This is the sixth article in a series of articles called "Millennials Making Moves".
For those just tuning in, my inspiration behind this series thrives from my obsession and pride with this generation.
"This generation never ceases to amaze me with their innovation, creativity and drive. It's certainly something to recognize and celebrate," I wrote in the series' first article.
These articles serve 3 purposes:
1. To encourage/shine on those who used their passion as motivation to start their own business/freelance/etc.
2. To give others inspiration to embrace their passions and pave their own way as well.
and probably the biggest reason:
3. I want to create a place for our generation that makes it easier for us to support each other. So when you're in need of a service or product, instead of going to the store, googling service providers, etc, circle back to this series! Opt to support young grinders instead!
Past articles highlighted photographers, videographers, beauticians, artists and other service providers. This one will feature musicians (rappers/singers, djs, and producers).
1. DJ FTK LLC
According to owner William Berrios, Dj FTK is a disk jockey service focused on providing a great experience for audiences through a wide variety of music genres and time periods, founded simply from his love for music. Dj FTK also provides secondary content creation services such as music production, live audio video technician, photography, etc.
"A long term goal is to sustain and grow FTK long enough and move into a Managment, expand content creation services and hopefully in the future, use some of the money saved to launch a professional custom PC business and IT service for dedicated to creative professionals," added Berrios
website: Fuelthekulture.com
2. Arielle Dominique/Starry Eyed Musik LLC
Arielle is an independent singer/songwriter ans the owner of Starry Eyed Musik.
"It was important to me that I build a foundation for my future, starting with the LLC, which would be the umbrella for my music and music-related activities," she explaine. Dominique said that she has always been a very independent person and idea-generated person.
"When it comes to my music, I just love creating and writing based on my life or the world around me," she said. " I also wanted to own something, period. I wanted to name it and claim it and be able to decide what it will be and become and how I could represent this larger idea."
She said right now, she's working to build her career in steps by focusing on getting her music out to more people, especially young women. "I want to sing to them, to share with them, encourage them, and empower them."
website: www.starringarielle.com
Instagram: @starringarielle
Twitter: @starringarielle
Soundcloud.com/starringarielle
3. Mär
Jamarius Gray both produces and sells music. He said that he started making music at an early age, and only quit because he was told I couldn't make anything of it.
"When I understood the properties of a 9-5, the trap, the routine and the extreme boredom it could ensue, I decided to pick music up again." He said "I feel like life's a gamble and it's best lived in the way you like rather than how someone else thinks you should.
"And for the past few years, life has been great and a lot more exciting," he added.
Twitter/IG: jmargrae.
3. DJ Leen
Individually known as DJ Leen, Cayleen Green DJs for a company called DJ T-Buff and associates. Green said she feels as if music has magic that can bring you back to a specific time and place. She said to her, DJing is about positively impacting others through song.
"I want to take you on a journey that's not only exciting, but will also be an experience that gives you the ability to get out of your comfort zone and onto the dance floor," she said.
Growing up, Green said her parents molded appreciation for music into what it is today.
"They introduced me to many of the 'classics' while staying diverse and appreciative of all styles and genres," she explained."I can still see my Dad so clearly just banging on the steering wheel and then turning around with that big grin to quiz me on the song title, artist, and lyrics."
Green added that her Dad is her inspiration when it comes to DJing and in everyday life.
"Each positive experience I produce is in remembrance of him. I love you Daddy!"
instagram: @cayleen22
5. Cut-N-Sew Records
Owned by Dylan Lopez and Jamal Edwards, Cut-N-Sew functions as a home studio that offers full mixing, recording, and production work. We're open to work with artists of different mediums within music
"We started out making music behind an air mattress in Laplace," said co owner Lopez. "Jamal and I have always made music together since we collaborated on our first tape in high school. What started off as a hobby on the weekend quickly escalated into a passion that eventually moved the both of us to New Orleans." He said together, they put their funds up to source and piece together a practical set up.
"Looking for beats, recording time or mixing at an affordable rate? Its Cut-N-Sew or nothin'," they say.
Instagram and twitter:@cutnsewrecords
