Micyde Ready to Introduce His Music to the Hip Hop World

Twenty-one-year-old hip hop artist Brandon Douglas Alexander Jones, aka Micyde, looks to introduce his brand of hip hop music. The musician from a small town called Herndon in Virginia’s quiet Fairfax County is ready to come out from under the proverbial rock and take center stage.

The artist is self-made as a musician and producer just as he is in many other aspects of his life. The masterful creator mixes and masters his work and has been taking time to dive into music production.

Within a short time, he has learned and developed a knack for engineering catchy beats for hip hop and R & B tracks. But as “indie” as he is, the quality of his music is already at par with some of the most advanced recording studios. And his material is, without a shadow of a doubt, worth the time. In less than a year, he has earned over 5,800 monthly streams on Spotify. Brandon has also been branded with a “verified artist” status by the major streaming platform.

Brandon once went by a different rapper name: Jones & Co. He recently changed his stage name to Micyde (pronounced as “my side”) and has been publishing under the name ever since.  Brandon Jones has released a handful of singles and EP tracks, including songs like “ISO,” “No Hook,” “Try To Stop Me!,” and “Hey, Mr. Policeman.” Arguably, one of his most widely listened to songs is “Trippie Red!,” which has played over 2,300 times on the streaming platform SoundCloud and gathered thousands upon thousands of streams on Spotify.

Micyde picks up from more popular inspirations like Juice Wrld, Kendrick, XXX, Chance, and Logic. Yet listening to the artist’s tracks, there’s no hint of any derivative as Brandon has mastered the art of putting his spin into his music, making it unique and outstanding. Brandon Jones opens himself to more opportunities for growth, always looking for points to improve his craft.

Micyde has been creating music for the past five years, but only started putting out music early this year. In a short time, he has built a brand entirely from scratch and is already turning the local and even national hip hop scene upside down with his new brand of hip hop. Developing a robust and original sound, Brandon looks to keep recording earworms worth repeating and use them to take his work to the world.

Though his music has made leaps and bounds, the artist’s journey has not been without tragedy. When starting in music, the hip hop artist lost a dear family member, a cousin close to him, to suicide after years battling with drug abuse. The loss was a heavy load on Brandon’s heart. He soon found himself mixing in with the wrong crowds and losing focus. But he would confide in music, which his cousin always believed would take the hip hop artists to unprecedented heights.

Ever since, Brandon Jones has dedicated himself to the artistic expression, writing non-stop. Today, he hopes to make it big in music. “I believe it’s my time to truly enter the game,” Micyde confidently proclaims. “I plan to show the music industry something they were never prepared for.”

Brandon hopes to go on hip hop tours and perform on big stages soon. He continues to write tracks and feed them to the insatiable desires of today’s hip hop scene, providing both substance and groove in all his work. 

To listen to Micyde’s tracks, check out his Spotify and Instagram account.

Adam Ivy Is on a Mission to Help Music Artists Succeed in the Industry

American music producer, brand strategist, professional YouTuber, and award-winning creative marketing specialist Adam Ivy is on a personal mission to provide marketing education for music creators and entrepreneurs. 

This personal mission came to life when Adam decided to lend a hand to those going through what he went through before. Growing up poor and in a rural area, Adam had to overcome countless obstacles that stood in his way. The hurdles that blocked his path to success did not deter the creative, however, and only motivated him to push harder and smarter. 

An established authority in the online business world, Adam was able to turn an 800-dollar investment into a six-figure online income at just 23 years old. At the time, he created and implemented the marketing techniques that he is known for today. With the help of his marketing strategy, Adam’s brand recognition skyrocketed from initial launch to viral fame in just under 24 months. 

Adam was also one of the first few to take advantage of the YouTube platform. His work through the platform was featured on CNBC, G4TV, MTV, and E! Network, as well as dozens of nationally syndicated radio programs. 

As a music producer, Adam’s portfolio boasts of work and collaborations with over 2,400 independent recording artists in 23 different countries. He has worked with companies such as Burger King, MTV, Clear Channel Media, as well as recording artists such as G-Eazy, ModSun, and Kevin Gates, to name a few.

