Recording Arts Alum and Army Vet Anthony “Ape” Pratt

Anthony “Ape” Pratt was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles – 32nd street to be exact – yet has never let the harsh realities of crime and gangs interfere with his dreams. His drive and determination has brought him far, from serving in the US Army to working in the mortgage business to now running Region 32, a full service record label, production house and artist management company. “I’ve always dreamed of owning my own company,” Anthony explains as he hands over his business card that proudly displays Region 32′s fresh logo and his title as President and CEO. Ape is solid proof that dreams do become realities if you work hard enough. After serving in the Army for 6 years, Ape went on to work in sales and finance for a mortgage company where he gained great business experience, providing a great background and skill set, exactly what is needed for running one’s own business. Music was always in the back of his mind and at first it was quietly whispering but eventually became loud enough to where he had to leave the mortgage business and attend The Los Angeles Recording School to learn audio engineering. Although he does not necessarily consider himself an engineer, he does have the knowledge which provides a great resource for his clients.

Region 32 is “…artist and employee development. A springboard for artists and individuals to get to the next level.”  It’s not just a record label, rather an entertainment conglomerate like Disney or Warner Bros. that provides services for all mediums of entertainment consumption. A UK division of Region 32 is in the works, as well as a downtown office front that’s set to open within the next ten months. With a little help from an investment banker friend and Tabetha Plummer, an attorney who used to work for MoTown Records, storefront and employee expansion is just the beginning. Ape also wants to help those who are disadvantaged by setting up a rehabilitation program with an emphasis on job training to do something about the large homeless population in Los Angeles. Helping others is his main focus, however “As long as you have drive…” then Ape will work with you. Creating opportunities for others is his life long passion and he’s never lost sight of that goal. Region 32 has a lot of up and coming artists including X Factor contestant Joe Cox, Whitney Hall and a Latin Grammy nominated artist that is still in the works to come on board.  ”I live for this, there’s not anything else I would rather do,” Ape says rather convincingly.  How he got the nickname “Ape” comes from  his rough upbringing in South Central LA and how “…you have to be like an ape to survive this jungle.” Now Ape’s focus is on Region 32 and his family – he has five kids at home who all aspire to work in entertainment as well. He makes sure to send home the lesson to “never stop learning.”

Advice for current students:

Never lose sight of your goals. Don’t do it for the money, and don’t be so eager to work for these big companies and sell out. Stay focused on what you want to do and have perseverance.

Keep up the good work Ape, we can’t wait to hear more about your success!

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