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By Associated Press
Crainsnewyork.com
March 2, 2012
New York University's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music hosted a boot camp for 20 professional football players who are interested in entering the music business.
(AP) - Even before Darren Howard entered the National Football League, the defensive end had dreams of being in the music business. He was a DJ in high school and by the time he was in college, he'd created a "rag-tag" recording studio in the basement of his residence.
"It's always been something I loved," said Mr. Howard. "I knew one day that I would transform to that."
So after Mr. Howard retired in 2009, the former New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles player jumped into making records. He started his own label, Empyre, and signed a pop and R&B singer that he's confident about.
But Mr. Howard admits he hasn't yet had what he'd call success, calling the music industry "fickle."
"The music business is funny. Some artists go 10, 15 years of making records before they ever recoup and make any money," said Mr. Howard. "The label can be the same, because they're depending on the artist. Hopefully it won't take that long."
This week, the NFL offered an assist to current and former players like Mr. Howard who are trying to find their footing in a business that can be just as unforgiving as football. Its player engagement division paired with New York University's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, part of the Tisch School of the Arts, for the "Business of Music Boot Camp." The camp had key music figures—from mogul Mr. Davis to record company executives and managers—offering their insights in intimate sessions with the players. Each player was then paired with a mentor, who will continue to coach him in the months to come.
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