EBONY and Cadillac present C-Suite Disruptors, a portrait and profile series that highlights the journeys of top executives in the music industry while showcasing the transformative power of their leadership. Discover how these trailblazers have reshaped workplace culture, overcome hurdles, and left an indelible mark.
Sponsored by Cadillac. Photographed by Sydney Foster for EBONY Media.
On a mission to even the playing field, Tami LaTrell’s focus has transformed from being an artist to becoming a force to be reckoned with who is holding the music industry accountable. Realizing early on the power of the pen and the advantage of knowing the ins and outs of the industry, she empowers her clients with her wealth of knowledge on copyrights, due process, and rightful ownership.
“I [realized] that there were so many songwriters and producers who were getting placements but didn’t have representation because they were not with the major label.”
-Tami LaTrell
On a mission to save entertainer payments, Latrell would break ground as the CEO of The Mezzo Agency. Since its inception in 2018 she has helped distribute over $850,000 in royalty collections. “I started the company because I [realized] that there were so many songwriters and producers who were getting placements but didn’t have representation because they were not with a major label,” she adds. With writing credits for R&B legends such as Whitney Houston, Monica, and SWV (to name a few), Tami’s creative legacy is sure to live on through her own music as well.
The Mezzo Agency CEO Tami LaTrell. Photo by Sydney Foster.
When asked if she encountered pushback in her mission, Latrell says that it was a greater challenge having those in the industry acknowledge her, now as an executive, versus seeing her solely as a songwriter. “It was very different for people to see me as a creative for twenty years. The publishers were like, ‘Who is this chick, now she’s collecting royalties?’”
“It’s a divine experience to be able to create something out of nothing”
-Tami LaTrell
In her additional role as Vice President and voting member of The Recording Academy – Atlanta Chapter, Latrell remains passionate about encouraging artists to tap into their power. “I have to remind creatives that this is a very divine gift that we have. It’s a divine experience to be able to create something out of nothing.”
The Mezzo Agency CEO Tami LaTrell. Photo by Sydney Foster.
Latrell has mastered the art of finding balance between her passion for songwriting and her prowess as a businesswoman. “I can speak the language on both sides,” Latrell says. The CEO has continued to foster her love of the creative process, while using her drive to reimagine the way that the music industry has functioned.
Reading over contracts has become a lost art that leaves many artists in the position of having to scramble for any kind of rights on the back end. Latrell is committed to improving the process. “My responsibility as vice president [of the Recording Academy – Atlanta Chapter] is to assist with not only advocacy and preserving our music community, but also helping [artists] understand how the process works.”
Moving forward in her journey, Tami stands in full support of the other trailblazing Black music executives who are reimagining the industry. “I think it’s phenomenal for us to finally be able to say, ‘this is my table. I no longer have to have a seat at yours.’”
