CLAUDIA BRANT A Global Master Class with Songwriter - Music Industry Quarterly
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fall/WINTER 2020
A Global Master Class
with Songwriter
CLAUDIA
BRANT
11t h An n ual Sp otligh t on S on gwriter s , Producer s & M u si c P u bl i sh e r s
D.C’ s WH UR-FM Cele br ati ng 5 0 Y e ar s
Music Modern izati o n Act U pdates
Q&A w/A S CAP ’ s N ic ole Ge o rge M i ddl e to n
WE ARE PROUD
TO SUPPORT
EMERGING BLACK
COMPOSERS
Sony/ATV x Bleeding Fingers Music have launched a
Screen Scoring Diversity Scholarship for Black Composers
at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music.
To learn more, visit uscscoring.com
History is always being written.
fall/WINTER 2020
Introducing…
DREA
DOMINIQUE
Singer, Songwriter & True Beauty
11th An n ual Sp otligh t on S on gwriter s , Producer s & M u si c P u bl i sh e r s
Roll Call: 40 In fluen tial S on gwri te r s & Pro du ce r s
Wh o M ade MIQ’ s 2020 Best i n H i p - H o p and R&B
dreadominique.com dreadominique truebeautydre imreallydreadominique
Just in Time for Christmas...
Drea’s Smooth & Sexy Rendition
of the Holiday Classic
©2020 Blessed Beyond Entertainment
BLESSED BEYOND ENTERTAINMENT TAVIA MD – SOCIAL MEDIA & PR
CONTACTS: D. Mitchell - amalgam_david@msn.com taviamdpr@gmail.com
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Film & TElEViSiON muSic mONTHlY 0518
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What Do The • It codifies royalty payouts for producers and other creatives
MMA
from SoundExchange when satellite and digital radio plays sound
recordings.
All of the MMA sections are important, but I want to focus on the first
and bullet since it will help answer the questions at the beginning of this
MLC
article.
Before Congress passed the MMA, a loophole existed in the U.S.
Copyright Law that was frequently exploited by digital music service
Mean For providers like Spotify, Amazon Prime, Apple Music (I’ll call them all
the “DMPs”). The law did not require the DMPs to enter into direct
Songwriters
licenses with songwriters before playing the song on their service if
?
they obtained a compulsory license. The DMP’s would get a compul-
sory license by merely filing a notice of intention, a list
and of the songs that the DMPs intended to play, with the
Composers
Copyright Office. As long as the DMPs filed a notice and
paid the known songwriters, they could avoid copyright
infringement claims by an unknown songwriter who may
later appear. There was no incentive for the DMPs to search
for songwriters. Needless to say, many songwriters were not
paid for their works.
Although the MMA doesn’t eliminate the notice loophole, it makes it
much more appealing for digital steaming services to obtain a MLC
By: Richard B. Jefferson, Esq. blanket license.
rjef ferson@met all awgroup.com
w w w.met al.l aw What is the MLC?
Have you ever wondered if you were getting paid for The MLC is a nonprofit organization that will administer
all your music streams from Spotify, Apple Music, all of the DMPs blanket licenses and does the
and Amazon? following:
Where would you go to get this information, • It will collect the digital audio mechanical
and, more importantly, how would you get paid royalties from the DMPs and music play activity
if you are shorted? reports every month and pay the royalties to its
member songwriters, composers, publishers, and
These are common questions that songwriters administrators.
and composers have been asking ever since • It will establish and maintain a publicly accessible
music streaming services launched in the early database that contains information related to musical
2000s. Over the past two years, the MMA has works, such as ISWC and ISRC codes, copyright
been touted as the answer. We will soon find out owners, ownership percentages, and related sound
as the MLC launches on January 1, 2021. recordings.
• It will identify, collect, hold, and pay un-
First, excuse the alphabet soup sprinkled claimed mechanical royalties to its members.
throughout this article. The “MMA” is an
acronym for the Orrin G. Hatch–Bob How does the MLC fit into your music income
Goodlatte Music Modernization Act, the law collection puzzle? It depends on your specific
passed in 2018 that addresses issues like our situation, but it is important to understand that
questions above. The “MLC” is an acronym for the MLC does NOT affect your collection of the
the Mechanical Licensing Collective, the following:
organization that was created by the MMA to
collect audio streaming mechanical royalties from • The MLC does not affect how you collect your per-
music streaming services and, in turn, pay you! formance royalties earned from public performances, like
traditional radio play. Your performing rights organization (ASCAP,
I highly encourage you to use these acronyms in your next BMI, SESAC, GMR) will continue to facilitate this income.
conversation on the topic. You will be sure to impress! • The MLC does not affect how you collect your sound recording
royalties earned from sound recording transmissions, like satellite
What is the MMA? radio play. SoundExchange will continue to facilitate this income.
The MMA is an amendment to Section 115 of the U.S. Copyright Act • The MLC does not affect how you collect mechanical royalties
of 1976 that does the following: earned from your direct mechanical licenses with record labels to
• It established the Mechanical Licensing Collective (the “MLC”), sell CDs and vinyl records. The label will continue to pay you this
which we will discuss below. income.
• It establishes a market-based methodology from now on to ensure • The MLC does not affect how you collect income from a video
accurate royalty rates. service.
• It creates a royalty for labels, artists, and musicians to be paid by
digital services for master recordings created before I encourage you to find out more about the MLC. There is no cost to
February 15, 1972. join and you may end up with a nice check for unclaimed royalties!
M I Q | M U S I C I N D U S T R Y Q U A R T E R LY 6A WINTER 2020
executive suite
Nicole
George
Middleton
Senior Vice President, ASCAP
She’s one of the most influential women in the music industry, from tify emerging talent. We featured Liza, Savannah Christina, Langston
overseeing an incredibly large membership of hitmaking and emerg- Bleu, Jordan Hawkins and Blxst.
ing songwriters to hosting events like this year’s ASCAP Rhythm & Soul
Awards—where Cardi B was named Songwriter of the Year, and Uni- We’ve also hosted another virtual event called “Deconstructed” where
versal Music Publishing named Publisher of the Year—Nicole George we brought in some of our higher profile members to break down the
Middleton stays on the proverbial grind. Here are excerpts from her anatomy of their hit songs. We featured Hitmaka, Kosine of Da Internz,
chat with David Mitchell, Publisher of MIQ… and Needlz.
How have things changed for you personally I’m so proud of how we’ve been able to offer our programs in a virtual
as an executive this year and since the pandemic? format. I look at our Annual Rhythm & Soul Awards for instance.
