We had the good fortune of connecting with Melvin Darrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Melvin, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
I have a deep appreciation for Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, which I consider one of my favorite books due to its abundant wisdom. Among its impactful chapters, the second one stands out, focusing on the concept of a burning desire. Over time, the foundation of my own burning desire has remained constant. What truly resonated with me in this chapter was Hill’s recommendation to create a concise and precise statement that captures one’s goal, and to read it twice daily—once in the morning upon waking up and once before going to bed. By implementing this practice, one can harness the power of the subconscious mind to aid in achieving the desired outcome. Personally, I diligently followed this advice, faithfully reading my statement twice a day for several months. The progress and accomplishments I am currently experiencing can be directly attributed to my adherence to Hill’s guidance.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a music producer and creative entrepreneur, I’ve ventured into the realm of online platforms and proudly introduced Sound Patch—an online music library specifically designed to provide valuable resources for the producer community. What sets me apart in the creative landscape is the unique blend of my academic and professional background. Prior to my career as a music producer, I obtained a degree in accounting from the University of Pittsburgh and gained valuable experience as a full-time internal auditor at PNC Bank. This path equipped me with essential skills such as organization, adaptability, continuous learning, and problem-solving.
Like many professionals, my journey has been filled with challenges, but my unwavering passion for making a significant impact in the music industry fuels my resilience during tough times. One crucial lesson I have learned is the importance of embracing reality as a friend. I actively seek to learn from my failures, using them as stepping stones to growth.
Right now, I’m super proud to be teaming up with the amazing singer/songwriter Julia Pratt. Together, we are working on an EP that pays homage to the rich music history of our beloved hometown, Philadelphia. It is a project close to my heart, and I am dedicated to creating something truly special and meaningful.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Depending on the timing of this trip, I would take my best friend to either a Sixers or Eagles game. For food, we would hit up Pizzeria Beddia in Fishtown or Human-Robot Brewery for a special sandwich and Czech beer. We would also have to visit Other Half, which is another great brewery and restaurant. For daytime lounging, Kelly Drive or Penn’s Landing is always fun. I work out a lot, so we would have to visit Lifetime Fitness in Ardmore.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to express my appreciation and recognition for the exceptional leadership of REC Philly in the creative economy. REC Philly has effectively established an environment where creators can readily access the essential resources for their creative journeys, all while connecting with individuals who share their passion and vision. I have forged meaningful friendships and partnerships with incredibly talented artists/musicians like Kyle Sparkman and Julia Pratt thanks to REC Philly. Their commitment to fostering a vibrant creative community has profoundly impacted my artistic pursuits.
Website: thesoundpatch.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melvindarrell/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/melvindarrell
Image Credits
REC PHILLY