Avery "Ms. Artistry'' Watson the Bronx Visionary
Being in the entertainment industry isn’t for the weak. Many think they have what it takes but they’re not built for it though. Most people fail to realize their gifts are not only rapping or singing. Many of us have to realize that God called us to do different tasks in order to elevate us. There are so many other jobs within this industry. Some might not be well versed on how to pursue a career in this entertainment industry so let’s shine a light on music publicists. These individuals are the OG curators of the messaging behind the culture. They tell us what to buy, who to listen to, and what’s fly to wear while fixing clients' mishaps. It’s no secret that Black women are innovative beings, we know how to make something out of nothing. There are plenty of fly publicists out there this is just one I’m just giving her just due to recognition; This woman’s name is Avery Watson. CEO of Multi Artistry Ent and she provides PR and Digital marketing services.
Avery "Ms. Artistry" Watson is from the boogie down the Bronx aka The BX, New York. The same place that birthed Ms. Cardi B and many of our favorite Hip- Hop icons and celebrities. Some would think that she had it easy being, but nothing was handed to Avery. Getting into this field was an arduous feat it took years of interning and furnishing meaningful relationships to get where she is today. She’s interned at RCA Records, MBK Entertainment, Bad Boy Records, and ASCAP. In the midst of working for these prestigious organizations, she was making use of her Media communications degree by blogging for A3C Music Festival in Atlanta and started to shoot and edit videos for various media sites such as ThatsEnuff.com, BET Digital, Domineer Media Group, and more. Some scoff at the idea of working for someone for free but if it’s your dream and they have the power to put you in the right position. What’s stopping you? She then landed her role as the Executive Assistant to the VP of Operations of Bad Boy Ent in 2014.
We’ve done so many things that aren’t conducive nor beneficial to our goals. She’s given me the good, bad, and ugly side of being a publicist. Things that I wouldn’t have been privy to had I not asked. This is why I felt compelled to tell Ms. Watson’s story. Black publicists aren’t held in the same regard as White publicists. Each industry has sexism and racism but there are financial ramifications. Let me explain this fully, Watson was paid to champion certain clients where she hasn’t been compensated a competitive wage like her constituents Louis Vuitton is one of the most sought-after designer items. Many have no problem shelling out the cash to obtain this item. However, when it comes to publicity many can’t fathom paying consultation fees or any fees for that matter. My take on why people are apprehensive at first is because it’s not tangible like the bag. With the bag, it’s instant gratification versus something that’s going to take time to work towards. Which prompted me to question Watson on her views: “PR is a feeling, people might forget the things you do, but they don’t how you made them feel.” quoting her favorite poet Maya Angelou, which is true publicists are the brands right hand.
Publicists play gatekeepers for their clients to keep them away from a lot of nonsense. Think of your favorite brand or celebrity who was embroiled in a scandal, the first statement is where’s the publicist? Why? It’s because they’re special beings who keep brands in a positive light at all times. This can have an adverse effect on your mental because here it is you’re expected to perform at a high level without the same resources as your counterparts. Not only that if you don’t rise to the occasion there are legal, emotional, and financial ramifications. The brands are oblivious to everything that’s being orchestrated as well. Many don’t realize what goes on behind closed doors. Like volatile environments where it’s very cliquish. In addition to people not honoring their obligations which is disheartening.
The industry Watson’s in is small and it’s synonymous with professional sports. The competitiveness and achievements attained release a high more powerful than drugs. Which is why they’re in this field. Yet, Watson remains undeterred with plenty of achievements under her belt in such a short time span. She was approached by Roc Nation personally to handle the career of Florida rapper Bobby Fishscale. In addition to the emerging acts of the NYC Drill scene for rapper Ron Suno, the late ODB's son Young Dirty Bastard, Journey G’z, and fallen star Raja Rose.Thus, he suffered from mental illness and passed away at the top of 2020. It was very rough for my agency "Multi Artistry Ent" and we had our company recovery moments and moments of emotional healing through his passing. Watson is still able to get it done despite the opposition that’s thrown her way. Her main objective is to even the playing field. Especially for minority women because they face the most hurdles.
Avery MsArtistry Watson accepted an offer to speak at the first-ever Ted Talks in the Bronx, NY on May 6th, 2022. Being a prominent week called "Bronx Week" she was chosen as a thought leader as a Bronx native. TEDx will be a presentation-style motivating speech to discuss her lessons as a Publicist and the use of dance in the community.
Follow her journey and support!