Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Cook.
Hi Brian, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey in music began when I was just a child. Around eight or nine years old, I started experimenting with my father’s two tape recorders, recording lead vocals and layering harmonies to create complete songs. At the time, I had no idea that I was laying the foundation for what would become my life’s work as a producer, songwriter, and vocal director.
By the age of sixteen, I had independently recorded my first album, God Is the Answer. I was also serving in church as both a drummer and keyboard player, developing my skills as a self-taught musician and worship leader. Those early years taught me persistence, discipline, and perseverance toward a goal of creating music in an ever-changing industry.
A major turning point (in 2016) came when my group, PowerNation, entered the Allstate Gospel Superfest Battle of the Bands. With only two weeks to form the group and prepare, we competed with our song “He Will Answer,” which climbed to #12 on the Billboard Gospel 100 chart and earned us the grand prize of opening the Gospel Superfest main stage.
That opportunity led to a life-changing encounter with Fred Hammond. After hearing me sing, Fred invited me to perform background vocals for Tye Tribbett’s Joyful Noise taping. That experience eventually led to my serving as Fred Hammond’s vocal director for the Festival of Praise Tour 3 and later producing music alongside him in Dallas.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of writing, arranging, and producing and performing with some of gospel music’s most respected artists, including Regina Belle, Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard, Hezekiah Walker, Casey J, and Israel Houghton.
What excites me most is helping artists discover and amplify their unique sound without changing who they are. I love taking a simple idea and transforming it into something authentic, powerful, and emotionally resonant.
Today, I continue to create, produce, and develop artists through my own label, 143 Company, where our mission extends far beyond music. 143 Company exists to support culture by creating powerful musical moments as well as a wide range of innovative entertainment experiences. Whether in Dallas, or Baltimore, and every where in between, we are creating live performances, artist development, original productions and immersive events. We are committed to inspiring, uplifting, and connecting people through creativity that is both culturally relevant and deeply meaningful.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the greatest challenges in my journey has been building groups that did not ultimately last or achieve long-term longevity. As a minister of music, I also experienced transitions between churches, which often required me to rebuild teams, adapt to new environments, and start over creatively and professionally. While those changes were challenging, they taught me resilience, flexibility, and the importance of staying committed to the vision regardless of the circumstances.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My specialty lies in production, particularly vocal direction and vocal production.
I am most proud of the two artists we currently represent, Nia C (our Dallas based artist) and BrianaRae (our Baltimore based artist), because they are extensions of me as both an artist and a producer. Through them, I have the opportunity to bring my creative vision to life by shaping how they sound and perform.
I am known for hearing sounds and ideas that others may not recognize when I am creating and producing a project.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Enjoy your journey. What I mean by that is: don’t rush to chase fame or achieve your dreams. When you aim so high for so long, you can lose sight of the joy it takes to get there. Oftentimes, when those goals are finally achieved, you discover that it still doesn’t feel like enough.
If you are always focused on the next thing, you miss the beauty of the present moments along the way. While pursuing your dreams, take time to appreciate the journey itself.
Hold on to your morals and your values. Keep your ears open, and stay current with what is happening in music and production. Most importantly, practice is essential to honing your craft.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.143company.com
- Instagram: 143companyent
- Facebook: 143 Company
- Youtube: @143company