His success as an influencer and a musician eventually led to an expansion into the corporate world. As a media specialist and marketing consultant, Adam is partnered with major brands such as Dell, ADAM Audio, Taco Bell, and Behringer. 

Adam’s corporate and artistic triumphs inspired him to get a good start on his mission. He started giving out advice and guidance to his friends in the music community, giving them a leg up on their way to the top of the industry. Seeing the success his friends have achieved, Adam was determined to reach a wider audience.

Marrying his passion for music with his marketing prowess, Adam took to his YouTube channel to provide free educational content for those looking to get started with music marketing and brand development. He amassed a dedicated following of more than 200K subscribers, gaining a staggering 10.5 million views on his videos. 

To further his reach, Adam founded an education company in 2018 called Sell Music Academy, Inc. There he offers a variety of excellent music marketing resources such as his popular Sell Music Masterclass course and his signature Market Your Music Accelerator coaching program. 

“I want people to know that there is a way to succeed in the music industry without being rich or having a record deal and that the resources I provide can help them gain traction and progress faster than they thought possible,” Adam says.

Through his platforms, Adam shares the marketing techniques that have led him to where he is now. Filling in the lack of marketing education in the music community, he helps artists and entrepreneurs find their footing in the industry. At present, Adam is putting in long hours to expand his mission and widen his reach. 

Stay updated on how Adam Ivy continues to impact the industry. Check out his YouTube channel and Sell Music Academy, Inc. on his official website.

Cloé Luv and How Music Pushed Her to the Summit of Multiple Industries

For many people, music is not merely an art. Others treat it as a way of life, while some made the craft their launching point towards a successful career. For the Renaissance Woman Cloé Luv, music served as her foundation and ultimately became the medium paving the way for the realization of her other ventures. 

Known for being the first and youngest African American woman to own and operate a notable music production company and commercial recording facility, Cloé Luv has amassed numerous achievements as an influencer, mompreneur, talent manager, success consultant, motivational speaker, and business administrator. Through blending entrepreneurial acumen with social consciousness and the desire to inspire others, this industry mogul has managed to establish platforms that drive community change and motivate people into action. 

The solid faith Cloé Luv holds in the power of creativity to enable success was born out of her experience with music. As the founder of Brook Brovaz, short for “Brooklyn Brothers,” her work in the music scene has unlocked an incredible degree of creativity in her, sparking visions involving what would become highly-successful businesses. 

Cloé Luv’s company, Brook Brovaz, is an elite full-service provider consisting of composing artists, singers, songwriters, and DJ engineers. Their creations are used in some of today’s most popular television shows, and films and this music concierge powerhouse has worked with some of the hottest musicians, from upcoming artists to multi-Platinum, Grammy Award-winning stars. It has also delivered services in the form of musical compositions to major companies in TV, film, ads, video games, and mnemonics. 

The drive Cloé Luv has for Brook Brovaz is fueled by the talent, work ethic, and dedication consistently exhibited by the company’s producers and artists, Shak Trauma and Silver. Hand in hand with their top-notch creativity is an incredible talent and admirable attitude toward the craft that is rare to come across in today’s industry. This combination of outstanding mindset and skillset is evident in Brook Brovaz’s latest endeavor that is currently out on all platforms. Titled “A Brooklyn Summer,” this break-out project is meant to give people all over the world a taste of Brooklyn’s diversity. 

Aside from being the creative mind behind this highly-acclaimed institution, Cloé Luv also manages talents. Banking on her ability to map out the career path of an artist or brand from point A to Z, she has handled the affairs of several esteemed personalities, such as celebrity model Jordan Emanuel, TEAM USA Paralympic powerlifter Garrison Redd, and celebrity chef Papi-Brentnol Adams. 

More notably, it is not only in the music scene where Cloé Luv puts her inventory of skills and talents to good use. This serial entrepreneur, who serves as the visionary mind behind the social, digital platform We Up Lift Women, is also responsible for the birth of Women With Voices and Cloé’s Corner.

