Livio Harris

Powerhouse Music Executive

Livio Harris (Co-Ceo) - is a powerhouse executive who began his career as a singer/songwriter signed to a major label in 1990 called Uptown Records’(The home of Jodeci, Mary J. Blige, Guy, and more). With his experience as an Artist, the natural progression for Livio was climbing up the industry ranks as an executive who has amassed over 30 years of industry experience and Advancing from being a former Recording Artist, Entertainment Manager, Artist Development Executive, V.P. of Tier2 Films, and Executive V.P. of NottingHill Music Publishing.

In addition to all the above accolades, he found immense pleasure in discovering and fostering talented individuals such as Singers, Songwriters, Music Producers, Actors, and more. Livio has worked with a number of music companies such as Elektra Records and Epic Records as an A&R Consultant. Livio also ran, and developed Notting Hill Music Publishing-(U.S.) for over 24 + years.

What drew you to the music industry?

As a teenager, I became amused watching successful people like Berry Gordy (Motown), Russell Simmons (Def Jam), Andre Harrell (Uptown Records), and my mentor Kurt Woodley (Executive at Uptown), manager of Mary J. Blige/Jeff Redd. That inspired me to get involved with the business of Entertainment. As for myself as an Artist, I used to run home from school, listen to the radio. Artists like Cameo, Gap Band, Chic, Barry White, GQ, and Delphonics to name a few. I then found meyself mimicking/singing like them and that motivated me to sing and play guitar.

Who are you inspired by?

As an Artist: Cameo, Gap Band, Chic, Barry White, GQ, and Delfonics. As an Executive: Berry Gordy (Motown), Russell Simmons (Def Jam), Andre Harrell (Uptown Records), Sylvia Rhone (The most powerful women in all of the Music business, PERIOD!), and my mentor Kurt Woodley (Executive at Uptown and manager of Mary J. Blige/Jeff Redd), that inspired me to get involved with the business of Entertainment.

Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?

Just the mentality of always GREAT MUSIC!!!

Do you collaborate with others? What is that process? Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.

I love the fan part of this, without them we would not exist. So, I love most definitely interacting with fans and getting their likes and dislikes, so I can always re-evalute my situation.

Have you ever dealt with business anxiety?

Yes always, when I am having deadline issues or something doesn’t work out for me, an Artist or a vision I have, it breeds anxiety at times.

Tell me about your favorite projects and why?

Adina Howard. Why, because I discovered, developed, wrote 90% of the Album, and created her semi-controversial Swag with a women in the early 90’s bluntly speaking sex. Also that women speaking from a male perspective, our sound and style exists 28 years later to date (Jhene Aiko, Summer Walker, Cardi B., Megan Thee Stallion), to name a few!

Name 5 Artist you have worked with and their project?

Adina Howard, Melvin Riley (Leader of Ready For The World), Keith Sweat, Mya, and Jon B. Each project was amazing in their own rights, Adina was more of a personal project for me.

Who is Who’s Harris Entertainment & Management?

Who’s Harris Entertainment and Management consist of a Management Company which manages Artists, Actors, Songwriters and Producers careers, Who’s Harris Music Publishing when sign writers and producers also specialize in pitching their songs to labels, A&R’s , managers of Artists in hopes to get a hit on a hit Artist like Drake, Rhianna, and Beyonce types. I’ve also partnered up as an expansion with my partners Vincent Searcy and Eric Jackson to form a music catalogue purchasing and brokering company which sells and purchases hit catalogues. Lastly, my business partner Melquan Smith and I have created an on-air Pay Per View channel that has live concerts and even hologram concerts.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

Memorable, Inspiring, Fun and Party Music.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music industry?

Probably a Concert Promoter, Club/Restaurant Owner and heavily into Film and Television.

What is your most popular song you help produce?

Definately had my 2 cents in the concept of Adina Howard’s “FREAK LIKE ME”. Also, Adina Howard’s Album (8 of 12 songs).

Which famous musicians do you admire? And why?

Drake and Jay-Z, because they both are very successful, smart in their moves and execution of things, consistent and inspiring throughout their whole careers. They’ve inspired me even as an OG.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

Never stop dreaming, grinding, and never give up even when doors are being closed in your face, people and even your closest friends say you won’t happen. Keep going, there is always the storm first, then the shine, I am living proof!!

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

Making sure people, label heads, and really A&R’s not be so click driven and pushing out the people with greatness because of them not being managed by them or in their click. I feel a lot of that is screwing up the game, every potential creative should have a seat at any table. Open your minds executives!!

What’s next for you?

Liquor business, Film/T.V., and Humanitarian stuff. Like, dealing with Homeless issues, Single Parent moms or dads, and assisting in funding people with a vision, a dream and who innovates, be it Music, Technology, whatever.