In The Spotlight: Hip Hop/Pop Artist Drew Parks

Another great spotlight for you all today! If you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, poet, dancer, etc., and are interested in a featured on The Spotlight, visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Today, we have hip hop/pop artist Drew Parks! Drew, originally from Detroit, is also a producer and songwriter, and has gotten major love from top networks and magazines like MTV, ESPN’s First Take, Billboard, Respect Magazine and VIBE. He started getting into hip hop around eight or nine years old, and became obsessed. “As a kid, I listened to a lot of Bob Marley, Sergio Mendes, and anything and everything that was on the radio,” Drew said. “I’d spend all day rapping along with songs and memorizing lyrics.”At just 10, Drew recorded his first song, and by 12 or 13 had started making his own beats using some recording software his parents had bought for him. “By 14 I had released a self-produced album, and started making music with kids I went to middle school and eventually high school with,” he said. “I’ve continued doing music ever since.”

Being from Detroit, which has so much musical history, Drew has been inspired by artists like Royce Da 5’9, Eminem, Kanye West, Big Sean, D12, Black Milk and other Detroit rap artists, especially Royce and Eminem. “There was a time where I would literally mimic their flow patterns because of how inspired I was by them,” Drew revealed. “I’d say more than anything, they have influenced me, not so much in my content, because my music is certainly different, but in having a respect for flow and technical rap ability.” Plus, with Detroit bringing us techno and the hits from Motown, the city

The artist had extreme passion and clearly showed impeccable talent for music at such a young age, and knew that it was something that he wanted to. However, it was his senior year of high school where he realized that he wanted to seriously pursue this dream. “I was playing varsity basketball, and my senior year I decided to not even try out for the team,” Drew admitted. “I wanted to fully dedicate myself to making music. I’d say that’s when it became serious.”

Drew recently dropped his EP, Away We Go, which is a great project that’s upbeat and fun to listen to, but also shows us who Drew is and what he brings to the table as an artist. “I wanted to experiment more with dance music, and house music vibes, and incorporate them with my love for hip-hop,” he said of the EP. I think it’s the perfect introduction to who I am as an artist and where my sound will be going in the future.”

One of the standout tracks on the project is Drew’s latest single, “We Love Them,” a hot, energetic collab between  him and Fatman Scoop! Drew was inspired by dance music from artists like Diplo and Skrillex, and made the beat to catch listeners’ ears from the very start of the track.  However, after recording, Drew felt like something was missing. “I called my manager and we brainstormed a bit, and he reminded me that he used to work with Fatman Scoop back in the day,” he said of the collaboration. “Scoop flew in to Detroit and added the finishing touches on the track!” Drew hopes to record a video for the track soon, but for now, listen to the official audio below!

Currently, Drew is focused on pushing the single, as well as performing and working on more beats and a new project. “My next project will probably be even more dance-music oriented,” he laughed. “[It] will probably be the opposite of an easy-listening album. We’ll see!” As far as what sets him apart from the pack, Drew believes it’s his creativity and unique sound that makes him stand out. “I produce pretty much all of my songs myself, so everything is very unique to me. I draw my influences from a variety of different cultures and genres, and I think the result is something enjoyable and different,” he said.

In the future, Drew hopes to be traveling around the world to perform and create music, hoping to draw from different cultural influences. “For example, I want to make an album in Greece (which is my heritage), but also in Brazil, in Jamaica, in Spain, in South Africa, and other countries across the globe,” Drew said, which is a really cool idea! “I’d like to continue to produce, and possibly get into acting or something. I want to try everything, maybe even score a movie. But for right now, I’m focused on making the best music and art possible.”

Be sure to get Away We Go on iTunes, Google Play, and other digital outlets now. You can check out more from Drew on his social media links below!

