What role do you play in the music business and how did you get your start?

Man I wear a lot of hats bro. I’m the talent manager of Tori Vazquez and LaToya Rene. I’m also LaToya Rene’s business partner/studio manager. My day to day job is to promote, market, and handle client relations at DCL studios. I got my start about five years ago when I was managing a local producer.

During this time, what relationships have you built that have helped pave the way for your success? How important is it that you not only establish, but keep good business relationships in the music business?

Man Conrad has definitely been a major influence. A lot of people/artist don’t know as well. A lot of publicist, DJs, journalist, other prominent managers, artist and the public don’t really understand that it’s the people they never heard of that are the most important and keeping good business relationships is ,like saving money; you never know when you’ll need it. But good business relationships are good only kept if you yourself conduct good business.

How much time out of your day is spent working on building your company and do you think that up and coming artist, managers, etc…. have a jaded view on the time and effort it takes to be a success?

Honestly and this is no joke. I spend 24 hrs a day on building this company (DCL Studios). If I’m not in front of a computer, I’m in the studio, if I’m not in the studio I’m at a venue. I just work really hard. I don’t have much of a personal life, and in a funny way I dreamed of a day I can say that. And I think most people getting into this business fails to understand it’s not all parties and bullshit. Its work, real work!

What is your vision as the Manager of Tori Vazquez and La Toya Rene, as well as your visions for DCL studios?

Man it’s funny you ask that. You herd Tori Vazquez sing right? She’s freakin great, but LaToya convinced me to manage her. Just the thought of managing another artist was mentally draining, but when I heard her music I was shocked at how great she was and I can see why LaToya wanted me to manage her. My vision for LaToya was never get a record deal, it was use her talents to get industry connects. Her and I started this with the same understanding, we’ll find an artist co-manage her, I’d handle the business and she’d handle the music. So really it’s our vision. As for Tori honestly Lyrics I feel like the sky’s the limit. She’s that good. She has the whole package. I was never one for major label situations but with her that’s the only destination, it doesn’t make sense to go any other route because she’s just too talented. As for DCL Studios, LaToya and I want to open a few studios here in NC. We want our name to be the name every NC artist wants to record with because they know we can produce the best product.

 Which market are you focusing on and do you plan to diversify once you get Tori positioned, or would you rather continue to focus on expanding that market?

I think an artist like Tori Vazquez can appeal to almost any type of market. Here’s the thing about music; great music is great music. Music is the only art from that can take you from one emotion to the next within 8 mins, which is probably two songs. I know personally Tori can do that because I heard the records. When you have a product that’s really really great why limit it to one market? Her music, it can appeal to everyone.

What inspired you to use your business sense in the music industry and what motivates you to continue working as the industry is becoming more and more crowded?

I started off in the streets. I’ve been self-employed as long as I can remember. When I was in high school I use to help my friend sell his mix-tapes. It was when I was 16 or 17 I knew the business side of music is what I wanted to do. But knowing what you want to do in life is one thing. Knowing how to do it is a completely different story. I had to work my way into the music industry because I started off completely independent. I never got an internship or worked in the mailroom of a label. I started off as a fan and consumer. So my inspiration comes from the fact that I personally suffered right alongside each artist I ever represented. As far as my motivation It’s simple, if I fail at this then I’m a failure because I have no backup plan, but if I succeed well that’s a different story. This industry has a way of getting rid of the people who really don’t belong so I’m not too worked about it being over crowded.

Do you keep up with indie or unsigned artist outside of the ones you work with or have worked with, and do you have anyone signed or unsigned you would like to manage?

I keep up with a lot only because my job really requires it. You have to understand I go to bed around 5:00 am and wake up around 10:00 am. When I wake up I go to the next room and go to work. I go through my emails which usually gets to be about a dozen or so new artist sending songs. I build relationships because lets be real I want them to work with my company. So I’m forced to listen to other unsigned artist, but I don’t mind it at all. As far as managing I don’t think about it mush because my focus is on DCL Studios and Tori Vazquez. She’s putting out her EP “Louie” of on 12/18/12 and that’s when the real work begins.

 Who does the recording, mixing, mastering, etc… at DCL studios?