We have all had to learn to work remotely. One of my roles is building Normally our R&S Awards is in a ballroom and we invite 600 people
and overseeing ASCAP Membership, so that means we are relation- and that’s our limit. This year we hosted it virtually and we were able
ship people…networking, building relationships, and interacting to offer it to the general public. Everyone was able to experience our
with members…finding different ways to connect with our members. Award show and honorees. It allowed us to reach a broader audience,
Doing it remotely has been both interesting and a challenge, but it is and where we have not had to worry about space limitations, travel
a challenge that we have met really well. restrictions, etc.
For many artists and writers, their income streams have been cut Do you see virtual events becoming more normalized moving forward?
back and, in some cases, cut out all together since the pandemic.
People are still excited about the prospect of gathering together,
How important has ASCAP been to your members in times like this?
and hopefully in the near future. There’s nothing like the energy of
We have always been important to our writers, publishers, and mem-
being in the same room for an Awards show or in the studio together.
bers, but, yes, now talent can’t tour any more, venues aren’t open.
People do need that human interaction. In moving forward, we don’t
You are right it’s become a greater challenge. People are paying
know when the pandemic is going to be over, so we want to continue
more attention to their PROs now. They are even more aware of how
to motivate our members virtually…keep them encouraged, to stay
important their performance rights monies are, and the importance
interactive and to stay engaged. The biggest challenge for us is
of the collection of those monies. It is a source of income for them
figuring out how to put out even more content.
when other sources of income may have slowed up.
What other ways have you been helpful to your writers? With the racial protests and the numerous crises that have occurred this
People have been stuck in the house and are looking for outlets; ways year, have you seen a shift in creativity from your writers?
to be creative and ways to connect with other songwriters, produc- These are trying times for sure. But I think its periods like this that
ers, and executives in the industry. That has been the focus with make us stronger. I’ve seen some of our members become more
our Membership Department at ASCAP. We were able to pivot and motivated for change, getting more involved when it came to this
provide quite a bit of virtual programming. year’s election. I think people feel sort of an obligation to speak out
and use their platforms to speak out. I even look at Cardi B, no one
We hosted our ASCAP Experience, formerly the ASCAP Expo, this year, would have thought she would be so into politics the way that she is.
and our Annual Rhythm & Soul Awards. Both events were successful. She used her platform in a way to get a message across to the
We’ve also produced a variety of programs, like our “Sunday Inspira- community about the importance of voting and understanding
tions” which essentially is a Gospel Brunch but now done virtually; politics, knowing who your representatives are, etc.
where we’ve had writer/performers like Y’anna Crawley, J.J. Hairston,
William McDowell, Jekalyn Karr, and others. Talk a bit about your Rhythm & Soul Team.
Our team is so strong, creative, and passionate about music. We
We hosted our yearly “Women Behind the Music” events, virtually. haven’t missed a beat. We have Lauren Gaspard, and Karina Sutton in
We honored songwriting/production duo Nova Wav, music manager L.A. We have Jonathan Jones and Danelle Cain, and me in New York.
Malita Rice and Universal Music Publishing Group A&R Manager Ari We have Jason Reddick and Jennifer Walker in Atlanta. Our team is
Gelaw. We hosted our “On the Come Up” showcase, where we iden- second to none; dedicated to our members and dedicated to ASCAP.
M I Q | M U S I C I N D U S T R Y Q U A R T E R LY 8A WINTER 2020
“Don’t
Leave”
BARACHI
THANK YOU
R&B RADIO
IN ROTATION AT….
WYLD, NEW ORLEANS, LA
WKXI, JACKSON, MS
WROU, DAYTON, OH
WMJM, LOUISVILLE, KY
KDKS, SHREVEPORT, LA
WIMX, TOLEDO, OH
WBLS, NEW YORK
WTTH, ATLANTIC CITY, NJ
WJUC, TOLEDO, OH
WMPZ, CHATTANOOGA, TN
WTLZ, SAGINAW, MI
WAKB, AUGUSTA, GA
WJFX, FT. WAYNE, IN
KOKY, LITTLE ROCK, AR
WHUR, WASHINGTON, DC
KRMP, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
WJMR, MILWAUKEE, WI
WWDM, COLUMBIA, SC
WUFO, BUFFALO, NY
WKZJ, COLUMBUS, GA
MCUA, MUSIC CHOICE
PANDORA, INDIE R&B
AND GROWING….
barachimusic
Radio Marketing, Jesus Garber
jesus@thejesusgarbercompany.com | +1.323.469.1504
She is parts fun and funny, shy but yet confident – both current
and classic, exquisite in form and taste, coupled with music and
visuals that will appeal to audiences domestically and around
the globe.
Drea Dominique knows she’s built for this – Pop stardom
essentially. When she fully breaks, she won’t be cited as some
overnight sensation. Drea has certainly been paying dues- modeling
for a variety of publications like King and Straight Stuntin; being
the unwitting reality TV co-star in season 9 of the Bad Girls Club;
appearing in music videos for Snoop Dogg, Robin Thicke and The
Dream; to singing hooks on stage for local artists.
Her social media following is solid and growing, nearing 100k fans
across multiple platforms. For Drea Dominique, the time was ripe
to channel all these experiences into launching her own
recording career.
Hailing from Southern California, but born in New York City, Drea
has spent much of 2020 writing and recording, gearing up for the
release of her EP, tentatively titled Drea’s Toy Box. “The project has
something essentially for everyone, a box full of musical goodies,”
she says. Signed through the family-funded label, Blessed Beyond
Entertainment, Drea is already getting some traction with her first
couple of singles: the infectious upbeat “Catch My Wave”
(featuring Compton-bred rapper AD and produced by AC Burrell),
along with the sensuous ballad, titled “Waiting” (featuring
InkMonstarr and produced by Kevin Flournoy). Both singles have
accompanying videos that can be viewed on YouTube. The label
plans to break “Waiting” at Urban AC radio at the top of 2021.
Regarding “Waiting,” Drea says, “Waiting is pretty much about the
guy always leaving the girl waiting. He is on the grind busy and
doesn’t have time, while the girl is waiting, getting frustrated and
not going anywhere. It sounds like she would wait a lot longer than
I personally would [Drea laughs]. But it’s a very melodic and sexy
ballad. It has that familiar sound, and I could potentially hear it in
a lot of places, maybe P-Valley someday?”
