photo by steed media service

With the increasing popularity of reality talent competitions, one has to believe that record labels will eventually opt to go back to basics: artist development. When that day comes, Brandon Smith, Star Factory’s president and CEO, will be ready to deliver. Star Factory is a full-scale artist development facility — the only one of its kind in Michigan. They provide vocal and media training, stage presence, studio etiquette, personal development, songwriting and production 101, hip-hop dance, and feature a full production studio and soundstage.

As a nine-year veteran of the music industry, artist and businessman, Smith saw the need for a concentrated endeavor of this sort. “I had been developing artists for years. I decided one day to turn it into a business simply because of the huge wave of ‘American Idol,’ ‘Making the Band,’ and all those shows that are kind of branding the whole idea of developing your talent,” he says. As one-third of 360 Media Group, Star Factory is able to offer clients the complete comprehensive experience of what it is to be a performing artist with all of the audio, visual and graphic facilities on-site.

“[Artist development] is a necessity if you’re going to be serious,” he explains. The success of the Star Factory movement in Detroit has led to corporate ad campaigns, talent bookings, and performance boot camps and competitions. The think tank behind the brand has made moves to aggressively expand into other areas as the entertainment industry beckons for change. Star Factory is currently in negotiations to open offices in Atlanta. –janaya black

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/starfactory.

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