Michael Beas, CEO and co-founder of Atlas Elite Partners https://www.atlaselitepartners.com, CEO of eBook Marketing Solutions and the founder and editor of Raver Magazine, was named 2020’s Top Literary Consultant of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for his impressive leadership and contribution to the industry.
Mr. Beas holds both a Bachelor’s degree in business management as well as an Associate’s degree in business administration. He is fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish. With his latest venture, Raver Magazine, approximately 7,000 articles have been published and he has conducted about 900 interviews of some of the largest names in the Electronic Dance Music community, which include many Grammy Award Winning Artists. In addition, Michael has written and published two of his own books and has plans for many more.
Throughout his reputable career, Michael has received awards, accolades and has been recognized worldwide for his constant leadership and commitment to the literary industry. In 2020, he is being considered for a feature in TIP (Top Industry Professional) Magazine and the Reuters Times Square Billboard in New York City by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP).
We had a chance to catch up with Michael Beas for an exclusive interview this is what he shared up with us.
Raver Magazine www.ravermag.com is the one of the largest dance music magazines in the world, as the founder and CEO what was the inspiration behind its creation?
That’s definitely a long story. Raver Magazine was started out of passion, drive and love. The passion that I have for this magazine stems from love that I have for music. My grandfather Eduardo Espigul was a famous musician and guitarist in Cuba as well Miami, FL. He taught musicians the likes of Celia Cruz, John Secada and so many more. When it comes to Raver Magazine he memory and legacy was my inspiration. I remember going to his recording studio as kid and wanting to be part of the music world.
I was never good at playing music, but I was good at writing.
I retired from the insurance world and I was looking for something new that I was passionate about. I wanted something that would make a difference and inspire others to follow their passion for music. One day at restaurant with my cousin Edward Nesbit, I told him that I wanted to start a magazine.
He asked, “What would you call it”
I thought for a moment and said “Trance Daily Magazine.”
We both laughed and I looked it up, but it was taken. I then said, “how about Rave Magazine?”
That to was taken. Then it came to me, “Raver Magazine!”
To my surprise no one had trademarked the name. I filed the paperwork that night and the rest as they say is history.
There have been a lot of hurdles throughout this journey but picking out a name that would hit home to the people who truly love music was definitely the beginning.
You’ve interviewed over 900 + artists from all over the world, if you had to pick your top three who would they be and why?
Great Question. Over the years I have interviewed so many different people, from all different walks of life, with all different backgrounds and experiences it is tough to pick only three people. If I had to name a few that have hit home with me the most I would say Trance Icons Cosmic Gate. They were the first producers to give me a chance to ask them questions about music and life. Markus Schultz of Coldharbour Recordings and Armin van Buuren of Armada Music. Both take you one a musical journey and a place that you never want to leave. Nicky Romero of Protocol Radio is such a real and down to earth person that his energy resonates with anyone that he meets, especially me. Interviewing Afrojack was also an amazing experience. He is so connected with the fans of music that it’s inspiring to me. He takes risks and defies genres. Ice-T was also a once and a lifetime experience for me. I remember the early days of the magazine where no one wanted to even meet with me and then one day I was in a penthouse sweet in Manhattan interviewing one the legends of music. Humbling to say the least. Sander van Doorn is also someone that I consider to be remarkable, his music and the vibe he creates dominates the world of music to this day.
At the end of the day, everyone has a story and my role as not only the Founder of Raver Magazine but as a journalist is to tell that story for all to enjoy and appreciate.
What are some of the challenges you faced when you first created Raver Magazine, and how did you overcome those hurdles?
The hardest part was getting the credibility needed to get in. The magazine in the beginning was a disaster. No promoter would let me in, and no PR person would give me the time of day. I am not the type of person that likes to give up. I would rather do it and fail then not do it at all.
I thought of different solutions and nothing worked. No one was going to let me in. My only solution was to try to write for someone else and use the traffic and influence that they had to get me in the door. I interviewed with different publications and no one wanted to take a chance on me. I thought of giving up but again that’s not something I do, which is why I tried one more publication called The Untz. They said yes and well I took the job as an intern. During that process I asked if it was ok to post up on Raver Magazine after I finished my work for them. They didn’t mind the idea and frankly where super supportive of me. Little by little I was getting more and more welcomed in the community. It took a lot of work and many long hours but eventually the name Raver Magazine hit home to many people to the point that it could stand on its own.
What do you feel the biggest myth is about raving?
The biggest myth to those who don’t rave is that raves or raving is all about drugs. To me and I would argue the majority of people who do rave is that is one of the biggest myths that haut our community. Granted, you can find the good and bad in every situation and yes people do use drugs and people do drink at clubs and events.
Does that mean that all ravers do drugs? No.
Does that mean that all people drink at Raves? No.
What it means is that the biggest misconception is that everyone is high at an event and that everyone is drunk. While people make bad choices, that doesn’t speak for the Rave Community that in my opinion is connected together for, “The Love of Music.”
In conclusion, Michael Beas is making the difference not only in the world of dance music but also working with authors and publishers. His vision for success is all about the people. As a pioneer and entrepreneur he sets the pace for others to follow.