“Ratchet Girl” also produced by AC Burrell (Ty Dolla $ign, Ella
Mai), will soon get the attention of Pop fans, teen girls and per-
haps women looking to break out of their proverbial shells. “It’s a
DREA
fun song with a simple and catchy hook… ‘Teach me how to be a
MEET
Ratchet Girl’,” says Drea. “Ratchet Girl” is the kind of song that
can launch a Pop artist according to some industry observers. Bur-
rell’s other contribution is, “Toy Box,” a lite Pop/Dancehall-flavored
song, where Drea ask her love interest to “Wind Me Wind Me Up.”
Not to be outdone, the clubs may have a field day with a song ti-
tled “Flex,” (produced by Antony Yershov & Vagan Partizpanyan of
Bad Vibes and written by B. Sims & Kaylie McKinnis). “Hopefully,
this pandemic will be over sooner than later,” Drea says, “I would
love to see the response these songs get in both a live performance
setting and in the clubs.”
In between recording her EP, Drea got into the studio with Flournoy
to cover Eartha Kitt’s 1953 classic, “Santa Baby.” “This was a
lot of fun to record because it was something different, smooth
and jazzy,” Drea says. “I would love to one day record an album of
songs from that period…dress up from that classic period, give a
Dorothy Dandridge or Marilyn Monroe vibe to my look and perfor-
mance.”
DOMINIQUE
Since 2020 is the year that Drea and Blessed Beyond Entertainment
got the ball rolling, the team has high expectations going into 2021.
Drea keeps a busy schedule of conducting interviews with the blogs,
talking with radio stations, recording more music, and constantly
engaging with her friends, fans and followers via social media.
Drea also has a cosmetic line of lip glosses and eyelashes, in
addition to selling customized T-Shirts, and hoodies called Heart
Space by Drea.
www.dreadominique.com • IG @dreadominique
M I Q | M U S I C I N D U S T R Y Q U A R T E R LY 10A WINTER 2020REPRESENTING LEADING WRITERS &
PRODUCERS FOR MORE THAN
25 YEARS...
NEXT?
ARE YOU READY TO BEHere are my choices for 10 of the Best R&B-based projects
PUBLISHERS DEFINITIVE LIST released this calendar year. Let the Music Play!
2020 By David M. Mitchell
Bettye LaVette // Blackbirds (Release Date August 28, 2020) Jhene Aiko // Chilombo (Release Date March 6, 2020)
74 years-old and still going strong, Ms. Jhene has always been uniquely adept at setting
LaVette brings her raspy and soulful vocals to a chill and laidback vibe with her projects.
yet another album of perfectly selected songs. Chilombo certainly personifies that assessment.
Whether it be themes of love, pain and But the meat and potatoes are in her lite soulful
depression, no one interprets a song better. tones, a deliverable rap cadence partnered with
Cut the lights and pour the red wine, an honest ability to story tell (check out “Speak”).
Blackbirds puts the listener in that A Grammy nominee for Album of the Year, this is
emotive space. the project worthy of all the accolades it receives.
Album Highlights: “Hold No Grudge,” “One More Song,” Album Highlights: “P*$$Y Fairy,” “Speak,” “B.S.” (f/H.E.R.)
“Drinking Again” and “Happiness Over Everything” (f/Future & Miguel)
Brandy // b7 (Release Date July 31, 2020) Luke James // To Feel Love/d (Release Date January 31, 2020)
So many longtime fans had something to say Luke seems to be getting more attention as
about this album, to the point where I think an actor of late. Quite often, he is criminally
people were overthinking whether they like overlooked and often underrated as a vocalist.
it or not. Admittedly, it kicks off a bit more To Feel Love/d is a solid full-length album and
adventurous, and sonically spatial than her is a Grammy nominee for Best R&B Album.
90s works, but there are some really cool and It should assist in getting Luke the added
intricate vibes on here to match those signa- recognition he so rightfully deserves.
ture Brandy vocal runs, and harmonies.
Album Highlights: “Lucid Dreams,” “Say Something,” Album Highlights: “All of Your Love,” “Blow,”
“Love Again” (f/Daniel Caesar) “Go Girl” (f/ BJ The Chicago Kid & Ro James)
Chloe & Halle // Ungodly Hour (Release Date June 12, 2020) PJ Morton // Gospel According to PJ (Release Date August 28, 2020)
Talk about exhibiting growth, these young Since Morton decided to release music via his own indie
ladies have blossomed right in front of our label, he’s been delivering at least an album per year
eyes. Displaying some delicious harmonies, since 2016. This time, he delivers a beautifully written
confidant lyrics, and undeniable melodies, and produced Gospel album. It doesn’t lack for guest
Halle & Chloe are co-producers on several appearances either with help from a virtual all-star team
songs and co-writers on every song. Grammy of Gospel talent: Kim Burrell, J Moss, Kirk Franklin,
nominee for Best Progressive R&B album. Smokie Norful, Commissioned, Le’Andria, and Mary
Mary. Grammy Nominated for Best Gospel Album.
Album Highlights: “Forgive Me,” “Catch Up,” “Do It,” “Tipsy” Album Highlights: “Repay You,” “Gotta Have You,” “Don’t Let Go”
Dinner Party (Release Date July 10, 2020) Salaam Remi // Black on Purpose (Release Date November 11, 2020)
Aptly titled, it really doesn’t get any better than At first glance, some may mistake this as
this highly-gifted collective featuring Robert simply a protest album, especially with songs
Glasper, Terrace Martin, Kamasi Washington, like “Say it Loud” f/CeeLo and the “Black on
and 9th Wonder, and recorded at Chalice Re- Purpose” Outro with a soliloquy from the late
cording Studios in Los Angeles. The 7 song EP Sandra Bland, but it also features some fun
contains musically rich elements of R&B, Jazz, and brilliantly produced songs that are diverse
and Hip-Hop. Shout out to Phoelix, featured in genre with potential commercial appeal.
vocalist on four of the tracks.
Album Highlights: The whole Extended Play Album Highlights: “Black Love” (f/Teedra Moses & D-Nice),
“Home Vacation” (f/Mack Wilds)
Durand Bernarr // Dur& (Release Date Aug 28, 2020) Toni Braxton // Spell My Name (Release Date August 28, 2020)
It’s refreshing to hear an artist willing to push bound- Ms. Braxton is closing in on a 30-year career,
aries, but yet create songs that have a sense of warmth and she still consistently manages to put
and familiarity. The album features collaborations out compelling music. Spell My Name has
with Ari Lennox, Kaytranada, Anna Wise, and bassist, something for everybody, i.e. the club kids
“Buddah” Foster Jr. Durand embodies his musical (“Dance”), the grown and sexy folks (the title
influences from those classic soul singers of the 70s to cut), and for those who love a good emotional
the neo-soul singers of the 90s/early 2000s. That cult ballad (“Happy Without Me”).
following of Durand devotees is only gonna get larger.