LaToya Rene handles all aspects of music I bring in the clients. She’s the musical brains behind the company and actually its founder and creator. We have other producers and engineers we bring in when necessary. She does great work. We actually have two great mix-tapes out right now that DCL mixed/mastered. “Fatal Flight lll The Longest Bars” and “GOTTA Be Famous” both projects are Carolina artist’s projects. I’m helping with the marketing and promo with it that’s why I tossed in that little plug. But we don’t limit ourselves to just hip-hop it’s a studio we want all genres of music to record in.

Last, what packages do you offer and how can you be contacted for booking?

We offer artist way more than any other studio could possibly offer them. Our rates are marketed towards the independent artist but we run a major industry level studio. We have all the latest software for recording, a great engineering room, a great recording booth. But we’ve been able to get clients from all over the country. Dallas, SC, Atlanta, VA, even great up and coming artist here in NC. What we really pride ourselves on is our marketing and promo package. I actually offer that FREE for our clients because their success will only make us look better. Artist can contact me via my email ernmanagement@gmail.com or twitter @ErnestoFernan3

 For an interview on Howsmyrolling.net, Contact Andrew “Lyriks” Holloway at lyriks@howsmyrolling.net!

Andrew ”Lyriks”Holloway

Facebook- facebook.com/lyrikshs

Twitter- @Lyriks

If viewing on mobile click on “DanniGyrl Interview” right below to listen to the audio.

DanniGyrl Interview by jrspencer89

Graduate of North Carolina A&T, with a Bachelors in Fashion Merchandising and Design Minor in Business Administration. Open Minded individual focusing on her dreams and aspirations.

twitter.com/DanniGyrl1

www.dannigyrl1.blogspot.com

TY Dolla $ign:  When Money Meets Music
By: Vanetta Schoefield

Influential and instrumental Ty Dolla Signs is most notarized for writing and producing a club banger for clubbers everywhere, “Toot it and Boot It”. The track lived on the dance floor, Billboard 100 and even on our phones as #12 for ringtones! But Ty merely acknowledges the song as what got him noticed more. “Not to take anything away from [the track] it is definitely Still rocking the club now, but I’m much more talented than that.” The duration of How’sMyRolling’s opportunity to speak with Ty Dolla$ign he was both honest and humble, with good reason because he’s very talented! Check the resume, he sings, plays, produces, sings, and writes. He gets the dollas.

Dolla$ign’s career extends decades, especially if you count when he was little and got caught trying to figure out his father’s instruments. Having a musician and father all in one Ty received a lot more influence and opportunity to learn. Ty was allotted the chance to meet The Isley Brothers and Earth Wind and Fire early in life. His love for music has only grown with his career, and his influences.  Now he has his own instruments and endeavors. Also right now Dolla$ign is anticipating the release of “Beach House” his latest mixtape set to release on October 1^st. Hosted by DJ Ill Will and DJ Mustard, “Beach House” will have a new sound and peruse one of Ty’s passions, live music. As a musician/producer Ty plays a huge role as an innovator for the “ratchet” sound. On “Beach House” he’s confident in bringing a new sound. “We brought that ratchet, and now they’ve caught on to it. So now we on to the new, I don’t know what to call it yet, but we’re bringing it for yall and you’re gonna love it.” And for that we are excited! “Beach House” drops on October 1^st! Until then, get on twitter and follow @tydollasign!

——-

My Cabana” is the 1st single off Ty Dolla $ign’s highly anticipated mixtape, Beach House, available for free download on October 1st.  The single was produced by D.R.U.G.S and is consistent with Ty’s West Coast ‘RATCHET’ sound. “My Cabana” was directed by Jonathan Andrade in Ty’s hometown, Los Angeles.

  Latoya Rene

I saw that you recently signed a deal with Vyzion Ent, can you give us any details on the deal and how it came about?

-We (Ernesto and I) were looking for a new PR person because ours wasn’t working out for us. Rudy Currence, and artist signed to DTP, gave us a few leads and through a few calls we eventually found Vyzion. 

I hadn’t heard much about Vyzion Ent until hearing about your deal, for those like me who are still becoming familiar with the name, what are your plans as far as marketing Vyzion so that they can tell a difference in their brand since signing LaToya Rene?

