Joseph Polk is no stranger to the Entertainment industry, having spent 15 years as a sound-man on off-Broadway and also as a song writer. This taught him the importance of teamwork and excellence as the only acceptable standard by which to do business. To his credit; Joseph is a song writer affiliated with B.M.I and has 1,042 registered songs. While living in Europe; Mr. Polk was able to open an International branch of his recording label. Thus, Divine Records UK. In London England was born. Prior to moving abroad; Joseph had the privilege of being the audio engineer for Harlem’s own Vy Higgenson productions “MAMA I WANT TO SING & LET THE MUSIC PLAY GOSPEL”. More recently, the last film that Mr. Polk wrote was released in theaters the summer of 2017 and that movie’s trailer was the 2nd most viewed trailer in the country according to iTunes and Fandango.
Media Made Magazine Caught up with “Joseph Polk”
TEL: How long have you been in the business and where are you from?
JP: Twenty-three years everything began November 1995! Queens NY and Raised in Queens NY. Currently reside in Plano Texas about half an hour from Dallas, TX
TEL: Why did you choose The Entertainment Business?
JP: I have always been around the entertainment business from when I was young. When I was Just starting out I had a spot working at MCA /Universal /Geffen.
TEL: Your earliest recollection, first production or show and how did it go?
JP: I got my start as a sound man doing audio so my first gig doing a show was simply incredible and scary at the same time. The show went well. It was sold out and was like an audience of 500!
TEL: The first major event, production, the major setback and the solution?
JP: I think it was when I had tried to put together my first concert and ticket sales weren’t doing that well and I had to make a choice. Either try to put the show on regardless of ticket sales or to postpone the show and give myself more time to market and promote. Which is what I wound up doing. Postponing.
TEL: What’s your motivation?
JP: My commitment to failure not being an option! Being able to know within myself that no matter what the outcome I really gave the situation my very best effort is all that matters. Trying my best and failing at something I can live with; but not doing my best or not trying at all is inexcusable!
TEL: If you had to choose one, which category would it be?
JP: I would have to say music. I love writing songs and I really love doing audio for live shows! Doing studio work is cool don’t get me wrong but doing audio in the studio kind of gives the sound man a false sense of security where if you make a mistake you can go back and do it over. But live audio you have to be on point all the time for every song, every note, everyone talking for just everything that is being heard for that production. One thing I learned that always stuck with me is that you can never get a second chance to make a first impression. So be on do your best and be on point every time you perform!
TEL: Celebrities you’ve worked with?
JP: Let’s see over the course of my career I’ve had the chance to work with Lauren Hill, the late Isaac Hayes, Richard Hartley, Charles Perry, Regina Bell, Norwood, Butch Heywood, Dalon Collins as well as a host of others.
TEL: How long have you been in the business and where are you from?
JP: Twenty-three years everything began November 1995! Queens NY and Raised in Queens NY. Currently reside in Plano Texas about half an hour from Dallas, TX
TEL: Why did you choose The Entertainment Business?
JP: I have always been around the entertainment business from when I was young. When I was Just starting out I had a spot working at MCA /Universal /Geffen.
TEL: Your earliest recollection, first production or show and how did it go?
JP: I got my start as a sound man doing audio so my first gig doing a show was simply incredible and scary at the same time. The show went well. It was sold out and was like an audience of 500!
TEL: The first major event, production, the major setback and the solution?
JP: I think it was when I had tried to put together my first concert and ticket sales weren’t doing that well and I had to make a choice. Either try to put the show on regardless of ticket sales or to postpone the show and give myself more time to market and promote. Which is what I wound up doing. Postponing.
TEL: What’s your motivation?
JP: My commitment to failure not being an option! Being able to know within myself that no matter what the outcome I really gave the situation my very best effort is all that matters. Trying my best and failing at something I can live with; but not doing my best or not trying at all is inexcusable!
TEL: If you had to choose one, which category would it be?