Album Highlights: “Melody,” “Stuck” f/Ari Lennox, Album Highlights: “Gotta Move On” (f/H.E.R.),
[the hilarious] “Relocate” and “Prepared” “Spell My Name,” “Fallin’”
M I Q | M U S I C I N D U S T R Y Q U A R T E R LY 12A WINTER 2020BEST HIPHOPALBUMS 2020
Busta Rhymes // Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God
Curated by URAL GARRETT
FOR MUSIC INDUSTRY QUARTERLY
Jay Electronica // A Written Testimony
Release Date: October 30, 2020 Release Date: March 13, 2020
Busta Rhymes was inspired by blockbuster disaster movies A decade after “Exhibit C” became the emotional
on the original E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event) released pump-fake for Jay Electronica’s musical output,
in the late 90s. Its sequel Extinction Level Event 2: The the elusive New Orleans rapper turned nomadic
Wrath of God drops in a time where a global pandemic, emcee-monk provided an unusual debut. Featuring Jay
civil unrest and other stateside issues feel more grounded. Z on nearly all ten tracks, A Written Testimony offers
This allowed Busta to create an album that continues the some of the most dynamic emceeing one will hear all
series with a more traditional beats and rhymes approach year. Released around a week into the Covid-19 pan-
than crossover hits. Some serious features from Rakim, demic lockdown, this this Grammy nominee for Best
Rapsody, Anderson .Paak and Rick Ross to Mariah Carrey Rap Album will remain a Hip-Hop conversation starter.
lend to the album’s grand scope.
Album Highlights: “YUUUU” featuring Anderson .Paak and “Don’t Go” featuring Q-Tip Album Highlights: “Ghost of Soulja Slim” and “Ezekiel’s Wheel” featuring The Dream
D. Smoke // Black Habits Lil Uzi Vert // Eternal Atake
Release Date: February 7, 2020 Release Date: March 6, 2020
Coming out of music competition shows normally Lil Uzi Vert manages to evolve artistically outside of
deliver polarizing results and more-so with Hip-Hop. In- the Soundcloud and mumble rapper labels placed on
glewood-native D. Smoke not only delivered on Netflix’s him by rap traditionalists. The biggest selling Hip-Hop
Rhythm + Flow series but had a fascinating debut to album this year, Eternal Atake, is a bizarre turn up
back that up less than a year later. Not only could the that sounds like something out of space. The deluxe
former high school teacher deliver multi-lingual raps version, released later as Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World 2,
but had a good ear for production. Black Habits might bucks the trend by offering 14 more tracks. Despite
be one of the best West Coast rap debuts since Good the large number of tracks, it doesn’t sound bloated at
Kid m.A.A.d City. all making it Uzi’s biggest Pop music statement.
Album Highlights: “No Commas” and “Black Habits I” featuring Jackie Gouché Album Highlights: “Lo Mein” and “Celebration Station”
Eminem // Music To Be Murdered By Run The Jewels // RTJ4
Release Date: January 17, 2020 Release Date: June 3, 2020
Eminem’s Music To Be Murdered By will remind many Hip-Hop historians will eventually look at Run The
of a “normal” time, pre-Covid pandemic. Two years Jewels’ fourth album as a soundtrack to 2020’s anxiety
removed from the reinvention that Kamikaze gave the filled emotions about the future. Both Killer Mike and
Detroit legend, Music To Be Murdered By is filled with El P spit furious rhymes about the state of the nation
bold crossover material that’s been missing from his to a soundtrack partly set in the future. Featuring guest
recent releases. This includes guest features from Ed appearances from DJ Premiere, Pharrell and 2 Chainz,
Sheeran and Anderson .Paak while having those hyper amongst others, RTJ4 is the most revolutionary
lyrical moments with Royce da 5’9 and Black Thought. Hip-Hop has been in quite a while.
Album Highlights: “Those Kinda Nights” Featuring Ed Sharon and “Yah Yah” (featur- Album Highlights: “walking in the snow” and “JU$T” featuring Pharrell Williams and
ing Royce da 5’9”, Black Thought, Q-Tip and Denaun) Zack de la Rocha
Flo Millie // Ho, Why Is You Here? Sa Roc // The Sharecropper’s Daughter
Release Date: July 24, 2020 Release Date: October 2, 2020
The meteoric rise of Flo Millie began with her breakout Rhymesayers’ emcee Sa Roc offers one of the better
moment coming from tackling Playboi Carti and Ethe- indie Hip-Hop albums this year. Frequent collaborator
real’s “Beef” instrumental. For her major label debut Sol Messiah refines his ear for beat-making while Sa
Ho, Why Is You Here?, makes a bold move throughout Roc’s bars are more punchy and even introspective
the album’s thirty minutes by going featureless in this time around. She has to when spitting rhymes
2020. Thankfully, this allows listeners to see why the alongside featured legendary emcees including Styles
Alabama native is a star all on her own. Displaying P and Black Thought.
her youthful creativity and respecting Hip-Hop’s past
makes this album a significant standout.
Album Highlights: “Weak” and “May I” Album Highlights: “Deliverance” and “The Black Renaissance” featuring Black Thought
Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist // Alfredo Westside Gun // Pray For Paris
Release Date: May 29, 2020 Release Date: April 17, 2020
Freddie Gibbs continues to become one of the most Between releases from Conway The Machine, Benny
diverse emcees in Hip Hop today. Coming straight the Butcher and Westside Gunn, Griselda Records has
from the critically untouchable Bandana collaborative had an amazing coke fueled 2020. Kicking off their
project with storied West Coast producer Madlib, the phenomenal year was Gunn’s Pray for Paris which is
Gary, Indiana representer goes east for Alfredo. Linking the Flygod at his best. The vintage coke rap nostalgia
with another producer legend Alchemist for Alfredo, and its inspired 90s soul sample production delivers
Gangsta Gibbs further evolves himself into one of Hip some quality moments filled with clever experimen-
Hop’s most respected emcees. tation.
