Patrice K. Cokley is the Founder & Owner of The Bassline Group where she serves as a Talent Manager, Chief Strategist and Lead Consultant.
The Bassline Group is an artist development and talent management agency, helping creatives and entertainers become or remain entrepreneurs while maintaining their authenticity.
While Patrice is widely known for her work with Mathew Knowles (Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child, Solange) she also prides herself on her laser focus toward helping industry underdogs become successful entrepreneurs while maintaining their authenticity. Patrice’s focus and objectives have led her to successfully branding and managing emerging artists who, as a result of her guidance, secured partnerships with established brands; booked opportunities to be a supporting act for major artists, and landed TV appearances on major shows.
Read more about Patrice’s career below, and follow her on Instagram, Linkedin, Twitter. Follow The Baseline Group on Instagram, Linkedin, Twitter, and Facebook.
Tell us about how you got your start in the music industry, and how it lead to the work you do today.
About 14 years ago, I took the entrepreneurial route to kickoff my career by serving local small business owners, entrepreneurs, artists and entertainers. I’ve always had an interest in the music industry since grade school and had took piano lessons during that time. In college, I started out as a music major before I switch to business/marketing. After graduation, I started helping the people I knew with their marketing and branding projects. I worked many dead-end jobs to sustain myself and knew that in order for me to break my way into marketing and the music industry, I had to do it on my own. I always say that sometimes you have to create your own opportunities before opportunities are presented to you. And that’s exactly what led me to the work I do today.
Is there a success story or career milestone that you are most proud of?
Working with Mathew Knowles (Beyonce and Solange’s dad/former manager) was a huge career milestone and truly validated me in such a “clout-driven” industry. I worked directly with him for about 3 years where I served as his personal brand strategist, social media manager, graphic designer, and digital marketer. I was involved with his most viral moments (book release, announcement of his grandchildren, and more), and am also credited on the back of his book “Racism From the Eyes of a Child” as the Creative Director for the cover design. While working with him, I also was involved with his label artists’ projects.
Lastly, I’m also proud of receiving the Mentor of the Year Award in 2019 from the students of SAE Institute Chicago, where I taught Music Business & Marketing for 3 years.
Are there any projects you’re working on or company updates that you’re most excited about?
Yes, I’m currently working on offering additional services to our clients. We do almost everything in-house, and currently in talks with a couple of potential partners to expand.
Outside of your work in music, do you have any other hobbies/ particular areas of expertise/interest etc.?
I love studying the history of music and our legacy artists, staying active, spending time with my girlfriend and family, and traveling. Now that things are opening back up, I look forward to doing more international travel.
Anything else to add?
Sometimes you have to create your own opportunity before opportunities are presented to you. So many are looking for people to “put them on” while chasing clout. Instead, focus on doing the work, even if you have to create the work yourself. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I waited on someone to “hire me”. I created my own. So stay busy and always show people your value. That will go much further than any blue check or photo with a celebrity.