Women With Voices is a non-profit organization that helps women achieve their professional and financial goals, focusing on mental health, sexual liberation, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and family. It offers various services, such as workshops, networking events, counseling sessions, and online support. 

Moreover, Cloé Luv, a recipient of multiple citations for her philanthropic work, expanded her community influence by founding Cloé’s Corner. It is a coworking and event space located in the heart of Brooklyn and has provided shared workspaces for entrepreneurs, freelancers, startups, small businesses, and large enterprises. 

Serving as the headquarters for Women With Voices, Cloé’s Corner contributes to the upliftment of women and minorities by offering peer-based support, entrepreneurial resources, financial education, and business seminars meant to advance underserved communities. 

All of her ventures make it possible for Cloé Luv to not only create a positive impact in the community but to also guide others toward the fruition of their personal and professional dreams. More than anything, she wants to emphasize the importance of putting in work and not getting comfortable knowing that one has a talent in a particular craft. The pursuit of self-growth and hard work must be present to turn one’s vision into reality. 

Learn more about Cloé Luv by visiting her website and Instagram page.

Queennak: A Rising Pop Star Amid the Pandemic

Multi-talented musical artist and YouTube superstar Queennak is making waves on the social media platform despite the ongoing crisis brought about by the pandemic. The Sierra Leonean native is attracting music fans worldwide with her lyrical talent, enigmatic voice, exotic beauty, and unique visual presentation. This comes as no surprise as Queennak is a multi-faceted artist with a deep passion for music, visual arts, and fashion.

Her single “In the Mood” released six months ago attracted 46k views on YouTube. A year ago, she released her single “What’ a Guan,” which generated 76k views. Her single “Money Day Ya” attracted the biggest number of views at 100k two years ago. With the release of her most recent single titled “Pour It on Me” three weeks ago, it is safe to assume that Queennak will remain true to her YouTube streak in the coming weeks. 

Queennak’s passion for music was ignited during her first trip to the United States. Almost all of her friends were involved in the music industry in some way, and she gave it a shot. From then on, music has never left her life. “I find inspiration all around me. I try to make my music representative of myself and my generation. I love the places that most people don’t give a second glance,” she shares.

When it comes to her music, Queennak is all about empowering women to be bold and confident in expressing their art, preferences, and intelligence. Having come from the west coast of Africa’s the Atlantic Ocean, she has been exposed to various types of discrimination involving women. The style she uses in writing her songs is her way of showing women that they can be free to express their artistry without fear of being rejected or criticized.  

“In Africa, women are victims of violence and can’t speak about it because they’re scared about what society will say. I want to be a voice for the voiceless, building a huge fan base and use my platform to help,” reveals Queennak.

Aside from being a prolific music artist, Queennak, born Neneh Ada Koroma, has many titles and accolades attached to her name due to her many contributions in various industries as a visual artist, humanitarian, and activist. She is the first foreigner to represent China at the Milan Expo Arts Exhibition 2014 as she is married to a Chinese citizen and has since then relocated to the Asian country to raise a family. She is also the first Sierra Leonean to represent the country at the Youth Olympic Games Arts Exhibition in Nanjing last 2013. The versatile singer is also known as the Queen of Sierra Leoneans in New York.

Queennak met her Chinese husband during her country’s 50th Independence Day celebration. While the two are distinctly different from each other, their connection and chemistry resulted in a marriage and a beautiful Chinese-African son named Prince Yang. While living in China, the talented singer learned the language, culture, appreciated the food, and eventually became a popular public figure in the country. She eventually moved to the United States in 2019 to pursue her dreams of becoming a famous music artist, begin a new chapter in life, and promote cultural exchange between Africa, Asia, and America. 

Apart from being a musical artist, Queennak is also a painter, fashion designer, rising entrepreneur, and reality TV personality. She is the CEO and founder of the Queennak Foundation, Queennak Luxury Brand, and Du Yi International Cultural Festival. At this point in her career, Queennak is all about confidently putting her name and brand out there and impacting the world in a positive way. Whether it is through her music, paintings, advocacies, or fashion brands, she is making a difference for all women wherever she goes.

Visit Queennak’s website to learn more about her and her upcoming projects. Follow her on YouTube to get the latest.