Album Highlights: “God Is Perfect” and “Look At Me” Album Highlights: “Versece” and “Party with Pop Smoke”
M I Q | M U S I C I N D U S T R Y Q U A R T E R LY 13A WINTER 2020radio profile
WHUR
Stays True to Its
“Sounds Like Washington”
Roots
Station on the Eve of Celebrating 50 Years
By Ronda R acha Penrice
“Sounds Like Washington,” WHUR’s sig- late great Melvin Lindsey that we all know as ed V103, they are uniquely qualified to
nature tag, dates all the way back to 1948 “The Quiet Storm.” In July, WHUR breathed address the Hip-Hop generation during the
when the station was known as WINX-FM. new life into the format with another familiar recent presidential election. “This whole
However, since becoming part of Howard voice, The Original Quiet Storm with John thing of – ‘well, we’re not gonna vote for
University in 1971, the essence of that tag Monds. “A radio station is a mirror image of anyone because we don’t support Biden,
has adapted and evolved with the ebb and the community it serves,” says Payne. “We and we don’t want Trump’ –Frank has
flow of Black people. That’s a lot of adjusting want to sound like Washington. [For] our core always done a really good job of explaining
for a town, until gentrification was known audience [which is mostly female and spans to young people just how power excludes
as “Chocolate City” for decades. And that is from ages 25 to 54], we want to talk about us. We take the time to discuss that,” Nina
no less true now, especially with the station the things they’re interested in and enhance Brown explains. “We don’t take those calls
gearing up for its golden 50th anniversary their lives.” for granted. We don’t brush it off. Every
in 2021. opportunity we get to explain to someone
During the insanely tight presidential race that you cannot have that mentality, we
More recently, WHUR 96.3 has undergone a between Joe Biden, whose VP Kamala take it. And I think that’s important at a
change that began at the top with Sean Plat- Harris is a proud Bison, against sitting Black radio station.”
er’s ascension as the interim General Manag- President Donald Trump, The Daily Drum,
er in September 2018 and kept rolling once as it has always done, pulled experts like The pandemic has further amplified that
he was officially appointed to the position political science professor Dr. Clarence sense of community. For Frank Ski, who
in May 2019. Part of that change includes Lusane from its own backyard to discuss started his radio career in Baltimore over
radio veteran Al Payne coming on as Program the electoral math. Community, in all its 30 years ago, the switch to video, as opposed
Director this past summer. Since joining the facets, is a natural focus for WHUR. Be- to phone interviews, during the pandem-
team, the North Carolina native has been ex- cause Brown and Frank Ski, who launched ic has actually created a greater sense of
cited about the station’s direction, particular- their current WHUR chapter in July, have intimacy. Recalling their interview with the
ly with the many additions (or re-additions). a deep Hip-Hop imprint, especially coming British singer Mahalia, whose hit song “What
This includes DMV-area natives Tracy Morgan from Atlanta’s extremely Hip-Hop-orient- You Did” is with fellow Brit Ella Mai, Frank
and Autumn Joi, along with WHUR alums John
Monds and Frank Ski, rejoining the heritage
station.
Morning Inspirations with Tracy Morgan
(5-6am), the big-time Gospel radio star and
two-time Stellar Award winner, serves as a
lead-in for The Steve Harvey Morning Show
(6-10am), which remains a solid performer
for the station. Prince George’s County’s
own follows with Midday with Autumn Joi
(10am-3pm) while WHUR alum Frank Ski,
fresh from Atlanta, returns to the afternoon
slot he held from 2013 to 2015 but with
a twist---his longtime producer is now his
cohost for The Frank Ski Show with Nina
Brown (3-7pm). Unlike other commercial
stations, WHUR has The Daily Drum, a full
half-hour, primetime daily news program
that’s been a station staple for four decades,
and hosted by Harold Fisher for over a decade
now. Closing it all out is not just a WHUR
staple, but a radio program pioneered by the
M I Q | M U S I C I N D U S T R Y Q U A R T E R LY 14A WINTER 2020radio profile
“Everyone who listens says
says “She was calling us on video chat from
London and the conversation was so organic
because you can actually see her and feel
it’s the best music for a radio
her being in London. If it was a phone call
[like previously], you wouldn’t get that. As
crazy as it sounds, we’re able to see each
other even more because of technology.”
station they’ve ever heard…”
Nina Brown believes the connection extends
even deeper than that. “I feel like the pan-
demic is somewhat of a trauma bond,” she
says. “Like, we’ve all gone through this crazy
unprecedented thing and now we have these
stories [to share with each other].”
“We’re finding new ways to connect, like, Frank Ski on WHUR
‘what happened to you during the pandem-
ic?’ Oh, you’ve got toddlers at home, like But the DMV [DC, Maryland, Virginia area] So, on WHUR, you can hear Rare Essence’s
you’re doing virtual learning, you’ve got kids has a culture all its very own with the musi- latest “Hit The Floor” with Snoop Dogg, Trey
going to college, and now you have to be cal mix regularly featuring Go-Go, the local Songz and Summer Walker’s “Back Home,”
worried for their safety because they’re also treasure. “We’ve got to sound like Washing- Toni Braxton’s “Do It,” Rotimi and Wale’s
doing face to face. I mean we’re literally ton, and since the music of Washington is “In My Bed” and more. In the DMV, there is
[going] through a trauma bond together,” Go-Go, you know we have to represent,” a significant Caribbean and African presence
she continues. says Payne. and that is represented as well. “Everyone
who listens says it’s the best music for a
WHUR’s own DJ EZ Street, a D.C. radio fixture radio station they’ve ever heard, especially if
who joined the team in 2018, played an they’re just a little bit mature and don’t want
active role in the fight to make Go-Go the to hear the same thing 50 times over and
“music of the city.” “He was working with over again. The variety is unbelievable and
[Peaceoholics co-founder] Ron Moten, and unmatched,” says Frank Ski.
with the mayor [Muriel Bowser] to declare
Go-Go the music of the city. Go-Go is at the “I’ve got one of the best Music Directors
heart [of the city], it should be at the heart in the world,” says Payne of Traci LaTrelle,
of every [DC] radio station,” Payne shares. who has been with WHUR for over a decade.
Go-Go is just one aspect of WHUR’s musical Frank Ski concurs. “I would say she’s
gumbo. “Our music position is old school probably one of the best Music Directors
90s and now, and we’re able to play songs in the country.”
that wouldn’t be big hits in Cleveland but
they have appeal here. I know everybody Looking ahead, Frank Ski is especially
hates saying [the term] Neo-Soul so I’ll just excited about where WHUR is headed.
say ‘alternative music.’ So, we’re able to play “This is one of the rare radio stations where
some alternative music. We play mainstream everybody truly feels like family and every-
music. We’re independent. We’re free. We’re body has the same goal about winning,”
not controlled by a major corporation saying he says. “It’s like all hands-on deck and
▲ al payne what you should be doing or shouldn’t be everybody’s excited about doing their job
doing,” Payne says. to help us win.”
M I Q | M U S I C I N D U S T R Y Q U A R T E R LY 15A WINTER 2020Songwriters & Producers, our Annual list is always a mix of
emerging and established music creators. Continue to utilize
C re d i t s & D i s c o g r a p h i e s this platform to network, collaborate and hopefully pitch that
next key placement or compose that next hit song.
