid internship at Def Jam
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How Steve Carless got connected with Nipsey Hussle
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Benny Pough and Steve Carless reflect on winning 7 Grammy Awards
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Realizing his life’s purpose: service
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Working with Beyonce
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On becoming the president at Warner Records
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Technology in music and serving music to the masses through “the algorithm”
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Should independent artists pursue deals with major labels?
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Steve’s top 5 rappers
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A discussion on legacy and serving to inspire others
Mentioned on the Show:
Thank You!
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