#FMSpotlight: Rich Zeller, An In-Demand Artist Manager Throughout The Tri-State.

Rich Zeller is a palpable presence to be reckoned with in the music realm. His catalog of achievements speaks volumes alone, but seeing this man in action is a feat in itself. Immersing himself in an artist’s creative vision has led to multiple endorsements from music companies and a boost in sound recording sales.

Although the American Music Group affiliate is known as a giant among other podcasters in the business, Rich made a clean transition to an artist manager. He mirrors this same quality when pushing his clients to the next level. 

“The biggest difference that I feel and I noticed is that within that transfer ship of the role, it was learning how to make myself secondary,” he adds. “It’s like you’re agreeing and accepting that role as a person’s management, which is almost like a parent. You got to watch over them and make sure they get home safe. Moreover, it’s important to see things run smoothly at events. There are networking opportunities and different personalities to deal with on a daily.” 

Thinking back on his time hosting Garden State Hip-Hop is bittersweet, but Rich has closed that chapter in his life for good. So instead, the music honcho writes a new one with his current business endeavor. 

He says 

“When I step back in my life, and everything that’s going on, it just now’s not the time. The time is to focus on everything I’ve got right now and use my connections and networks to push these artists to the next level and take Sloppy Vinyl to the next level. Because as it stands right now, Sloppy Vinyl is New Jersey. Like I am New Jersey, this is New Jersey here. This is the hub. And I say that with confidence.” 

Since becoming a music manager for artists like OnlyJahmez, 90Rackss, and Law, to name a few, he’s honed more into the business side of things. His time at Sloppy Vinyl has opened the door for more connections and the know-how to levitate his client’s career. 

Rich Zeller continues,

“My time with Sloppy Vinyl has been very educational and made me more self-aware in learning about what I want to do. A podcast wasn’t necessarily what I wanted to do. I like the business side of it more. It’s been my cheat code. 

Because anytime I’m not sure, the people here, my mentors, have come out here. So I don’t get to make the same mistakes because they’ve already done it. And they’ll let me know, show me, or answer my questions if I’m not sure. 

Before Sloppy Vinyl, I would have to guess. But, then, I would have to wing it or figure it out because I didn’t have someone to turn to when I had specific questions.”

Sloppy Vinyl has some of the most significant accolades in the music industry. A recent triumph was winning a Grammy through their parent company. Rich lists Jahmez’s events as always fun, but he also thoroughly enjoyed RNB Hunter’s release party.

“That was the first time I got to run like a media room. So, it was cool to see all the different media come here and vibe out. We had the bottles, pizzas, and more. It was fantastic to bring all these other media pieces. And they’re networking. They’re doing content. They’re just having a fun vibe separate from the rest of the party.” 

Rich Zeller had a lovely introduction to hip-hop at a young age. This love for rhymes and hard-hitting beats followed him throughout adolescence and adulthood. 

Reflecting on a time when hip-hop was viewed negatively, Rich says:

“I would get all the slander. I would get all the name-calling. But I didn’t care. I love hip-hop, and I’ve always loved it. Hip-hop is my heart, soul, and blood. It’s on my brain. 24/7.”

That being said, Rich Zeller is the link that keeps everything together. Working with him will not only warrant genuine connections, but it’ll connect the dots for you as well.  

“Artists are art content creators. They have to do the TikToks, Instagrams, and YouTubes. They don’t just get to sit in the studio. So, I look for artists, or I think like who’s promoting themselves every day? Who’s coming up with new ways to create content?” 

Keep it locked on Rich Zeller’s journey. He has more victories in store!

Written by Natalee Gilbert

Related Stories: Pusha T Praises Pharrell “You brought me in this game”