808 Melo currently engrossed in a number of exciting, banner year for the Boyband sound.
Warner Chappell (BMI) upcoming film and television projects. Contact: noturboyband@gmail.com
Synonymous with the break- Contact: austinl.hammondscomposer@gmail.com IG @aloneinaboyband
through of the late great Pop IG @asilamod
Smoke, British producer Brady Watt
808 Melo has successfully B SIMS Shaolin Bass Music (BMI)
turned music on its ear by SONGS X SIMS Music Publishing (BMI) Brady Watt has produced
ushering the UK Drill of his In English and Español, and/or played on nearly
native land into the Amer- Memphis bred, L.A. based 1,000 commercial releases
ican Hip-Hop scene. Responsible for new songwriter B Sims has in the past 12 years. His
age anthems like “Welcome to The Party,” exposed his signature sound mastery of the bass guitar
“Dior,” “GATTI,” and “The Woo,” 808 Melo through his work with Sage has led him to collaborations
is a bridge between continents, cultures the Gemini, John Hart, Eric with Curren$y, Talib Kweli,
and lifestyles. Melo’s work is best described Bellinger, Fox’s Empire and Joey Badass and Ro James, among others.
as a club bounce with a dark twist and will ABC’s For Life. His unique Spanish compo- He counts the creation of his “Bass & Bars”
be found on a forthcoming Rita Ora BMW sitions have been supported by the likes of video series as a game changer. Inspired by
Commercial, an 808Melo x AXL collaboration Dylan Carbone, Sandra G, J Romero, and bass legends like Jaco Pastorius and Stanley
album and songs for the next Fast & Furious Cruz Anthony. Currently writing for a number Clarke as well virtuoso producers like Quincy
Soundtrack. of promising independent artists lik Antonio Jones and Dr Dre, Brady is dedicated to
Contact: andre.loblack@gmail.com Ramsey, Drea Dominique and BET’s Next Big the craft of timeless music with a supreme
IG @808Melo Thing star Maya Milan, B Sims is shepherd- emphasis on bass lines.
ing collaborations with Ne-Yo, Teddy Riley Contact: IG @bradywattbass/
Archie A. Hubbard aka Mic Drizzy and other notable figures.
Mic Dis Productions/Push Real Music Group (BMI) Contact: IG @yaboibsims/ Brian McKnight Jr.
Coming from the state Country Bridges LLC (BMI)
of Arkansas, Archie A. Beat Butcha Years ago, Brian McKnight
Hubbard seeks to represent Fruit of The Loominati Music / Admin by Royalty Network (BMI/PRS) Jr. found himself playing a
an unseen sector of the Los Angeles-based, UK soccer stadium in Taiwan for
nation and grant the world born producer Beat Butcha 22,000 people. Without any
access to the catchiest, had the great fortune of the audience knowing the
most relatable songs imag- of landing a Jay-Z and words, the crowd joined him
inable. Championed by A&R veterans Max Beyoncé placement with toward the end of the song.
Gousse, Gary Leon and Livio Harris, Archie “Salud” 6 months after he It was an empowering moment and some-
has written and produced banner material landed in America. Beat thing that propels him to craft the grand
for independent artists like Diamond White, Butcha’s work has been selected by Rick songs that he does. Working at a breakneck
Eli Official, Young Fierce, Lil Squo and his Ross (“Maybach Music 5 ft. Dej Loaf”), pace, Brian has released three solo projects
frequent collaborator songwriter Zoey Artise. Jadakiss (“Ain’t Nothin New” ft. Nipsey this year: Musikhead, 919Soul and Come
Inspired by the sounds of super producers Hussle & Ne-Yo), Partynextdoor (“Touch Thru. It’s no surprise that Brian has been
Dr. Dre and Timberland, Archie is locked and Me”) and Griselda (“Dr Birds”), among writing, singing and performing from a young
ready to collaborate and secure even more others. With forthcoming production work age. His most recent single, a cinematic Pop
placements. on JID, Schoolboy Q, 6lack, Griselda and song entitled “All I Wanna Do” is available
Contact: ArchieHubbard25@gmail.com numerous others, it doesn’t seem as though now on all platforms.
Beat Butcha will ever slow down. Contact: CatsMusic33@gmail.com
Austin Hammonds Contact: IG @beatbutcha_soi/ IG @BrianMcKnightJR
Bleeding Fingers Music (ASCAP)
As an expert film/television Boyband Ceraadi
composer, Austin is a recent Boyband Publishing (BMI) Sisters Emaza and Saiyr Gib-
signee to the vaunted, Hans Grammy nominated for his son make up the HipHop-
Zimmer founded Bleeding contributions to Lil Nas /R&B duo Ceraadi. Originally
Finger Music composer X’s 7 song EP and recently from Cedar Rapids, Iowa,
collective. A graduate of signed to Dirty Hit as an the duo ended up in Los
USC’s Screen Scoring artist, producer-writer Boy- Angeles following an intense
program, Austin led a 53-piece orchestra band pulls from dream Pop, series of life changes and
in an imaginative recreation of a Star Wars Goth, Electro and Funk used their immense musical talent and big
Episode II scene. To sweeten the experience, to create a collage of sounds specific to personalities to developing a massive social
many of the musicians were members of the his world. Currently working on the deluxe media following. Signed to Roc Nation, the
John Williams orchestra that played on the version of his debut EP aloneinaboyband, duo has released 2 EPs: 2019’s Ceraadi’s
original piece. Inspired by classic composers in addition to submitting tracks to a slew Playlist and the recently released GRWM.
like Mahler, Debussy, Respighi, Austin is of unnamed projects, 2021 looks to be a Their newest offering GRWM boasts contribu-
M I Q | M U S I C I N D U S T R Y Q U A R T E R LY 16A WINTER 2020tions from Grammy Award-winning producer Gianluca Buccellati Maddocks got his first major placement on
Hit-Boy, A&R work from Earl Johnson and One Two Many Songs / Sony/ATV Music Publishing (ASCAP) DaBaby’s “Celebrate” featuring Rich Homie
writing from Fallon and Felicia, formerly of Aligned with the avant-gar- Quan. He also produced for Kevin Gates
the girl group Cherish. de in Pop and Indie Rock, (“Still Hold Up”) and NBA YoungBoy (“I
Contact: IG @Ceraadi Gianluca Buccellati is a Choose You”). Stay tuned for more Mad-
master producer, writer and docks productions with potential releases
DatBoiSqueeze engineer from Brooklyn, New from Meek Mill and Lil Durk as well as more
Warner Chappell Music (BMI) York. His sheer enjoyment of collaborations with Aminé in the pipeline.
