New Interview: Metro Muzik: The Union

by Erin Rice

I got the chance to speak with Messrs Kuwn-Dalini and Vincent Tucker via a phone interview about the importance of being business savvy as a music artist.

Metro Muzik: The Union is the business brainchild of Jamieian “Kuwn-Dalini” Pride (7PM Inc.), Cedric Jemmerson (Grind Hard Entertainment), Vincent Tucker & Chris Panayiotou (CWC Entertainment Group). These guys got together and decided that what DFW rap and hip-hop artists needed was better (any) advice on how to navigate the music scene, and so that's what Metro Muzik: The Union is bringing to the area.

Interview with Metro Muzik: The Union

I got the chance to speak with Messrs Kuwn-Dalini and Vincent Tucker via a phone interview. Here's some of the topics we covered:

How and why Metro Muzik got started and what the company has set out to do
Why local artists are struggling to make it and what they can do differently
Is the success of the music scene about the artist, the fans, or something else entirely?
The importance of collaboration and support within a scene
Examples of artists/groups that are doing IT, as in the business of making music, correctly (such as PPT and Emortul Entertainment)

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Metro Muzik puts together several shows and seminars in the area every month, heck, every week in some cases, that locals interested in supporting the scene should check out:

"Operation Phoenix": Every Thursday night at Club Nairobi fans can see and enjoy performances during the Artist Showcase that is held from 10:30pm to Midnight, with DJ Four-One taking over after 12.

"The Union": Every Sunday at Tom Cats. “The Union” is all about showcasing the latest and greatest independent Rap and R&B artists in and around Dallas/Fort Worth. Check out weekly favorites such as Philly Station, Colby Savage, Sauvé (Elite Star Productions) and local talent.

"Let's Get Back to the Roots": Occasional Sundays at Tom Cats. Previously known as “The Lab”, this is a special showcase of underground Hip-Hop and Neo-Soul Artists whose music steers clear of current urban music’s commercialism. Performers can be compared to artists like Talib Kweli, Common, and Mos Def.

"The Dallas Music Scene Exposed": The last Sunday of the month at Tom Cats and broadcast live on RenegadeRadio.net. This seminar is an educational session that thoroughly exposes the reoccurring setbacks that local Hip-Hop and R&B artists experience. The seminar is used as an avenue to “gather the troops” to rally together and discover new ways to achieve success in the local music scene. Whether it’s just Mr. Kuwn-Dalini or with other panelists, issues such as mixing and mastering, recording, contracts, and music discrimination for example are openly discussed. After each session, attendees are treated to hot performances from the hottest local acts.

Metro Muzik is bringing in Killer Mike for this month's upcoming "Exposed," and hey, they're looking for someone to open for him. Could it be you? Doubtful, but you should try anyway.

Check out Metro Muzik's website for more information on these and other events and seminars.