Website: https://drewparks.com/
Tumblr: http://drewparks.tumblr.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/drewparks
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/drewparks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewparksmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drewparks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewparksofficial/

In The Spotlight: DJ/Producer Damiar "Dmain" Pennant

Another great spotlight to end the week! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, model, etc., within the entertainment industry, and you are interested in being featured on The Spotlight, visit our Features/Submissions page!

Today’s feature is coming from my fellow Full Sail University alum, DJ and producer Damiar “Dmain” Pennant! With his recent bachelor’s degree in Recording Arts from the school, the young DJ and producer is ready to take his career to the next level!

Born in the Bronx born and raised on the east side of Columbus, Ohio, Dmain learned how to make beats back in 2006 from one of his friends, using FL Studio Demo Edition. “Since then I’ve continuously made instrumentals to improve my beat making and producing skills,” the producer said.

Things really started moving for him while in college at Ohio’s Tiffin University in the fall of 2009, where he started spinning music at house parties. Dmain even took over a Toledo DJ’s set when everyone in the bar wanted more turn up music! He soon hooked up with his friends and fellow artists Foday & Mark to release a three-track EP called Yours Truly that was geared towards the ladies.

The DJ is inspired by various artists, not putting himself in a box by only listening to specific genres. “I enjoy hearing new great material to jam to or DJ on a set. Music is really my life,” he revealed. “I listen to music every time when I’m on the go, which is a lot.” When asked about makes him different from other DJs or producers, he stated that it’s his natural creative work flow that makes him stand out. “I make instrumentals and raps on the spot. I don’t like to think too much when I’m being creative, because my ideas flow a lot better when there isn’t any thought to it,” Dmain said. “[I] just go and do it and hear the final result. I make changes here and there but I like to keep it natural. I don’t think I’m too different though, because we all want to be in the same place and that’s the entertainment business.”

Check out some of his production work below!

Besides some DJ sets scheduled in the Orlando, FL area, Dmain has new music with an artist by the name of Z-Mac and is preparing for his big move to Atlanta in September so that he can start shopping his instrumentals there. When asked what has been the biggest in accomplishment in his young career so far, he said it would have to graduating college from Full Sail University. As a fellow alum of Full Sail University and a fan of his persistence and grind, I’m looking forward to all the new things in store for Dmain!

Check him out on social media:
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dmainevent-1 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmain_event
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Dmain_Event 
Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/Dmain_Event

In The Spotlight: Singer/Songwriter & Producer Matthew Steeper

We have a great spotlight to start the week! As always, if you or your client are interested in being featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Today, we have singer/songwriter and producer Matthew Steeper! From the age of four, Matthew has been singing, playing piano and the drums! Originally from Canada, the artist moved overseas to eastern Europe with his family, where he exposed to dance and electronic music, which was inspiring to him. “When I decided to do music as a career, that was where my passion was,” Matthew stated.

In the beginning of his career, Matthew actually started as a producer, and started to create electronic music at the age of 12. Attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, he eventually moved to New York City where he soon received more work in production of dance music, branching off into writing and singing. “It kind of gave me a great, even perspective of the sides of creating music,” he acknowledged. Inspired a lot by European artists like Tiesto, Armin, Astro Projection and Aly & Fila, Matthew was motivated by seeing producers being artists as well.

In 2012, Matthew’s first major release  as a featured artist with Canadian DJ/producer duo Project 46 on track, “No One,” which became a Beatport Top 10 hit. He then went on to creatively oversee the group’s album “Beautiful” on Ultra Records, which included a Grammy-nominated collaboration, “Last Chance” with Kaskade! Collaborating with Blind Scuba Divers, he also co-wrote the track, “Models and Bottles” which was featured in 22 Jump Street, starring Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill. In 2015, Matthew kept the momentum going with his first radio hit, “Come Alive” with Adam K, while releasing other new tracks. At the end of the year, he ended up signing a major publishing deal with Spinnin’ Record’s publishing affiliate, MusicAllStars/Sony ATV!