Upcoming Artist Gavriel Brings Authentic Songwriting to Music Biz

There are artists in the music industry who spend years finding their sound by studying music theories. Then there are talented individuals like Gavriel who do not dwell on memorizing the technicalities of the art by the books but instead directly play from the heart. 

Gavriel was born Phillip Reichmann, an upcoming artist from New York. He began his full-time career as an artist in August of 2019 and had been writing music ever since. A year later, Gavriel released his debut album What I’ve Found on the 2nd of August. Although he is a new player in the music business, Gavriel exudes the confidence and vibe of a seasoned artist. 

In his songs, he sounds like someone with a long-standing knowledge of music. The album includes eight amazing songs. Among them are “Blue,” “Warm Welcome,” “Six Whole Years,” “Penny,” and many others. What I’ve Found is now streaming on Spotify, reaching and capturing listeners worldwide.

What I’ve Found was recorded at Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove Long Island, New York. It was produced by the iconic saxophone player Richie Cannata. Asked what he thought about Gavriel, Cannata said, “He is one of the most refreshing artists we have worked with in a long time.” The saxophone player is just one of the many seasoned professionals who believe Gavriel would soon become one of the industry’s biggest names.

Gavriel’s music is inspired by some of the biggest icons in the industry: John Mayer, Lewis Capaldi, Michael Buble, and Ed Sheeran. He is passionate about producing music with unaltered vocals accompanied by authentic instruments. Although his idols influence him, Gavriel still makes sure that his own sound comes through in his songs, giving them a classic rock approach with the genuine songwriter feel.

Gavriel provokes his audiences to think or revisit a memory upon hearing his music. His sophistication in playing every chord combined with his profound lyrics produces an impact in a mellow atmosphere. Gavriel’s songs are perfect for long drives or a laid-back afternoon at home.

Gavriel was exposed to different instruments growing up. The artist has been playing piano since he was five years old. The craft quickly led him to learn the drums. But it wasn’t until four years ago that he decided to pick up and learn to play the guitar. It became his main instrument ever since. He explored his six-strings and created songs inspired by his experiences in life. Gavriel said that writing music came naturally to him after he got married. It became his primary platform to express himself.

The artist envisions playing in the most significant stages all around the world. His dreams are to play in front of an audience who would sing along with his songs as he is performing them on stage. In no time, with his authenticity and undeniable talent, Gavriel will be signing major record labels. He also wants to write songs for other artists in the industry. To hone his talents, Gavriel writes a song or two every day.

To learn more about the upcoming artist, visit Gavriel’s website.

Uncle James Is Giving Listeners a Taste of Authentic Lyrics

NBA superstar LeBron James’s uncle, Curtis James, better known as Uncle James, is taking the spotlight on a different path as his nephew. The talented performer is carving a name for himself in the entertainment and music industry as a force to reckon with. 

Uncle James began his career in the business as an underground artist going by the name Curt James. He has performed in various gigs across the country for over 20 years with his amazing vocals. On top of his impressive career experience, Uncle James is dominating the scene with his theatrical talents. He is very photogenic, perfect for the cameras, and has appeared in many prominent music videos. Uncle James is always ready to deliver unmatched acting skills and land significant roles.

At a young age, Uncle James was already performing at birthday parties and local talent shows. As he grew up, Uncle James built his name as a performing artist and gained popularity in his community. Later on, he took his skills to the next level and pursued a professional career in music. Uncle James opened shows for music icons such as Rick Ross, Jim Jones, Eightball and MJG, and Trina. He also hosted hip-hop artists and saw them as opportunities to promote himself and Raw Footage Label.

Today, Uncle James is pursuing a path as a singer and songwriter. He is also the owner of Raw Footage Records. The artist is seen performing at notable concerts, festivals, and bars across the United States. Uncle James has made himself heard at Akron Civic Center, LeBron James’ birthday celebration at House of Blues, Rockwall Run at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Uncle James is known for his versatility. He has a particular way of delivering tracks on his unique sound. Uncle James leverages his informative content to stand out among other artists in the industry. Through Raw Footage Records, Uncle James creates original lyrics that tell his real-life experiences. Besides capturing listeners with his unique flow, Uncle James wants to highlight his lyrics’ truthfulness and inspire people at a deeper level.