-Creating a new awareness with my fans on Twitter and Facebook. I’ve been marketing their radio app, VyzionRadio

How does it feel knowing that others such as your manager Ernesto or companies like Vyzion see your art for what it is and actually appreciate you as an artist enough to attach themselves to what you are doing?

-Its indescribable. The best way I can describe it is it feels like a breath of fresh air after walking through a smoking fog… It’s rare that people see my work for what it is and when people do, its an amazing feeling.

You also signed a deal with Black and Blue Signature Marketing, what do you see possible that may not have been possible before signing the deal and what types of services are they offering to make sure your brand moves forward?

-I see booking regular tours, getting endorsements and sponsorships much easier now. They are a full marketing company that books, solicits sponsorships, places music, and offers PR work to major artists.  Companies only want to put their product in the hands of artists that they know are visible and regularly working, they ensure that I am visible and that the companies see that. With those other products and promotion of them, I create a new awareness for a product and I validated to my fans as a viable artist in the industry.

Last time we talked we discussed your album “Back to Jupiter”, you are still actively pushing tracks from the album such as “Midnight Session” and will be releasing another single in the future “Like Maroon 5”, how important is it that you continue to push tracks from the album longer than someone that is signed to a major label and when do you expect the next album to

be released?

-It is extremely important that I continue to push tracks longer than an artist signed to a major label because unlike the major label I don’t have a wide reach.  Lil Wayne can release something and reach millions of people in a short period of time where as I’m only reaching hundreds or thousands at a time. So I have to push my tracks a little longer.

I’m not certain when I will release my next project as I have been working heavily behind the scenes writing and producing for other artists.

What’s the feedback from “Midnight Session”, how are your fans responding and how will you take the feedback to come back with a follow up single?

-The fans love it! They love that its simple and elusive. Its going to be tough to follow Midnight Session, but what Ive learned from it is sensual songs such as that, don’t need a lot. Keep it simple. Keep it sexy.

Also last time we spoke, you were in the process of opening your studio. What is the status of that and what made you decide to open a studio versus the traditional methods of booking studio time or the basic home studio that many artists now use?

-The studio is up and running. What made me decide to open a studio was I had been recording from some time and was offering studio time as an undergrad at bargain basement prices. I did pretty well for myself and I enjoyed it. The reality is in the industry is there is a lifespan on your career and smart artists wear multiple hats. This is one of mine. I also wanted to provide an economical recording solution to artists who can’t afford $60 to $150 an hour. I know it can be tough out there.

Last, now that your website www.latoyarene.com is up, what would you like to see come from the site and what plans do you currently have to build a relationship with your fans through your site and do you have any other pages or social networks you would like to mention?

-I want fans to know that I’m accessible, that I’m a real human being.  One of the ways that I am going to continue showing that while building a relationship is featuring independent artists on my website. The will have the chance to submit their music and Ernesto or I will do a write up on it and share it with the people who follow my music.

The only social media pages that I have now are on facebook, twitter, youtube and tumblr. I don’t give tumblr as much attention as I should, but I will pretty soon.

Andrew “Lyriks”Holloway

Owner of The Urban Media Site Howsmyrolling.net

Phone- 919-806-7119

Email- lyriks@howsmyrolling.net

Twitter- @Lyriks @Howsmyrolling

Facebook- www.facebook.com/lyrikshs

www.facebook.com/groups/135432616517917/

For interviews or features contact me at lyriks@howsmyrolling.net! All music submissions can also be emailed to lyriks@howsmyrolling.net.

B. Daht: Funny-Faceted (Interview)

By: Vanetta Schoefield

Father,     Funny Man, Fiancé and Founder are few facets of everyone’s favorite radio personality, B.Daht. Monday thru Friday he’s Wilding Out on air at 6am, delivering listeners enough laughs to get through the roughest of days. Off air, the microphone is never off. If he’s not hosting parties, judging shows, or prank calling businesses he’s killing his kids and fiancé, with laughter of course. When asked about that moment when he realized he was funny? It was at his Pre-K commencement speech, he remarked, “I’ve been entertaining since I dropped out my mother’s crotch.”

