“You decide if you want to be great or not.” — Clinton Sparks
Clinton Sparks — the multitalented, multifaceted DJ, producer, investor, entrepreneur and more — represents Boston, Massachusetts to the fullest with his work ethic and subsequent success.
Born and raised in and around Dorchester, Sparks’ ability to remain humble, work hard and identify the needs of others have begotten him a supremely impressive international resume and untouchable personal and professional reputation. With accolades, awards and assists on major hit records, Sparks’ name speaks for itself regarding his ear for success and eye for talent.
With a diversified portfolio — co-founded MixUnit in 2004, produced and co-wrote the certified-Platinum single “Sorry, Blame It On Me” by Akon in 2007, Director of Marketing for Karmaloop from 2010–2014, released his own smash single “Think About You” with Marc E. Bassy this year — Sparks doesn’t stop.
Dedication and details define
nearly as well as his tireless work ethic, irrefutable personality and acute intuition. An unwavering self-belief supported by the largest names in music and entertainment, Sparks has been winning for over two decades. Successful in several major industries, more than anything Sparks is a successful and dedicated father — proudly carrying the role as mantra rather than moniker.Clinton Sparks has only quit on resting; has only said “can’t” to saying “I can’t”.
Never one to celebrate his success nor stop working, Sparks nonetheless took the time to speak about Boston, leadership and the importance of humility.
ON BOSTON
Representing Boston means never forgetting where you are from, how you were raised and the culture that comes with it. I’m extremely proud to be from Boston and I’ve let it be known my entire rise to success and continue to do so.
We are a proud and strong city. We take no shit from anyone but we will be the first to help you out, too. We will be the first to knock you down if you try to be a tough guy but also be the first to pick you up off the ground.
Boston has a very, just-do-the-right-thing mentality and honors it with pride. I love my city and have done everything I can do to help aim the spotlight on it and the talent it produces.
ON WORK ETHIC
Next to my personality, it is the reason for my success. People have always asked me: “How do you work so hard?” I look at them and wonder, how do you not?
I don’t know about you, but I don’t ever want to be broke again. I don’t ever want to have no place to go or cuddle up in the back of the bus or the T so I can catch some heat from the heater to be warm.
I also know there is a gang of people wanting my position, so I make sure I out-work and out-think everyone.
ON COMMODITIZATION OF SUBCULTURE
There is always authentic versions of any culture. I’m not a subscriber to the purest mentality. Anything that starts has an intention of being successful. The group that wants to keep it small and not achieve the extreme success something may deserve is only being selfish and wants to keep the toys in their sandbox.
Let it grow. Support it.
That doesn’t mean you have to like all versions of it but seriously: should we just stick with the original lightbulb and never let it evolve to strobe, LED or even Christmas lights because it’s not “real”, “authentic” or the way it was originally intended?
There is something for everyone and I respect it all and those that like what they like.
ON YOUTH
I hope anyone that knows my story and shares similar experiences takes my blueprint and applies some steps to build a better life for themselves. It’s really a decision you need to make — no one can make it for you.
At some point, you need to grow up and not blame others or justify your being a jackass on circumstances or lack of guidance. That only lasts so long and has merit but eventually…
You decide if you want to be great or not.
ON INVESTMENT/TECHNOLOGY
I only get involved with things I find to be innovative, forward-thinking and fun. I really like working, so things that have results because of my actions excite me.
ON SELF-CONFIDENCE
I’m still working on it. I hear this a lot and it kind of baffles me because although I know I have great ideas, I know that I know what I’m talking about and I know I can trust and rely on my brain, taste and intuition — I still don’t feel as confident as people seem to think I am. Maybe I’m just a great actor.
I guess my humbleness comes from the fact I know it can all go away tomorrow.
ON LEADERSHIP
I believe my desire to listen to people and care about what people feel and think and use that to help them be the best them they can be. A leader isn’t about speaking down to others or making others feel below you.
A real leader instills the feeling into others they can be just as great — if not greater — than you.
You want your kids to be better versions of you — well, that’s how I treat people. Learn from me and my mistakes and experiences so you can have a head-start or an advantage. Feeling bigger or stronger than someone else doesn’t make me feel half as good as knowing I helped someone become stronger and bigger than me.
ON HUMILITY
I don’t think I matter or am any more special than anyone else. Just because someone knows more about something specific than you doesn’t make them better. Just because someone has more money, it doesn’t mean they are happier.
We are all people with our own hurt, worry, insecurities, fears, desires and dreams trying to find happiness and love.
ON WORLD TRAVEL
It helped me see how true my last answer is. Everyone is the same but in different circumstances with different customs and beliefs — but everyone wants to be loved. Learning and accepting all kinds of people has helped my success because it’s helped me understand more types of people as it relates to marketing and/or making music. It’s also helped me help others get a better understanding of things they have no experience with.
ON FUTURE PROJECTS
- I’m the VP at Dash Radio which now has over 10 million users with over 89 channels with no commercials and is completely free by downloading the Dash Radio app or listing on dashradio.com.
- I’m Director of Business Development and Strategy for the number one team in e-sports: FaZe Clan.
- I’ve a new single out now featuring Marc E. Bassy called “Think About You” that’s about to cross one million streams on Spotify.
- Additionally, I manage an incredible artist by the name of pineappleCITI and she is really making noise now. Check her out @theyloveciti.
- You can hang with me @clintonsparks across all socials.
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