Many can talk but few can back it up and this man is one of those backing his talk as he continues to flourish, create stars and grow his empire. Mark Spratley AKA “SpratFool” or “Sprat” has paved his own lane within the industry, obtaining success throughout multiple facets from his own label, management, PR, publicity, marketing, event curation, social media, A&R work and plenty more all while creating his own brand and influence. Expanding on with this influence, Sprat has turned into quite an entrepreneur entering the tobacco world, dabbling into real estate and starting his own car rental company.  Turning nothing into something, Sprat has built a prolific profile while developing a few very successful businesses and changing the lives of countless artists or brands. A well known name within the industry that has continued to let his work speak for itself. It’s a good chance that at least once a year he is responsible for one of your favorite new artists getting to the forefront. Becoming a free spirit in the industry, Sprat has created this audience on his own as he spearheads his self ran label Starting Five and chooses to stay independent with his own marketing agency.It is always a sight to see when you can observe one of the next big industry moguls navigate his way throughout music and life. Mark Spratley is one of those moguls to watch, as in just under 7 years, the New Jersey native has created a resume, influence and business that many take a lifetime to pursue or obtain. We have our eye on the young mogul as he continues to set trends, knock down doors, pop off artists and make a significant impact on the industry and plenty of lives.We took some time out to sit down with him as we talked about music, business, artists and more below. How long have you been in the music industry?Crazy but it’s going on 7 years right now. I’ve probably been going at it 24/7 for 5-6 years. That’s literally the last time I ever had to clock in to a “job”. Being independent while coming up off your own name and work is always a marathon. That marathon doesn’t always have all the bells and whistles like a label position would provide you. Whether it’s politics, opportunities, press or acknowledgement, the independent machine seems to catch the tail end at times. Why do you choose to stay independent and build your own label/agency in Starting Five?  I’m a free agent.I built this all off my own name and work from the ground up. No internships, no family relationships, no college degree, no label behind me, outlet or a powerful name that I could drop. I built this and everything that came with it. To me that is more gratifying than anything else.Of course you have clients at a label, the label has signed acts lol. Does working at a label or a major outlet help people get their foot in the door or keep them relevant? Yes. But what happens when your time is up at that place? That juice is gone huh? Some work it right and build their own name while up in these buildings, some don’t. I like the path I chose and would never regret it. I built this.If a situation presents itself that makes sense I’m all ears. At this point in time I do very damn well by myself with my own label/agency. Is that to say I wouldn’t entertain a situation? No, not at all but they would have to present the right position. I’m not taking any position under any one I’ve run circles around, respectfully haha. My resume is proven, the results are consistent, my machine is evident, my influence is strong. That position has to be of power. I bring plenty to the table.I have something here though. My machine is what these labels are offering to others if not larger. A team that would allow me to do more of what I do best and multiply does make sense right now. My ear would be beneficial to any label.  I’m sure “Moonwalking In Calabasas” and it’s success was not only a huge moment for DDG but the entire team. Talk to us about the record, what was your involvement? That’s my first plaque, platinum possibly double platinum at that. To have played a pivotal role in the record is even more gratifying, especially to see everything come to life and what has come to fruition since for DDG and the entire team. That’s the best part of it all.But to spearhead the marketing and roll out behind the entire record/remix and for it to go platinum is a blessing. I put my foot in that record for sure. I think it was just another example of when I really want to press the button, the sky’s the limit for my machine, especially with quality music. DDG slid, Blueface slid and we made something of it. It was a perfect moment to capture the fact that Blueface was” rapping on beat” which literally catapulted the record to go viral off a few tweets from my account. Clearly it was a successful marketing strategy as Blueface team used it for their next single haha.From the marketing, publicity, press, influence and campaign behind the record and artist, I was all the way in. We really stepped it up and demanded respect. DDG is up right now.An XXL Freshman, Top 100 Billboard charting, platinum and gold selling recording artist, undefeated PPV boxer, social media star and Youtube sensation. That sounds crazy and it’s only the beginning for him. DDG is one of the hottest artists in the game right now. Was his success in the music industry overnight? How long have you been working with DDG? Actual facts!DDG came into the music industry with his Youtube influence but getting the music and respect to where it is currently at wasn’t overnight. That man put in the work, the entire team put […]