JP: I would have to say music. I love writing songs and I really love doing audio for live shows! Doing studio work is cool don’t get me wrong but doing audio in the studio kind of gives the sound man a false sense of security where if you make a mistake you can go back and do it over. But live audio you have to be on point all the time for every song, every note, everyone talking for just everything that is being heard for that production. One thing I learned that always stuck with me is that you can never get a second chance to make a first impression. So be on do your best and be on point every time you perform!
TEL: Celebrities you’ve worked with?
JP: Let’s see over the course of my career I’ve had the chance to work with Lauren Hill, the late Isaac Hayes, Richard Hartley, Charles Perry, Regina Bell, Norwood, Butch Heywood, Dalon Collins as well as a host of others.
TEL: You got a chance to produce music at the legendary “Hit Factory” in NYC. Elaborate on the experience.
JP: That experience was incredible to say the least. I was really into song writing and producing strong. I was working on an album for a new artist at the time. Brent Toliver, I had just met at the Philadelphia Music Conference (PMC). I went to the Hit factory because I knew they could give me the results I was looking for. Quite honestly, I choose to go to the Hit Factory because the studios I was used to working in had burned down. They were studios in “The Music Building on Jamaica avenue in Jamaica Queens NY. So, with them no longer being an option The Hit Factory became my new production home until the closed their NY office. Shout out to Cortez a Hit Factory engineer that always set that correct atmosphere to record and make magic!
TEL: Who would you like to work with in the future and why?
JP: On the singer tip I would have to say KEKE Wyatt she’s just a vocal beast SWV Their vocals are just amazing. On the mc tip I would say I would say Jay Z, DR. Dre and believe it not even though it may be a bit of a throwback lol 4 names in particular come to mind. 1. Rakim , 2.KRS1, 3. MC light and4.Roxanne Shante.
TEL: The transformation of the business concerning technology. Is this god or bad over all?
JP: Technology is definitely a two-edge sword. On one hand it’s made it Hella easy to put out music and movies. With today’s advances and the internet an artist put something out and digitally distribute it all by themselves. Without having to necessarily to get a quote end quote record deal. The flip side of that is that the creativity has suffered. Everyone is way to content with copying what the last guy did. If John doe made a track and it did well then, you’ll wind up the next new artist doing the same thing John and putting out 50 new versions of john track. Instead of taking the time, making the effort and being creative on their own.
TEL: I agree 100% with the aspect of technology. When did you establish Polk Entertainment?
JP: Originally Polk Entertainment Group was founded in November 1995. Before I changed its name, it was called Divine Records. Then about 2 years ago I changed it officially to Polk Entertainment Group.
TEL: What’s Polk Entertainment’s long-term goal and where do you see the company in ten years?
JP: My company slogan is “LET US ENTERTAIN YOU “my long-term goal is to be producing quality entertainment for the world to enjoy. As far as 10 years from now I from now plan to see a few of my subsidiaries not only up and running but doing well. In the works are plans for a small supermarket chain in 4 states. My clothing line, Divine Attire of which I design and produce custom outfits now I just plan to expand onto a larger platform. And my music and film divisions. Divine Intervention Films and P.E.G Records aka Divine
TEL: Anything specific Polk Entertainment is looking for?
JP: Polk Entertainment Group is always looking to network with anybody that is serious about their craft. We are really big on helping individuals no matter what stage their at in their career to experience their first big break into the entertainment industry. I just ask that they be for real about what they do and dedicated to making it happen. I hate my wasting time!
TEL: There’s multiple productions, artist on the website. Is there a link coming for trailers, samples of music?
JP: The trailer for last movie that came out last summer is on the film page of my site. I’m very happy to say that according to iTunes and Fandango it was the 3rd most viewed trailer in the country when it dropped. The film production that has my complete attention at the moment is “Catacombs Of The Mind “which will be in theaters the end of June. On the film page you can also see which films are up next after Catacombs. On the music page of the site you can play a brief sample of a single titled “ MY HEART “ from an artist named Sha’Ne I not only did all the music but I’m producing her whole album that will be dropping around the holidays this year the project is titled “ Promises”
TEL: If you could go back and do one thing over again , what would it be?