The artist keeps grinding and creating, writing, producing, and performing new tracks. One of his latest collaborations is track, “We Unite,” with Italian producer duo Haxon & Rush. The track is a great listen, and is actually based on an experience in Matthew’s own life, which was very special to him. “It’s really a love song about two people that wish they could be together, but they’re separated for whatever reason,” Matthew said. “It’s about the universe bringing them together, and the climax being when they are finally united.” Check out the track below!

In the future, Matthew has plans for a full-length album, and may even have some re-releases of his other collaborations with DJs and producers. “There’s definitely an album in the works,” the artist stated. “I just want to make sure it’s done right and in the right time.” He’s currently focused on continuing to build up his overall brand and catalog, working with other great artists and producers. In terms of what sets him apart from other artist, Matthew believes he has a true understanding of the music world, balancing work as a producer, songwriter, and singer. “When I write a song, I can write it as an artist, and I can write it as a DJ or producer, listening to what a crowd would want to hear,” he stated. That overall perspective gives him a bit of an edge, being able to understand different sides of the spectrum within the industry. Throughout his career, Matthew hopes to continue to take risks as a singer/songwriter, regardless of any doubts or fears. He also hopes to have bigger features with specific brands to be able to grow in his career, and develop a bigger platform for his own music. You can check out more from Matthew on his SoundCloud. You can also follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! 

In The Spotlight: Artist & Producer Maxxamillion

Another great spotlight to start the week! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, etc., who is interested in a feature on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information.

Today, we have artist and producer Maxxamillion! Born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA, Maxx grew up playing sports mostly. However, “at the age of 12, I took an interest in hip-hop and was really fascinated with the beats,” he said. After a friend showed him how to create a beat on the keyboard, he created a makeshift home studio, and began working on beats almost every day. In his senior year of high school, he had the opportunity to work with Grammy award-winning producer Teddy Riley. “I knew I seriously wanted to pursue music by getting the chance to be around Teddy and all the other producers and artists that came through [Teddy’s studio] Future [Recording] Studios,” Maxx said. “It impacted me and from then, [it] became my lifelong goal to do music. Not only do it, but be successful at it.”

Being raised in Virginia, Maxxamillion realized this his state’s flavor made the difference in music from Teddy, Pharrell, Timbaland, and Missy Elliott, all from the same state as Maxx. “The music stood out [as] being different and unique, and in turn had the biggest success,” he stated. “We are different and it’s okay. I have held true to that and that is what has inspired my sound and lyrics.” Also inspired by Ryan Leslie and Jay-Z, the artist and producer is steadily working on building up his own career in the industry to reach the same caliber of success!

Recently, Maxxamillion released a single with J. Remy of the group MERJ entitled “Ciroc Nights!” “During a recording session at Tony Bennett Studios in New Jersey, Remy brought the vibe to the session by calling up a few friends and conjuring up a few Ciroc bottles,” Maxx said. “That experience lingered with me and eventually we created “Ciroc Nights” to capture that moment.” “Ciroc Nights” is the first single on Maxxamillion’s upcoming project, Brand Management Vol. 1.” “This project will be an audio and visual advertisement of urban focused brands,” he said. Check out “Ciroc Nights” below!

In terms of what separates Maxxamillion from other producers and artists is his versatility. “I am able to adapt to the waves of what is current, but also I’ve done the work to be musically proficient enough to work with anyone,” Maxx said. In the future, he would like himself and his company, Artizan Music Group, to be an “independent powerhouse.” He would also like to build a loyal following, and be able to reach mainstream audiences with his music!

You can check out more from Maxxamillion on the Artizan Music Group website. You can also follow him on Twitter and Instagram!

In The Spotlight: Producer Jamon "Truebeatz" Turner

Happy Friday y’all! I hope everyone has a great (and safe!) Labor Day Weekend. Here’s another great spotlight for you! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, poet, etc., please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information on how to be featured.