“As fa sho as Kobe will take advantage of a white receptionist in Colorado, and as fa sho as Seal ain’t gonna get no better looking, is as fa sho as you gon’ be entertained in the presence of Daht. #FACT”.  Fa sho. But of the main things Daht prides himself on it’s not his ability to entertain. In fact, it is his ability to relate to his audience. “All I do is talk about real life situations. It’s funny how many people are living similar lives; I just make em aware of it.”

However, the ironic part of Daht’s career is that he tells us that he hasn’t always been in tune with the concept of being “funny”. “Daht is an entertainer. You just may happen to laugh.” Maybe that’s just his humility at work considering Daht is the Co-Founder of the “Freestyle-Funny Comedy Show” that has traveled all over the East Coast since its inception just three years ago.  Daht and his friends had such a real humorous chemistry they thought it only fair to share that with the world, and that’s what they did.

B. Daht has accomplished a lot since his start on the radio seven years ago, and there is more in store. If you can catch up with him, a camera may be rolling, and he may be making preparations to work with some of his influences, other relatable comedians such as Lil Duval, Dee-Ray, or Kevin Hart. Catch up to the B. Daht campaign!

Follow him on twitter: @Bdaht.  www.iambdaht.com Support the Freestyle Funny Comedy Show! www.theffcs.com.

Connect w/ her !!!

@MissDiggs
GrindStarPromo.com

http://www.rodneyperry.com

Rodney Perry speaks to HowsMyRolling.Net about key words of advice from Steve Harvey to the his new Hour Comedy Special w/Shaq & CodeBlack Ent.

By: Stacia Griner

Rodney Perry: HowsMyRolling.Net Interview by howsmyrolling

Connect With Us
www.twitter.com/howsmyrolling

Want a Feature / Interview ??
Contact: jrspencer@howsmyrolling.net
Thanks HMR Staff !!!

Kathy Liautaud: Product of Positive

By: Vanetta Schoefield

It’s often said careers are made in moments, do you feel your pitch to Wyclef was your “moment”?

I definitely feel that it was a stepping-stone, it was a defining moment that enabled me to begin my career in the industry. I am forever grateful for that opportunity… It wasn’t easy. It took a month of being persistent to finally convince Claudinette to take me seriously and become an intern at her clothing line Fushia designs.

You have progressed into having your own PR firm, & you have a knack for fashion, where do you see yourself next, what would you like to do?

I want to have a community center for young people, especially young women. I want them to see that they don’t have to be a product of their environment. Some kids come from bad home situations and feel as though they cannot overcome their adversities. I want to create opportunities for them so that they can intern at the career of their choice .I want them to see positive role models in the community so they know they can achieve anything they want.

At this point in the game, what advice do you give to yourself?

To never get comfortable, to continue to be hungry and to keep striving and pushing to get to the next level and beyond.

What kind of music are you listening to right now?

I’m definitely bumping my clients Jerry Wonda and Vaughn Anthony’s latest.

If you could give anyone your recipe for success, what would it consist of?
First of all, my faith in God is most important. I could not have done anything without him. Being humble, passionate, resilient, patient and most importantly I will never take No for an answer. That’s how I started, and its gotten me this far, I have to keep that consistent

Connect With Her !!

http://klprgroup.com
http://twitter.com/klprgroup
http://www.facebook.com/pages/KLPR-Group/172797946085639

Can you give us a brief introduction about yourself?
I’m a renaissance woman who has been lucky enough to have made a career out of being an artist. From MTV to VH1, visual art to recording music, host to dj music and pop culture have been at the crux of my work.

What made you want to obtain a masters in African American Studies ?
A professor stopped me walking across campus at SUNY Purchase one day and told me I’d change the world and I’d need my master’s to do so. I went straight to my room and started choosing options. Columbia ended up being the right place for me!

From your start until now what has been your greatest accomplishment and why ?
My greatest accomplishment is still being here and still being relevant. I’ve seen many come and go but to have remained credible, with my integrity, artistry, and sanity in tact is a feat I commend myself for on the regular lol!

You go above and beyond by doing different speaking arrangements to the youth, can you speak briefly on the mind builders academy ?
I don’t see it as going above and beyond. I see it as a basic part of my responsibility as a voice of the people. At mind builder’s academy in the Bronx young artists are provided with a place to learn and hone their crafts across a spectrum of artistic mediums. As a multi-faceted artist myself it was a natural fit that I share my experiences with them as well as my process in creating my latest work
Death of the Diva.

