CHE POPE

DETROIT — A venture funded by billionaire Dan Gilbert is bringing a new record label to Motown with a focus on artist equity and ownership. Music label, said in an interview this week that he wants WRKSHP to be a progressive artist management company empowering up-and-coming artists of all genres, instead of taking advantage of them. When asked if he’d lead the new firm’s headquarters in Detroit, Pope said it was a no-brainer. One of Pope’s biggest inspirations in music, J Dilla, would show him records from Detroit artists before his death in 2006, he said. The music industry veteran promised the company will be more than just a record label and will use its resources to help local artists.

A Grammy award winning producer who has worked with some of the best artists across the world is looking for talent in Detroit.

Let’s be clear, Detroit gave the world sound. While the city may not have invented music, it certainly shaped and molded modern music. For many...