Today, we have producer Jamon “Truebeatz” Turner! Raised in Cincinnati and then Alabama, Truebeatz has been around music all of his life. In the mid to late 80s, as a young kid, he listened to songs like “Self Destruction” from the Stop the Violence Movement featuring East Coast rappers and “We’re All in the Same Gang” by the West Coast Rap All-Stars, and became even more passionate about music and listened to and studied some of the greats. “When Bobby Brown came out with that “Don’t Be Cruel,” I used to beat that beat on lunchroom tables or the walls at home,” Truebeatz stated. “Right then and there, I knew I wanted to make music.”

Inspired by the talent around Ohio and Alabama, as well as other producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, Just Blaze, and Devante Swing (Jodeci), Truebeatz officially got his start in music in 2004. “My cousin Dearis Murray had this game on the Sony Playstation called Music Maker and eJay Clubworld,” the producer said. “So I started making beats on a Sony PS2 until I upgraded to a computer, FL5 [software], and a MPD24 [pad controller]. Truebeatz began to create tracks for other artists, which pushed him to take his craft more seriously.

Check out some of his instrumentals below!

Currently, the producer is working on instrumentals for TV and films. In fact, one of his beats will be featured as background music on Keeping up with the Kardashians sometime in 2016. In a music realm where several producers create similar-sounding work, this producer is determined to stand out. Using his gift for production, Truebeatz wants to truly build a name for himself in the entertainment industry. “Music is my passion and I enjoy creating new sounds,” Truebeatz said of his craft. “I want to leave my mark and live off my music, [and] produce tracks for future up and coming artists around the globe.”

You can check out more from Truebeatz on his official website and SoundCloud. You can also connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

In The Spotlight: McCro Music Group

Continuing to keep the spotlights coming! As always, if you are or know of artists, producers, designers, etc., that should be featured on The Spotlight, email me at BrittanyShawnte@gmail.com! 

Today, on the blog, we have McCro Music Group! Founded by producers Darnell McCro and Don Vanhorn, who I had the great pleasure to speak with for a while, McCro Music Group is dedicated to catering to the artists, not just being beatmakers.

Read up on how these two talented and humble producers got their start in music, how they first connected, and where they hope to take McCro Music Group in the future!

Darnell’s family had a background in different aspects of music, so it wasn’t a surprise that Darnell himself gravitated toward music at a young age. “I didn’t even really know what a ‘passion’ was back then,” he stated. “I just knew that I loved music.” When he was eight years old, the producer asked his parents for a Casio keyboard from Toys R Us, which was the start of his journey. His mother obliged to keep him busy and out of the streets. From listening to artists like Brian McKnight and Alicia Keys among others, Darnell began to play music by ear, trying to mimic their sounds. In high
school, he really branched out into playing the piano and singing, honing his craft under one of his teachers, and even teaching other students to play! Under a mentor, Darnell began to experiment with different sounds, working with production software, inspired to create his own sound rather than copy others. “I just kept tweaking the sounds and melodies here and there, and before you know it, I had a track,” he said.

Don got his start in music much later in life. He was more into sports in his teen years, but still always had an interest in music. During college, he played football his first year, but decided to get involved in another program that caught his eye. “It was this program called ‘Studio Recording Technology,’ and I said, ‘Let me just try that,” he acknowledged. “[I] tried it, and fell in love with it.” At around 21, Don snagged an internship at Sony Records working under songwriter/record producer Cory Rooney, who’s worked with a multitude of artists including Mary J. Blige, R. Kelly, Jennifer Lopez, and Destiny’s Child. “I was up under his wing basically, meeting everybody and doing records with everybody,” Don reminisced. After a deal fell through with another music group, the producer was “music-less” for about a year and a half. A year later, he met Darnell at a party in the club, and instantly connected. Between the two of them, they have worked with August Alsina, Bruno Mars, Dipset, Austin Brown, and more, and have signed their first artist, Eli Smith.