Now can you spread light on your current project Death Of The Diva ?
I wrote Death of the Diva because I began to feel the entertainment industry regressing drastically in its depiction of women. I felt the repercussions myself as an actress/host being told by producers and agents that talent and intellect were not really what the studios were looking for as reality tv began to boom. Outside of myself I began to explore how that regression could and is truly affecting society and I found myself creating this play. Through various characters I use humor and song to keep the audience riveted while integrating thought provoking questions and themes. Nobody wants to be preached to or hit in the head so we don’t do that. But we do ask the questions that some are afraid to and that many haven’t thought to and assign accountability to those who ought to.

Show opens:

March 23-25 & March 30-April 1 at the Helen Mills Theater

(www.helenmills.com)

For a full list of previews & promotional events go to
www.Deathofthediva.com www.Twitter.com/DeathoftheDiva www.Youtube.com/DeathoftheDiva www.AmandaSeales.com www.Twitter.com/AmandaSeales

Lastly what are your words of advice for the many  people you may wish to follow in your footsteps ?
Keep good people around you and, I can’t stress this enough, DON’T BE AN ASSHOLE! Be genuine, be fair, and be reliable. Do what you say you’re going to do and do it well

Give the world a brief introduction about yourself.
I’m Robert G. Wayne III. My performing name is T-Dub. I was born in the 214, Dallas, TX. You’ll hear a lot of my TX roots in my music. I live in Charlotte, NC. That’s where it (my music career) all got started.

Has music always been something you wanted to do?

Music has always been a part of my life. I grew up listening to it. Writing lyrics and listening to music were hobbies of mine. My brother and sister played trumpet, so I’d mess around with their instruments. I really started looking into music as a career last year (2011). One of my father’s friends heard some of my lyrics, beats, and rap style. He said that I had a market-appeal. After that I started perfecting what I’d been doing as an outlet and a hobby. So, here I am today.

Who are your top 3 musical inspiration and why?

Earth, Wind, & Fire: They have it all. I like ole skool like the Temptations, etc. But EWF has it all—full sound, everything.

Bone Thugz N Harmony: I like their combination of rap and harmony. Their name says it all.

J. Cole: He speaks the truth. I like truth. Anyone listening to his music can relate to what he’s saying.

At would age did you start doing music?

I’d say about 5. Like I said, my brother and sister played trumpet. So, I learned to play trumpet, drums, and keyboard.

How do you think you differ from other upcoming rappers?

I have my own style. I rap, sing, and dance—basically I’m a package deal.

What is your motivation to do music day in and out?

LIFE!

What can we expect from you this year?

If you listened to my tracks on Peripheral: The Side View, the message was about the hustle and haters. There were more dance tracks as well. You can hear those tracks @ http://www.reverbnation.com/tdub1 if you have not done so already. My current project focuses more on LIFE. You will see the progression.

https://twitter.com/#!/TheT_Dub

(Right – Lil J   Left – Japan)

HowsMyRolling.Net speaks with the biggest group rising in LA. They speak on what we can except next from them to their Superstar Manager Livio Harris

Short Bio:

The urban hip pop swagger of “LadieKillus” blends the rapping of Jonathan “Lil J” McDaniel with the vocals of Rickey “Japan” Ward, and is punctuated by their turntablist, deejay Nickey “Tokyo” Ward. The group formed as the solution to Lil J and Japan’s desire to create music both club and street worthy, but with an R&B appeal for all the ladies. The combination has been accepted by nightclub deejays across the national scene.

“LadieKillus” continue to build the brand by performing weekly in L.A. nightclubs, and is currently in the studio with hitmaking producers, “HitBangaz” in Los Angeles. They are also managed by veteran manager, Livio Harris, who is best known for the success of the artist Adina Howard.

HIP-HOP/R&B trio @liljsback @OmgItsJapan D.J @im_tokyo

= LADIE KILLUS-Life.And.Death.Isnt.Enough to Kill Us #LadieKillus

– Teaser Video –

(Lil J ‘s In the Hive Trailer)