Having co-produced “The music can be heard through Contact: jmaddocks26@gmail.com
Box” by Roddy Ricch, his collaborations with Arlo Parks, Biig Piig, IG @jamesmaddocks_
DatBoiSqueeze is credited White China, Hazel English and the incom-
for one of the biggest songs parable Lana Del Rey. Currently working on Jay Uncut
of 2020 – certified 7x Plat- Mike Sabbath, Arlo Parks, Lola Young and Nick Jay Productions (ASCAP)
inum in the U.S. and was Spencer Barnett, we can look to hear great Producing music for R&B
No. 1 on the Billboard Hot things from Gianluca for years to come. songstress Regina Belle
100 for 11 weeks. The magnitude of “The Contact: IG @bien_et_toi_ changed Jay Uncut’s life
Box” is a testament to the limitless potential sami@artdept.xyz back in 2007. In the years
that Squeeze has. His musical range spans since, the Atlanta-based
the R&B Pop of JoJo to the all-out trap of IamTash producer has translated the
Gucci Mane. Squeeze has also collaborated Pulse Music Group (BMI) inspiration he takes from
on projects with Yo Gotti, Kash Doll, Future, Whenever Boston producer Rodney Jerkins, Noah “40” Shebib and L.A.
and others. DatBoiSqueeze. IAmTash is preparing to start Reid into a cavalcade of tracks and place-
Contact: datboisqueeze@gmail.com a beat session, he’ll vibe out ments for Ace Hood, Rubi Rose, Cuban Doll
IG: @datboisqueeze to his favorite R&B tracks and others. Jay Uncut has work on upcoming
for 30 minutes and break projects with Lloyd, Young MA, Jacquees x YK
Daysix down the structure and get Osiris, Layton Greene and Dreezy.
Warner Chappell (ASCAP) inspired by the sounds. It’s a Contact: (404) 642-1339
Prague-based producer Day- winning formula proven by the success of the IG @jayuncut
Six had unexpected success Ginuwine sampling Pop Smoke single “What
with Rod Wave “Rags to You Know Bout Love.” Tash’s other standout Jayla Darden
Riches.” Originally created records include “Messy” by Coi Leray, “De- JustKeepDreaming Ent (ASCAP)
as a “type beat” for You- serve More” by Lil Poppa and “So Free” by With her youth split between
Tube, the song was released Lancey Foux. Always perfecting his sound and Detroit and Atlanta and a
earlier this year to little fan- craft, IAmTash has forthcoming tracks for Coi career made in L.A., R&B
fare but blew up on TikTok and reached No. Leray, YSN Flow, and Moe Young. upstart Jayla Darden is a
12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other standout Contact: writer, producer and engi-
credits from Daysix include Offset’s “What It Tash – Tashhimzene11@gmail.com neer representing the future
Is,” Trippie Redd’s “Moonwalker” and StayS- IG: @iam.tash of the genre. She is influ-
olidRocky “Demons.” Currently working on a enced and inspired by trailblazers like Des-
number of co-productions with Murda Beatz Infinity Song tiny’s Child, Aaliyah and Brandy. In addition
and Ryan Teddar, Daysix has new music Five siblings raised with to promoting her newly released single “Let
coming out with UK artists M Huncho & Nafe a love for music, who You Go,” co-produced by multi-Platinum
Smallz, and a song with Neutro Shorty, who sharpened their skills on the producer Business Boi, Jayla is consistently
is signed to Bad Bunny. streets of New York, were working on new music to further her growing
Contact: daysixbeats@gmail.com discovered by Jay-Z and discography.
IG @daysixbeats signed to Roc Nation. The Contact: Markeisha@JaylaDarden.com
sound that Victory, Abraham, IG @Jayladarden
Donel Angel, Israel and Momo Boyd bring to the
Scorpion Media Global/ Sony ATV Publishing (PRS/BMI) table is one of sheer delight with harmonies Kairo
First coming to public prom- that only come from experience and a family Offstream Music Worldwide (BMI)
inence during his time on bond. Currently in the process of complet- The video game space has
The Voice UK 2018, Donel ing their debut project and promoting their been extremely good to L.A.
made such an impression new EP Mad Love, members of Infinity Song based producer Kairo. With
that Prince Harry person- have also contributed to multiple songs from placements on NBA2K,
ally invited him to perform League of Legends, Xbox
Kanye West’s Jesus Is King album.
for the Queen’s birthday Series X and the Wonder-
Contact: peaceindustrymusicgroup@gmail.com
celebration at The Royal Albert Hall. Inspired beasts, Kairo is the architect
IG @Infinitysong
by the likes of Michael Jackson, Usher and of the sounds that avid gamers play to
representing both the imagination of fantasy
Chris Brown, Donel is an ultimate showman James Maddocks worlds and earth’s blunt realities. Partnered
who slyly infuses his Zimbabwean culture James Maddocks (ASCAP) with Sha’Ki, Kairo has also brought worlds
through his music. After being signed over Watching rapper Aminé per- to life for Adidas, Bose, NBA and Monday
Zoom to Warner Records, Donel is working on form “Woodlawn” on Jimmy Night Football. The duo recently wrapped up
his first EP under the guidance of Aaron Bay Kimmel recently struck a production on their 4th EP, Kairo x Sha’Ki
Shuck, Tom Corson and Max Gousse. particular nerve with James Round Four: Genius.
Contact: IG & Twitter @officialdonel Maddocks. Seeing his pro- Contact: mgmt@offstreament.com
duction embody such a huge IG: @kingkairomusic
platform was an important,
vindicating moment for the French producer.
M I Q | M U S I C I N D U S T R Y Q U A R T E R LY 17A WINTER 2020Keith Harris with 3LAU, Charli XCX, Giggs and Gavin Beatz. He has produced
Fresh Me Fresh You/Royalty Network (ASCAP) James. Touting a record deal with APG/Atlan- career defining songs for
Harris’s massive collabora- tic Records and a publishing deal with Sony/ DaBaby (“Suge”) and Jack
tions with the Black Eyed ATV, KOLIDESCOPES the duo has an exciting Harlow (“What’s Poppin’”)
Peas (“Imma Be,” “Meet Me array of records coming out with Mabel, in addition to powerful mo-
Halfway,” and “Ritmo”) will MNEK, Liam Payne, 220Kid, and GRACEY & ments for established artists
impact ear drums for gener- Sonny Fodera. like Nicki Minaj (“Yikes”)
ations to come. He was also Contact: Jono@programmanagement.co.uk and Kehlani (“Open “Passionate”). Inspired
the force behind Estelle and IG @kolidescopes by frequent collaborator Go Griz, his manag-
Kanye West’s intercontinental duet “Ameri- er and Winner’s Circle founder Kash Johns,
can Boy” in addition to collaborations with Marcus “CoalCashBlac” Black and Dr Dre, Pooh was nominated for his first
icons like Madonna, Michael Jackson, John The CoalCashCollection (BMI) Grammy this year. He has recently released
Legend and Mariah Carey. Keith is riding Whether his chart topping music with the late great King Von, Queen
high on the recent success of the Black Eyed production on Sada Baby’s Naija and the aforementioned Jack Harlow.