Inspired by producers like Timbaland and Rodney Jerkins, Darnell got the idea to start an in-house production team like he saw Timbaland when he worked with SBI (Surrounded By Idiots). “Also, one of my former partners, he had formed a music group,” Darnell stated. “And he was giving me insight on what to do if I really want to succeed behind the scenes and on the scene.” So it was his goal then to form a team of team players who wanted to see each other grow and be successful in this industry. Don V was the first producer that Darnell teamed up with, after they shared their credentials and Don emailed him some music to check out. “I already pretty much had the studio equipment and stuff like that. I just needed the workers,” Darnell said. “And the first beat he sent me, it was fire! It was a go.” They began to share ideas, and acquired all the right credentials to make sure the group was ready to do business. “We have a quote,” Darnell said. “It started with a vision, became a plan, and the plan transitioned to reality.” 

The pair realize that that a lot more goes into their calling than some may realize. “Our job as producers is to bring the artists’ imagination and creativity to the white light,” Darnell said of the group. “It’s much more responsibility when you use that word ‘producer.'” Both Darnell and Don scout and work closely to build classic music and bonds with artists, not just creating beats and selling it off. “I would like to see not just me, Don and the company grow, but I want to be able to build and work with multi-talented, phenomenal artists who just have that it factor, who’s really serious about going somewhere and not just talking about it,” Darnell stated.

These guys have undeniable talent and passion, but what impressed me the most about them was their hustle, humility, and appreciation for music. They work their regular 9-to-5s, raise their children, and head to the studio to put in work. It’s all about scheduling for them both, but they make it work as they hustle to make producing their full-time jobs. We talked for a while about how there’s some major misconceptions about what’s it like working in the industry. Everyone thinks it’s a glamorous and rich lifestyle, based on what they see maybe on reality TV, but that’s wrong most of the time. There may be glamorous moments, but it’s hard to make it out here, and a lot of us, regardless of what role we play, are grinding above and beyond every day to make a name for ourselves in this industry.  “What people don’t see is the struggle,” Darnell admitted. “You need to have a mentality for this business, and you gotta pray.”

Currently, Darnell and Don are working with artists from all over, and attending music events to take them to the next level! They are also networking with people who can put them in good positions in this industry, while still keeping their same character, being humble, and not being afraid to ask for help. In the end, McCro Music Group is about making timeless music that will make a difference in people’s lives. “My partner and I want our legacy to inspire people, especially young black people,” Don said in a previous interview. “We want people to know that whatever you set your mind to, you can do it. You have to work not only hard but smart.”

You can hear more from McCro Music Group on Soundcloud and Facebook. You can also connect with Darnell and Don individually online (Darnell- Twitter & Instagram / Don V- Twitter/ Instagram). Support these talented producers! 

In The Spotlight: McCro Music Group

Continuing to keep the spotlights coming! As always, if you are or know of artists, producers, designers, etc., that should be featured on The Spotlight, email me at BrittanyShawnte@gmail.com! 

Today, on the blog, we have McCro Music Group! Founded by producers Darnell McCro and Don Vanhorn, who I had the great pleasure to speak with for a while.McCro Music Group is dedicated to catering to the artists, not just being beatmakers.

Read up on how these two talented and humble producers got their start in music, how they first connected, and where they hope to take McCro Music Group in the future!

Darnell’s family had a background in different aspects of music, so it wasn’t a surprise that Darnell himself gravitated toward music at a young age. “I didn’t even really know what a ‘passion’ was back then,” he stated. “I just knew that I loved music.” When he was eight years old, the producer asked his parents for a Casio keyboard from Toys R Us, which was the start of his journey. His mother obliged to keep him busy and out of the streets. From listening to artists like Brian McKnight and Alicia Keys among others, Darnell began to play music by ear, trying to mimic their sounds. In high
school, he really branched out into playing the piano and singing, honing his craft under one of his teachers, and even teaching other students to play! Under a mentor, Darnell began to experiment with different sounds, working with production software, inspired to create his own sound rather than copy others. “I just kept tweaking the sounds and melodies here and there, and before you know it, I had a track,” he said.

