Check out our exclusive interview with the founder and CEO of SKAM Artist, Sujit Kundu!
Sujit Kundu of SKAM Artist
Sujit Kundu, founder, and CEO of SKAM (Sujit Kundu Artist Management) has been an entrepreneur his entire life. Having been immersed in the rave and house party scene, Sujit built his entire career around the music industry and parties. The USCB graduate expanded from throwing his own parties to working for record labels, doing radio promotion, and DJ management and booking. Sujit has worked with many talented and accomplished artists and celebrities like Lil Jon, L.A. Reid, Amber Rose, Blac Chyna, as well as promoting the likes of Travis Scott, DJ Khaled, Future, Camila Cabello, and more. With SKAM artist, Sujit has a hold on the club and nightlife scene with his impressive roster of DJs. Check out our interview with him below!
The Knockturnal: SKAM Artist has gained a great reputation for having amazing artists on its roster. Can you talk about the process of building up that roster over the years?
Sujit Kundu: In the beginning, it was actually vote based. The DJs/clients prior to you all had to agree to let you in before you could be accepted, meaning DJ #4 had to get a white ball from DJs 1, 2, and 3. If he or she got 1 black ball they weren’t admitted. As the roster grew and diversified, I stopped that. I have to see a business in our relationship and I also like to be friends and get along with my clients – so if we mix personally as friends, get along personality-wise, and I see business opps, you’re in!
The Knockturnal: What is it like having a very close and long-time working relationship with Lil Jon?
Sujit Kundu: It’s great! I’ve learned a lot from him and his manager. He is very easy to work with because he knows right from wrong and can listen to advice or direction when needed as long as it makes sense – (not stubborn)
Sujit Kundu and Lil Jon Photo Credit: Cassidy Sparro
The Knockturnal: What lessons have you learned from your failure when throwing your first party that has helped you today?
Sujit Kundu: Things are not as straightforward and or easy as they may appear. There is a lot of backend work that happens, even if you don’t see it.
The Knockturnal: You’ve worked closely with radio promotions and programming for many years now; in what ways have you seen the industry change and what direction do you see it going in the future?
Sujit Kundu: Technology has changed everything. Right now there is so much music out; it’s much more difficult and you need a lot more patients
The Knockturnal: What has your experience been working and learning from L.A. Reid?
Sujit Kundu: He’s a legend! Learned so much! Very inspiring – he pushes you to be the best and even when something may seem impossible….if you push and strive forward…you can achieve!!
The Knockturnal: After working at record labels for several years, what was the transition to creating and running your own DJ booking company like?
Sujit Kundu: Never was a transition, I did both simultaneously. But the knowledge I’ve learned working on the inside definitely helps with my day to day at SKAM.
Sujit Kundu of SKAM Artist
Photo credit – Dylan Lujano (@DylanLujano)
Wardrobe credit – John Varvatos (@Johnvarvatos)
Location credit – Hyde Sunset (@HydeSunset)
Styling credit – Siam Patama (@SiamPatama)
The Knockturnal: In recent years, you’ve started a record label with recording studios and production classes. How has getting more involved in the creative process influenced how you would promote/book artists?
Sujit Kundu: Record label hasn’t really got off the ground; I need to get an A&R staff member to help me. I just haven’t had time and or found the right person. Regarding production classes, I’m not involved, I just rent them space but a great synergy having them in the building. The studios I love and love seeing the parking lot full.
The Knockturnal: After many years of throwing parties, what have you found to be the key features of a successful party?
Sujit Kundu: It can’t be cookie- cutter. I have to spend a lot of time planning and/or inviting the right people and crowd. Like I mentioned before, there’s a lot of back end that you may not see…goes into this
To keep up with Sujit Kundu and SKAM Artist please visit http://skamartist.com and follow on Instagram @skamartist!