Peas single “Ritmo” and is currently working “Whole Lotta Choppas” and Contact: poohwinnercircle@gmail.com
with Jordan Sparks, Estelle and preparing its adjoining Nicki Minaj IG @poohyouafool
The Keith Harris Experience Vol 2. remix or street anthems like
Contact: Instagram: @Keithharrisexperience Icewar Vezzo’s “Know Better” Rock Boy Beats Royalty Network (ASCAP)
Kharris2047@gmail.com or Pablo Skywalkin’s “Man- Little Rock’s own
sion Party,” Detroit native CoalCashBlac’s RockBoy Beats has devel-
music is characterized by a sense of freedom, oped a musical lane with his
Kendre Streeter
KS Enterprises (BMI) experimentation and bass. CoalCashBlac is unique, powerful approach to
Kendre is an incredibly currently working on new music for Sada Baby, percussion and his abstract
talented songwriter, singer, Kash Doll, Tyga, Skilla Baby, Capitol Records, approach to melody. Having
musician, and composer. He Asylum Records, and his own project entitled blessed the likes of
is also a lyricist, producer The Heart Of The City. K Michelle (“Birthday”), Kevin Gates (“Me
and jingle creator. Many Contact: IG @CoalCashBlac Too”), Rotimi (“ASAP”) and Yo Gotti (“Like
of his compositions are That” Ft. A Boogie & Ty Dolla $ign), RockBoy’s
self-performed for his own Nesia Beatz sound meshes the classics with the future in
solo projects, like his current soulful single, Ultra International Music Publishing (BMI) a fashion akin to the producers that influence
“A Change.” Kendre also collaborated with At- Best known for producing him, such as Pharrell, Timbaland and Hitma-
lanta-buzzworthy artist Durand Bernarr for the urban masterpieces for Wiz ka. RockBoy is working on new projects for
song “Summons.” Hailing from Nashville, and Khalifa, Curren$y and Waka Chris Brown, Arin Ray and Yo Gotti.
relocating to Los Angeles, landed Kendre an Flocka Flame, Pittsburgh Contact: RockBoyBeatsTheKing@gmail.com
opening spot for Morris Day’s show at the Rose native Nesia Beatz is the IG @RockBoyBeats
in Pasadena. “The experience was a huge embodiment of consistently
boost in confidence that I could and should excellent song craft. His Ryan Toby Hannah Eight Music/ Kobalt Music (SESAC)
keep grinding and that my hard work will pay talent has led him to have fruitful interac- Forever seared into our
off in due time,” Kendre says. tions with legendary musical figures like hearts and minds as “Ah-
Contact: kecsenterprises@gmail.com Nile Rogers, Herbie Hancock, Teddy Riley, mal” from Sister Act 2,
IG @iamkendrestreeter Justin Bieber and Akon. Nesia is currently Ryan Toby has maintained a
working on projects for The Game, Allen Ray, constant musical presence
Kenyon Dixon music for film and television in addition to ever since his early 90’s
KENYONDIXONMUSIC (SESAC) his forthcoming solo effort entitled Pop King. debut. From his production
Kenyon Dixon is a world Contact: nesiabeatz@gmail.com and writing on Will Smith’s Big Willie Style
unto himself. A Grammy IG @NesiaWorld album, his time as a member of City High
nominated singer/songwrit- and his collaborations with Usher, Justin Bie-
er, producer and musician, Paul Beaubrun ber, LL Cool J, and his own solo work, Ryan
Kenyon has worked with Paul Beaubrun Music (BMI) has persevered and subtly spawned gener-
greats like Justin Timber- Paul has opened for Lauryn ation defining sounds. Expect a soon to be
lake, Usher, Mary J. Blige Hill and recorded with Rock/ released Ryan solo album as well as credits
and John Legend. Beloved for bringing R&B Pop star Jackson Browne. on the forthcoming Usher album.
authenticity to a broad range of sounds, His 2015 album Vilnerab Contact: IG @ryantobyryan
Kenyon crafts songs that feel true to life and reached No. 1 on the World
give voice to a treasure trove of untapped Music charts and allowed SephGotTheWaves
emotions. Excited about his forthcoming new him the opportunity to open These are Songs of Pulse (ASCAP/APRA)
album featuring V Bozeman, Alex Isley and for Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley and Arcade A small town New Zealander
Jade Novah, Kenyon also has new work with Fire. Currently working on a solo album, based in the great city of
Justin Timberlake set to hit the airwaves very co-produced with Latin Grammy nominee Atlanta, SephGotTheWaves
soon. Contact: IG & Twitter @kennygotsoul Michael Brun, Paul Beaubrun along with his is a producer/guitarist with
Haitian roots and New York City upbringing numerous Gold and Platinum
KOLIDESCOPES seeks to continue his “Roots Blues” sound certifications and a resume
Sony/ATV Music Publishing (BMI) and dominance for years to come. that touts collaborations with
KOLIDESCOPES is a duo Contact: info@paulbeaubrun.com the late greats Juice Wrld and Pop Smoke;
comprised of Australia’s IG @paulbeaubrun Trippie Redd, Lil Baby, YoungBoy Never Broke
Johnny Castro and the UK’s Again, Juicy J, and several others. Beloved for
Dan Dare. They are notable Pooh Beatz his hypnotic, bluesy approach to guitar, Seph
for writing and producing Warner Chappell Music (BMI) has new music forthcoming with Lil Tjay,
Joel Corry and MNEK’s “Pooh You A Fool for This One” has become Moneybagg Yo and Blac Youngsta.
multi-platinum single, one of the most signature drops in urban Contact: sephgotthewaves@gmail.com
“Head & Heart” in addition to their work music thanks to the infectious work of Pooh IG & Twitter @sephgotthewaves
M I Q | M U S I C I N D U S T R Y Q U A R T E R LY 18A WINTER 2020You can also read