Don got his start in music much later in life. He was more into sports in his teen years, but still always had an interest in music. During college, he played football his first year, but decided to get involved in another program that caught his eye. “It was this program called ‘Studio Recording Technology,’ and I said, ‘Let me just try that,” he acknowledged. “[I] tried it, and fell in love with it.” At around 21, Don snagged an internship at Sony Records working under songwriter/record producer Cory Rooney, who’s worked with a multitude of artists including Mary J. Blige, R. Kelly, Jennifer Lopez, and Destiny’s Child. “I was up under his wing basically, meeting everybody and doing records with everybody,” Don reminisced. After a deal fell through with another music group, the producer was “music-less” for about a year and a half. A year later, he met Darnell at a party in the club, and instantly connected. Between the two of them, they have worked with August Alsina, Bruno Mars, Dipset, Austin Brown, and more, and have signed their first artist, Eli Smith.

Inspired by producers like Timbaland and Rodney Jerkins, Darnell got the idea to start an in-house production team like he saw Timbaland when he worked with SBI (Surrounded By Idiots). “Also, one of my former partners, he had formed a music group,” Darnell stated. “And he was giving me insight on what to do if I really want to succeed behind the scenes and on the scene.” So it was his goal then to form a team of team players who wanted to see each other grow and be successful in this industry. Don V was the first producer that Darnell teamed up with, after they shared their credentials and Don emailed him some music to check out. “I already pretty much had the studio equipment and stuff like that. I just needed the workers,” Darnell said. “And the first beat he sent me, it was fire! It was a go.” They began to share ideas, and acquired all the right credentials to make sure the group was ready to do business. “We have a quote,” Darnell said. “It started with a vision, became a plan, and the plan transitioned to reality.” 

The pair realize that that a lot more goes into their calling than some may realize. “Our job as producers is to bring the artists’ imagination and creativity to the white light,” Darnell said of the group. “It’s much more responsibility when you use that word ‘producer.'” Both Darnell and Don scout and work closely to build classic music and bonds with artists, not just creating beats and selling it off. “I would like to see not just me, Don and the company grow, but I want to be able to build and work with multi-talented, phenomenal artists who just have that it factor, who’s really serious about going somewhere and not just talking about it,” Darnell stated.

These guys have undeniable talent and passion, but what impressed me the most about them was their hustle, humility, and appreciation for music. They work their regular 9-to-5s, raise their children, and head to the studio to put in work. It’s all about scheduling for them both, but they make it work as they hustle to make producing their full-time jobs. We talked for a while about how there’s some major misconceptions about what’s it like working in the industry. Everyone thinks it’s a glamorous and rich lifestyle, based on what they see maybe on reality TV, but that’s wrong most of the time. There may be glamorous moments, but it’s hard to make it out here, and a lot of us, regardless of what role we play, are grinding above and beyond every day to make a name for ourselves in this industry.  “What people don’t see is the struggle,” Darnell admitted. “You need to have a mentality for this business, and you gotta pray.”

Currently, Darnell and Don are working with artists from all over, and attending music events to take them to the next level! They are also networking with people who can put them in good positions in this industry, while still keeping their same character, being humble, and not being afraid to ask for help. In the end, McCro Music Group is about making timeless music that will make a difference in people’s lives. “My partner and I want our legacy to inspire people, especially young black people,” Don said in a previous interview. “We want people to know that whatever you set your mind to, you can do it. You have to work not only hard but smart.”

You can hear more from McCro Music Group on Soundcloud and Facebook. You can also connect with Darnell and Don individually online (Darnell- Twitter & Instagram / Don V- Twitter/ Instagram). Support these talented producers!