Bridging the Gap Between Creatives and Business
T.J. King of Artist CTRL Music for Black Business Month
We’re celebrating Black Business Month this August by highlighting Cherokee’s Black business community, in partnership with Cherokee By Choice investor Georgia Power.
Artist CTRL Music is a Black-owned dynamic and innovative production company committed to creating opportunities through live entertainment, professional marketing and creative development.
Cherokee resident T.J. King started Artist CTRL Music to help support fellow creatives. “The main reason I started Artist CTRL Music is because I’m an artist myself and I understand everything creative minds go through, but I’m also a business owner that understands the balance you must have in both areas,” said King. 
Music has always been important to King. “My older brother and I were always around all kinds of music. Believe it or not, being a music producer ended up being my senior project in high school,” said King. “I have over a decade of experience in the music industry, but now I’ve realigned myself and have decided to focus on the entrepreneurial side of being creative.”
“I want to show not just how important it is to have creative minds involved in businesses and vice versa, but also how important it is to nurture and develop these creative minds, and how much of an impact it will have in our community,” said King. “It’s an area that is still overlooked, but it’s so important.”
King set out to be the difference in the creative community. “I was talking with two colleagues about this concept of supporting creatives,” said King. “The conversation always came back to people feeling like they were not in control of their music. So, we came up with Artist CTRL Music, because the ones who create the work should be in control.”
Artist CTRL Music helps creatives tap into their business side and teach them how to run all aspects of their career, especially in a historically underpaid industry. “I’ve recently partnered with Rising Icons and together our goal is to create a thriving, cultural ecosystem by fostering local suburban talent and providing a platform for artistic expression through our platform, that is accessible to just about all ages,” said King.
Together, Artist CTRL Music and Rising Icons are offering both in person and virtual courses for creatives. “A lot of people end up going to college for things they don’t really want to do, and ultimately waste a lot of time and money,” said King. “I wanted to create an affordable alternative to college and higher education that equips our members with the tools and knowledge they need to build a sustainable career in whatever field they want for themselves.”
King started Artist CTRL Music in Cherokee County in 2023. “Starting my business in Cherokee County was the best place,” said King. “I’ve been here most of my life and have been able to build all sorts of amazing relationships with awesome people.”
One thing King loves about building his business in Cherokee is staying plugged into the local community. “There’s no better feeling than being able to make an impact in your own community,” said King. “For the past few years I’ve really started connecting with more entrepreneurs in the community and they’ve been a big part of my growth. I’m blessed to be in such a developing area because it gives me the chance to experiment and really grow with the community.” 
King participated in the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED)’s LaunchPad Bootcamp Series this spring. In partnership with Kennesaw State University’s HatchBridge Incubator, COED facilitated this 4-week bootcamp series to help emerging entrepreneurs launch their new business or product.
King is also a member of COED’s Black Business Roundtable. “Being a Black-owned business living in a suburban area, you meet all kinds of people,” said King. “When you see someone like me and I say, ‘I make music,’ most people don’t take you very seriously. But as we continue speaking, they find out that I’m not a typical musician or DJ.”
Overall, Artist CTRL Music is about growing the community of creatives here in Cherokee. “I’m building a music-based community of like-minded creatives whose main objective is to find ways to help one another grow,” said King.
This includes creating jobs and opportunities for local talent to be showcased and developed. “We co-hosted our inaugural annual event called ‘NotATypical Festival’ with The Little Sober Bar this past summer to showcase local talent,” said King. “Our partnership with the Rising Icons online platforms provides an affordable alternative to creative education through development and mentorship.”
“We’re bridging the gap between creatives and businesses while teaching the importance of each in a sustainable career,” said King. “My vision for Artist CTRL Music is to create a more affordable option for creative development.”
Learn more about Artist CTRL Music at artistctrl.com.