Through his songs, Uncle James wants to teach hip-hop enthusiasts a lesson or two from his experiences and mistakes. He tackles childhood upbringing, teenage endeavors, and adult circumstances. He is bringing a new meaningful flavor to rap music in a way that’s never been done before. 

The hip-hop artist has released quite a few projects and mixtapes in his career. Uncle James recently launched his new album called Lyfestyles of Curt James Vol. 1. It includes the music video toTimes Got Better,” a hot single that features LeBron James’s mother, Gloria Marie James.

Uncle James produces music that comes straight from the heart. He goes beyond the average topics but still dazzles listeners with his rhythm. His sincerity will surely win audiences all over the world. Uncle James delivers his message free from sugar coating. He is not ashamed to let the world know about his experiences but amplifies it for everyone.

To learn more about Uncle James, visit his Twitter account. Listen to his amazing tracks on Apple Music.

Kevin King Establishing His Presence in the DJ and Music World as a Crowd Favorite

The music world has spotted yet another gem of undeniable talent and soulful musicality in the up-and-coming Kevin King, otherwise known by his DJ name Kevin Crown.

Kevin is best known for his ability to deliver electric energy into music shows and events through his music. Talented and entertaining, the New York City musician brings a music experience that audiences will never forget. The “Natural Born Club Killa” has figured out the formula to keeping crowds engaged and mesmerized as he delivers authentic and remarkable performances that leave audiences wanting more. 

Standing on the shoulders of giants, Kevin started down his music path at the age of 12, following in the footsteps of his father and learning the basics of becoming a legendary music performer. He booked his first gig at the age of 16 and has been in high demand ever since. Today, Kevin is a highly sought after DJ performing internationally in countries like Japan, Anguilla, Barbados, Guyana, Mexico, and all across the United States.

One of Kevin’s earlier milestones included his discovery by hit radio station 93.5 FM. Eventually, The Natural Born Club Killa morphed into a fixture on live radio through his popular radio show “Saturday Night Madness.” Kevin has also appeared on radio shows such as Shade 45, NY’s Power105, PIX11 Morning Show, and Jamaica’s Hot102FM. 

Kevin further elevated in his music career after becoming the official brand ambassador for Fiction Fantasy Night Club in Kingston, Jamaica. The DJ became a staple entertainer for local and international artists, actors, and sports figures, like the world-renowned gold medalist Usain Bolt, Hollywood actor Jamie Foxx, and the popular Wayans Brothers.

In 2014, Kevin received the award for DJ of the Year in the 8th Annual Young Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards. One year later, the artist landed an acting role in the film Jamaican Mafia, a movie about a frustrated car salesman who discovers his blood relations with a powerful crime boss. That same year, the musician and performer signed on with the most massive DJ crew in New York, Da Union Club Killas, where he earned his stage name. Kevin also received a nomination to the Global Spin Awards in 2017 for the Reggae DJ of the Year award.

One of Kevin’s many talents also includes martial arts. A black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Kevin also did choreography work for some of Dancehall’s top reggae artists, including Elephant Man, Bogle, Bruk Up, and Ding Dong. 

One of the things that sets Kevin apart as an artist is how much marketing and business prowess he also has. More than being a creative content creator, the performer also understands what it takes to be effective at marketing, promotions, sales, and branding, making it easy for him to relate with producers and corporate promoters who want to level up their brand through music. Crown has also used the same business savviness to increase his social media presence to over sixty-two thousand followers. 

During the pandemic, when live events faced cancellations and postponements in various parts of the world, the artist has taken to performing virtual crowds on his social channel through a radio show he started through his channels every Monday to Friday at nine o’clock in the morning.

Kevin has more up his sleeve as he looks to expand his music and work in the coming years. To learn more about Kevin King, visit his website and Instagram account.

