Today we’d like to introduce you to Rashad Parks.
Hi Rashad, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Well, I started off going graduating from Dekaney High School and going to college at Oklahoma State University not knowing what degree I wanted to get or which direction I wanted to go. After a semester of being there, I didn’t feel at home so I transferred to Stephen F. Austin University where I attended 3 semesters there but sadly I had to leave after being put on academic suspension. So I had to come back home to Houston for some time to work. During that time I realized I wanted to get into radio broadcasting, so I refocused my attention to getting back into school to get my degree in Mass Communications, and in 2013, I was accepted into Texas Tech University! During that time a met great friends and created bonds that are strong to this day. Sadly during this time, I learned that I suffered from test anxiety so again my school career was cut short. But during my time there I was walking and talking with a friend and artist named Ari the Homie and we were talking about how I wanted to create a radio station to highlight underground artists and he said to me “Why don’t you start a podcast?”. I’ve heard of podcasts but never truly knew or understood what they were so after he told me that I always had the idea in the back of my mind. Once I went back home again I started working and had dreams to become a rapper so I started making music and performing in open mics where I met many different talented artists and creatives. Me being a person that is self-aware I also realized that I loved creating music but I wasn’t in the place to create music to the caliber that I wanted so I put it on the back burner.
So fast forward to 2018, I would still be attending underground shows and networking with different artists that I believed weren’t receiving the recognition they deserved and that was always a problem for me. Then the words from Ari popped in my head “Why don’t you start a podcast?” and that’s exactly what I did. After getting into other podcasts like No Jumper, Stuff You Should Know, & The Read and doing my own research I knew what it took to create my own platform and podcast so on September 22, 2018, with my long time friend and business partner Darryl Woods AKA ChillDarryl (director/videographer) we held our first interview on The Common Interest Podcast with the Slight Team and we’re now 80+ episodes in with no intentions to stop as long as people are creating quality music and following their dreams in any shape or fashion. Since we’ve started we have been able to have to work with many dope artists and creatives around the city, work with the 97KELZ radio station, and created the opportunity to put together our festival called MINI FEST with the same artists and creatives we have interviewed curated by yours truly. We are now The Common Interest Productions LLC. we are “The Voice of the Underground” where we promote and support anyone with passion and following their dreams. We have dreams to expand our own artistry, production and curations.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, when we first started our podcast we were recording out of a storage unit that was 100 sq ft that was outside, so we were constantly battling with the elements throughout the year. Then we would have to deal with people canceling last minute when we could’ve had someone that would be ready and willing for an interview. And it’s a challenge to keep spirits high and the drive going while dealing with your full time job, part time job, side gigs and regular life as well and have to consistently create original content without losing that passion.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a photographer and owner of a business called Lydell Photography. So I do all kinds of photoshoots and some videography if needed. I specialize in artist shoots and performances. I’m known for my nature and candid shots. I’m most proud of nature shots one day I hope to get featured in a nature magazine like National Geographic.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I take a risk everyday following my dream honestly. There’s no real money in podcasts if we’re talking about streams. The only real way to make a profit is to make visual episodes and hope they pop off on YouTube or to get a sponsor or brand deal. Also, we took a risk last year by putting on our festival MINI FEST when we weren’t known for hosting events of any kind and we invested close to $2,000 and were able to bring in a profit.
Pricing:
- For our interviews remote or on-site we charge $25.
- For BTS we charge $60 to book and $25 per hr for every hour afterwards.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://solo.to/thecommoninterestpro
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecommoninterestproductions?igshid=NmZiMzY2Mjc=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecommon.interest.9
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/TheComIntProd
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCKRUKWzwBOpzVMJ8XELNoLA
Image Credits
Anthony Juarez
ArtbyNato
Rashad Parks
Roderick Jordan
