As president of urban music at RCA Records, Mark Pitts oversees a roster that includes Usher and Chris Brown. Also under his watch are RCA artists signed to his Bystorm Entertainment: Miguel, Mali Music and newcomer Treasure Davis; as well as J. Cole, who’s signed to his management arm. His background includes A&R stints with Bad Boy and Arista Records plus management (the Notorious B.I.G., Nas).
5:00 AM I’m on the train going to the neighborhood gym. My 90-minute exercise routine varies from day to day.
6:30 AM Mad dash home to get ready for work. Am juicing now, so usually mix a protein drink using fruits and veggies.
7:30 AM On the road to the office. This is my chance to listen to music without any interruptions. Right now I’m listening to all the new Usher material we worked on over the weekend.
8:15 AM Once I’m in the office, I usually have two hours to myself. I also have a second breakfast. While eating, I watch ESPN’s “SportsCenter” — I love basketball and football. I also use this time to listen to more music, in this instance new RCA signee Luke Christopher.
11:00 AM In an A&R meeting with RCA CEO Peter Edge and president/COO Tom Corson and other A&R staffers. During these four-hour meetings, we’re reviewing upcoming artist projects, getting updates on artists working in the studio and listening to new songs. We also talk about talent people are thinking about signing and other new opportunities.
3:00 PM I juice up again as I head downtown to the studio to spend a few hours with Miguel, who is recording his next album. Miguel is a vibe guy who tends to work on five songs at a time. He’s in the early stages now, going through ideas as we talk about life and other things.
8:00 PM Heading home. When I’m in town, I try to cut my workday short to get home to my 17-year-old son. After yelling at him to turn down the music I hear rumbling from the garage, we go through his day.
9:30 AM I read emails and return calls. J. Cole started his tour [on Sept. 10] in Florida, so I’ve been on the phone making sure everything is moving smoothly. I also reserve the nighttime to deal with non-RCA-related projects. Once again, the TV is on with either “SportsCenter,” “Law & Order” or the news.
11:00 AM Lights out. I end with a prayer and then I’m snoring. -Gail Mitchell