Christian Nelson: A Radio and Broadcasting Star on the Rise

At only 14 years old, Christian Nelson landed an opportunity for radio and broadcasting at Nathan Hale High School. This incredible experience opened new doors for him and helped him realize his passion for the radio and broadcasting industry. At present, the 20-year-old is quickly rising to the top as a radio broadcaster.

Growing up in a small town in Washington State, Christian Nelson had a big drive and ambitious personality when it comes to his goals. When he was 14, he moved to Seattle, where he first had his radio break in high school. This was the beginning of his career in the radio and broadcasting arena.

The experience he gained from working at the radio station C89.5 was limitless. He co-hosted morning shows and ran his segments. He also mixed different musical tracks and broadcasted them from concerts. He recorded hundreds of promotions, news stories, traffic updates, weather updates, and more. Through his work, he had the chance to meet many famous artists. Christian Nelson also received two very fulfilling awards from the state of Washington by virtue of his work.

His work at the radio station greatly helped his personal growth. It also taught him the power of putting passion in whatever he sets his mind to accomplish his dreams and aspirations. At this time, Christian Nelson knew he made his family proud. He was also confident that his late father, a local actor who passed away when he was 11 years old from a battle against addiction, was proud of his accomplishments.

Christian Nelson’s father is a strong driving force in his progress in life. He reminds himself that his father’s spirit never leaves his side and is consistently guiding him toward a brighter future. For him, his break in the radio industry was only the beginning of something much more significant. With his hard work, determination, and passion, he is on his way to greater success.

Aside from dominating the radio and broadcasting industry, Christian Nelson also aspires to take on many more roles in life. The rising broadcaster seeks to become an entrepreneur and music producer. He also hopes to host his podcast and become a YouTube content creator. He also hopes to use his voice for greater causes as a motivational speaker and voiceover artist.

The maturity and unique mentality of this promising radio star set him apart from others. Between 16 and 18 years old, Christian Nelson was already financially independent from his parents as he took on a managerial job. With this experience, he deeply understands the value of hard work and hard-earned money. Working at an early age molded him to become more practical and mature in making life decisions.

Today, he is on a mission to use his voice in helping spread positivity all over the world and become the person God has set him to be. With patience and understanding, he hopes to overcome whatever obstacles coming his way as he chases after his dreams. There is no backing down for Christian Nelson. His feet are only moving forward.

To know more about Christian Nelson, visit his Instagram.

After Countless Years of Working With the Greats, John Heinrich is a Multi-talented Musician Looking to Produce New Music

Any respectable singer or songwriter is well-aware of who John Heinrich is within the industry. He has worked with the most popular musical figures and legends of the music industry. Not to mention, he has also mastered multiple instruments over the course of his musical career. 

Heinrich is a professional musician that plays the Saxophone, Pedal Steel Guitar, Dobro, Flute, Lap Steel, Clarinet, Oboe, and English Horn, and many more. Nowadays, he enjoys playing Steel & Sax with Ronnie Milsap, who is an American Country music legend. They performed together on the Jimmy Fallon Show in February of 2019.

Heinrich has performed live with the likes of legends such as TG Sheppard and Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees in Hollywood, Florida. With his many talents, he also played as the Horn section Leader and Tenor Sax for American R&B, soul, and gospel singer Percy Sledge back in 2009. For Nokie Edwards’ CD project, ‘The Golden Fingers of Nokie Edwards’ Henrich played the Soprano Sax, which means he is a master of the sax. It goes without saying that he’s had multiple collaborations where he played the Saxophone. He played the Saxophone in a project that featured multiple solos by the guitarist of the famous rock band Toto, Steve Lukather.

Heinrich’s career has been full of amazing performances and sessions that he has enjoyed, but he always brings back that moment where he played for Jack Clement featuring Louis Armstrong. During this time, he also worked with Wayne Jackson in the ‘Memphis Horns.’ Within his own community in Nashville, he was popularly known as a Steel player, where he worked on various projects with artists such as Glen Campbell, Merle Haggard, and Crystal Gayle.