JP: I would start working in entertainment sooner, with a harder drive and make more contacts then I did
TEL: Out side of entertainment, what’s your hobbies, what you do to relax?
JP: I really like playing chess. Visiting art galleries, going to the driving range and shooting pool while talking trash lol and I ABSOLUTELY love traveling.
TEL: What’s next for Polk Entertainment?
JP: Well I’m releasing my film Catacombs of the mind at the end of June and for its premier I’m going all out the way only real true New Yorkers know how; big dog style! I’m talking a red carpet that takes up half the block, about 6 photographers, reporters from TV, Radio & Magazines. A few celebs walking the red carpet to make it look good and an after party that will just be through the roof. Just thinking about it is making me have a Bentley’s flashback lol in early 2019 my artist Sha’Ne starts her tour. It’s titled “ The Promises Tour”
TEL: Any intentions of taping into the over-seas market? Where?
JP: Most definitely, for the music I’m going to be doing a lot in japan. The last shows I did there were very successful and sold out every show. With regards to movies and film I’m going to make a heavy imprint on London England in the UK. in fact I just closed a deal in the UK for Catacombs to start showing in London in mid July. Also in 2019 the UK division of my company will be reopening the international portion of the record label and launching a UK film division named P.E.G UK. I’m really excited about that.
TEL: What advice do you have for those seeking to shine in this business?
JP: if your serious about the entertainment biz you got to have tough skin. It may sound crazy but it takes about at least a year to become an overnight success. Don’t get discouraged when you hear the word NO and trust me you will but if you stick with it never give up on yourself and no matter how a situation looks you’ll be ok. The no’s will turn into yeses before you know it.
TEL: You work with Gospel artists and groups. Is it tough balancing things out in this industry?
JP: Can’t really say that the gospel industry is any tougher then the secular Genre. At least for me. I find the same types of people in both genres. The difference being non the right this artist might like singing or rapping about their love for Jesus and God. While on the left that artist may rap or sing about coming up in the hood having to flip bricks to survive. If that person is a good and decent person it doesn’t change who they really are because their lyrics speak about life in the hood. The same way if a womanizer sings or raps gospel if that’s who they are. That’s who they are. I learned a long time ago don’t let the genre an artist may be skilled at dictate my opinion of them as a person. But instead I let the caliber of their character form my opinion of them and not the style of music they’re into.
TEL: What’s the main thing you dislike about the business, why and solution?
JP: The entertainment business is way to accepting of false talent. I truly think because as a whole society got into the mindset of it sounds good that’s all that matters. Whether the artist has real talent or not, If they sound good because of talent or because of computer software and sampling it’s all good. When it’s really not. The era I came up in music didn’t really embrace the no talent, no creativity type of artist that’s out there now. The solution is to go back to recognizing and appreciating artistry for being just that, an art form. Anyone can take a picture of the Mona Lisa or a van Gogh painting but can they create something just as breath taking is the question? It’s that creativity that make someone like Tupac or big stand out. Thanks I would like to shout an amazing cast of incredible actors and actresses : the cast of Catacombs Of The Mind, Kiani Stone, Aubri Skinner, Chance Carroll, Briana Watson, Sahara Ale, Marvelas Evans, Romy Valdez, John Maciag, Nadirah Shakir, Randy white, De’Vawne Dowling, Cooper Polk, James Polk, Maricruz Ornelas, Di’Andre Dowling, Sarah Mushtaq. I would also like to shout out the stars of two of my other films. William Wilmore III and Ryan De Quintel the stars of “ The Calling “ and Jaqueline Garcia, who is my co-star in my film “My Angel” Shout out to Sha’Ne we’ll get that Grammy! To my son Beesa and my daughter Brina in the UK Giovanni Charles, Sylvian big sil Winn, K-Pac films and Real lyfe productions. For more information on anything or to network I can be reached at [email protected]
