Features

Perspective: Vivian Scott Chew

Vivian Scott Chew
Founder/Principal
TimeZone International
Teaneck NJ


Job History
Membership Representative, ASCAP--I'm very proud to say that I was the first African-American woman to hold this position
Director, A&R, Polygram Records
Director, A&R, Epic Records
Vice-President, A&R, Epic Records
Head of Urban Music, 550 Music
Vice-President, Black Music, Epic Records
Principal, TimeZone International

What are you currently working on?

I'm really excited that TimeZone is working on a broad spectrum of projects. Our newest artist is JoJo, a 13-year old young lady from Boston. I've recently traveled with her throughout Europe while she was on the road with Usher. Initially, our involvement with her project was on an international level, however, we've been asked to consult on her domestic marketing as well. We're working select territories and overseeing street marketing and promotion for Jill Scott's new album, Beautifully Human--Words & Sounds Volume 2, which is set for release on August 31. Jill is planning to take a trip oversees for promotion, so we'll assist in organizing her visit.

We're promoting and marketing Van Hunt's project in the UK where we helped with some extra ammunition during his recent promo tour. His trip ended with 2 sold-out shows at The Jazz CafÈ, which was pretty amazing. We're working on an eclectic album project involving Bill Cosby and Quincy Jones who collaborated on "The Bill Cosby Show," which aired from 1969ñ1971. The 2-disc set consists of the show's original music with lots of outtakes-ñit's really clever. In addition, we're in negotiations with an international distributor for an urban clothing line.

I also assist my husband, Ray, on our joint venture, Chew Entertainment, which specializes in artist development, band support and event production.

What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

Many days, I'm sweating label heads to stress the importance of international marketing and how records sales outside of the States can positively affect their bottom lines. I'm also trying to convince people that France really is a country and not a city.

TimeZone creates marketing campaigns for each of our clients and oversees marketing reps and street teams in 19 international territories. For instance, we recently oversaw street teams in 8 territories for McDonald's "I'm Loving It Campaign," which marked the first time in their history that they chose to do a global campaign. We were brought on to manage the street teams and formulate customized marketing plans for Canada, Brazil, Germany, France, Spain, Japan, China and Australia.

Who/what inspires you?

Music is what inspires me especially when things start getting political or when I'm on the 17th hour of my 6th consecutive workday and even after 6 years of fighting to try to convince people that they can, indeed, have global success. It's at the end of those kinds of days that the love of the music makes me want to continue doing what I'm doing and be excited when I hear a new artist at Joe's Pub or S.O.B's or even on an internet radio station.

I'm also inspired by unsigned artists who are out there hustling simply because of their love of the music. I've had the opportunity to work with Ledisi, who is an independent artist with an amazing following. She, along with her musical collaborator, Sundra Manning, has sold over 10,000 records in Japan, on her own.

What kind of music moves you?

I love Michael Franti & Spearhead-ñtheir music makes me feel good and his lyrics make me think hard. Whenever I walk out of a George Clinton concert, I feel like I've been re-baptized

Which book(s) have motivated you?

I'm in the midst of reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. The book is helping me to focus on knowing what I don't want to do.

How do you balance your personal & professional lives?

I don't! What helps is the fact that I get to see my husband during the course of the day as we share an office. Also, I really love my friends and wish I had more time to spend them, but I'm working on that.

Which career achievement are you most proud of?

I'm most proud of winning back-to-back Grammys with Shabba Ranks, who was the first dancehall artist to ever win the award in the show's history.

What was your biggest personal/career mistake and what did you learn from the experience?

Putting my job before my responsibilities as a mother has been my biggest mistake. I now look back and know that there are big blocks of my daughter's growth and development that I really don't remember because I was either running in & out or unpacking/re-packing a suitcase, all in the name of urban music. What I've learned is that every moment matters and that you can't get that time back.

What is your guiding principle?

No matter what the circumstances look like, God always has it under control.

When is your birthday? Where did you grow up? Where'd you go to school?

I was born on May 14 and raised in Far Rockaway. I attended Woodmere Academy and later, Georgetown University.

Message Vivian Scott Chew and tell her what you think

Regina R. Robertson

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