The list goes on with the popular artists that Heinrich has worked with, in 1991 he played for Hank Williams Jr. on his ‘Lone Wolf Tour.’ He also performed at a live gig with Peter Noonan of Herman’s Hermits. He doesn’t only play instruments for other musicians, Heinrich also produces music for them. He has worked with musicians from Nashville and all over the world, doing love recording sessions with a full group of musicians. Heinrich also overdubs already recorded tracks with whatever instrument they need to add.

As a music producer, Heinrich works closely with the artist and makes sure that they have everything they need before going to the studio and start recording. He is an all-around guy, working out a budget of the services with ease, Heinrich makes sure there are no unnecessary burdens that arise when the music-making process begins. Heinrich owns two music publishing companies, one in ASCAP and the other in BMI.

Currently, he is seeking talented artists within Nashville to produce a brand-new record, be it 70s or 80s Pop, New Country, Indie Alternative, R&B, and Soul Music, but it doesn’t have to be limited to these, a good song with a particularly strong melody will suffice. In 2020 alone, Heinrich has produced three talented artists, and he is looking forward to working with more talented artists within the industry.

Singers and songwriters who are looking for an opportunity to work with the legendary musician John Heinrich should drop by his website and give it a look.

While the Music Industry Sleeps, Indie Artist Ryan Hagan Rises on the Charts

Not everyone has heard of Ryan Hagan yet, but they soon will. 

While the music industry is pressing pause on tours, calling off awards shows and postponing music festivals, Hagan enters. A freshman, independent artist, and songwriter from Nashville, TN, Ryan is taking the international music scene by storm at a surprising time. 

Hagan’s early success as a self-published, independent artist led him to make major connections. In 2019, Ryan caught the eye of industry powerhouse Kim Wood Sandusky, known for her vocal coaching and production work with Beyonce Knowles and Destiny’s Child. Soon after taking Ryan on, Kim connected him to Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum producer and songwriter Bryan Todd.  Hagan and Todd hit it off and co-wrote Hagan’s latest single “You Deserve Better.” 

The song made the cut for radio play in the U.K. — a feat many artists never accomplish without the lobbying of powerful recording labels. Within the first few weeks of airing, people loved the song so much that it debuted on the charts, where it rose for 7 weeks straight to as high as number 7 on Music Week’s Commercial Pop Top 20, Upfront Top 30 and Black Music Top 20 respectively. To date, “You Deserve Better” has charted above A-list artists like Beyonce, Meg Thee Stallion, Drake, Ty Dolla Sign, Kanye West, and others — all as an independent release. Unsurprisingly, Hagan and Todd have re-upped on another collaboration, set to release in the Fall of 2020.

Ryan’s story is unusual for more reasons than one might think. As a teenager, Ryan would have never envisioned a future as a rising pop star. He was too busy dominating the prep sports arena. By age 15, Hagan had accumulated 5 national wrestling championships, a state wrestling title and a top 3 finish in the 200 meter dash at the state track and field competition. He also lettered in varsity football at his high school. He was well on his way to a very different path than music, entertaining offers of Division 1 athletic scholarship. But a series of devastating injuries ended his athletics career. 

After hanging it up, Hagan stepped out of the public eye and decided to attend college, where he discovered his knack for songwriting. Growing up in Birmingham, AL, Ryan performed music in church and was well-known in his hometown for his vocal talent, but he had not previously considered writing his own music. Still unsure of the viability of a music career, Hagan entered the corporate workforce after completing his studies. Quietly, he continued his songwriting late into the evenings after work. 

Perhaps as a stroke of luck, changes at work moved Ryan to Nashville, TN. Despite Nashville being a primarily country music town, Ryan’s pop music compositions started to catch on in the local songwriting community.  Katie Talbot, a young vocal coach and later friend of Ryan’s, was one of the first to recognize his talent. Katie introduced Ryan to her family of musicians, namely her husband, James Talbot, and brother-in-law, Andrew Talbot. Andrew would go on to co-write and co-produce Ryan’s first two singles with him, which accumulated collectively over one million streams. 

Ryan’s story is, without a doubt, unique. His future during such uncertain times is unusually promising. Hagan is here to show that the lights are still on in the music business.

To know more about Ryan’s music, visit his website or follow him on Instagram. His songs are also available on Spotify.