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Think about the last three years and how the city seemed to
be over flowing with opportunity for local hopefuls to take
the stage.
You had Mugshots, J Palace, Jalepenos, Hot Peppers, Jax and
at least half a dozen more clubs that were featuring local
music every single week. I mean, it was actually possible
back in 2010 to hit multiple stages in one night in the T
(and that’s real).
Now, you have the occasional show at Cloud 9 or Zodiac that
gives a little shine to up and comers but that’s about it.
The one beacon in the bleakness happens to be a not very
well known, small downtown spot called Tequila Sheila’s. Not
hating though, because it has become a very reliable stage
for rappers just getting started.
Every weekend there’s at least one night dedicated to
letting mostly amateur spitters put on a show.
Don’t get it twisted, being called amateur is not a dis.
Being called local isn’t a dis either.
But if these artists don’t have anywhere to hone their
skills, how are they supposed to get better? There may be
one or two more venues still holding it down.
I still haven’t been yet, but I’ve heard the Atmosphere
Coffee Shop is trying to do its part to support local
entertainment for those of us under 35.
The Peacock, too, especially for the neo soul/conscious
crowd.
But it’s nothing like it was two years ago.
So many places to perform and shows to be a part of, the
city actually felt bigger.
Being brutally honest, I don’t know if it will ever be like
that again.
What happened to all the crews?
It seems like the idea of a tight-knit circle or musical
collective has all but vanished from the local music scene.
I can think of two emerging crews right now getting ready to
do some things, but it’s a far cry from the nearly two dozen
reputable movements that ruled the local entertainment scene
until recently.
Some of the most dominant crews from one or two years ago
have splintered off into sub groups or have fallen apart
entirely. People have moved away, changed business partners
and some have just stopped doing music entirely.
Think back to 2010, there were so many official and
unofficial labels in this city we had secret alliances and
rankings based on who had the strongest name or
best-organized operation. We actually thought of forming a
council to act as a governing body, an association of labels
because there were so many. Whether it was just an informal
gathering of artists banned together under one umbrella or
if it was a thought-out movement with role players and
street teams, Toledo had so many musical collectives that
any night out felt like The Source awards.
True, having a “label” is super cliché.
But if you were at any of the hundreds of club events, or at
Dunkin For Donations or at
Bash At The Bay … it was obvious that the talent in the
Glass City had found ways to consolidate their power and
move as units.
Looking back, I have to admit it was not only fun but also,
for the most part, it was peaceful as well. From 2008 until
recent memory, I can think of nearly 20 of the most
reputable crews in the city and everyone got along without
any crew vs. crew beef. Artists would have issues with each
other.
Some producers/managers would have issues. But overall,
everyone got along.
Now, so many people are doing it alone or maybe the crew
thing is played out.
Whatever the reason, it’s certainly a lot less exciting and
the scene is a lot less unified.
My involvement in the local music scene.
As some of you know, U.G.E. L.L.C. is a company I operate
with my partner Lavale.
Our primary goal has been to get industry placements as
music producers, but years ago we found that goal may be
better achieved by having our own roster…
so boom, our label was born.
We produce all the music for our artists, create all the
visuals, develop their talent to the point they can be
shopped and much more.
When it comes to having local venues for rappers and singers
to perform at,
our label ran an opening mic night known as The Listening
for over three years at The Truth Art Gallery downtown. We
gave our artists a way to give back to Toledo, and we gave
Toledo a way to be heard and network within the music scene.
Most of the crews that were in existence from 2008 to 2011
would usually spend their weekends at our event, and we
would in turn be apart of their events around the city.
With people like D.J. Lyte N Rod, D.J. Keith Success, J.
Roc, Kaj, Martini, Kausion, Lou and many more acting as
intermediaries between all of the various collectives… my
company and others actually formed a vibrant musical scene
in this city two years ago.
Mentioning that my company was a part of that isn’t a pat on
the back, I’m not saying we were the best. But it’s true,
U.G.E. and our artists at the time were just as much a part
of the scene as anyone else.
I guess that’s the most important element of any piece I
write about local entertainment.
I’m not a critic, I’m a participant.
Most nights I’m producing a track for one of my artists, or
emailing songs to a contact we have in another city trying
to get a placement.
My partner is at his house doing the same.
We spend our time developing our artists, looking for
investors to go the indie route or revising our strategy to
get a situation with a major.
We spend our time recording our acts, networking with people
for shows, rehearsing or creating content or promoting…
trying to get one step closer.
So just like many of you reading this, I’m in this grind as
well.
Struggling to pay bills, looking for a good 9 to 5 so I can
avoid starving while I chase this dream and trying to put
the right pieces of the puzzle together for success.
I have never done a feature story or review on any of my
artists.
But I don’t mind sharing with readers that I’m pursuing a
career in the music industry because it shows them that I’m
standing shoulder to shoulder with them…I understand them.
Whoever you are reading this right now, if you see yourself
earning a living in the music industry and you spend most of
your waking moments working towards that goal… then you and
I are one in the same.
So when I look at Toledo, Ohio and notice the music scene
changing, I owe it to all of us to write about it especially
since it affects me just as it does you.
There’s so many ways to approach this business.
For U.G.E., I know my partner and are thinking outside the
box.
Since we make R&B, ballads, club rap, hip-hop, neo soul,
etc. we have always wanted to get placements in film, TV and
video games as well as produce songs in those various genres
for artists. That’s partly why our local prominence has
declined, its simply we don’t focus on having a presence
here as much as we did two years ago.
I can think of two other local label owners I know who have
switched up their game plan as well, so as we all think more
global we seem to be thinking less local.
But there’s still plenty of people making noise and holding
it down for the 419.
A couple locally based music producers have had success
getting their tracks placed with major artists or on top
rated T.V. shows recently, and they inspire me and my
partner to keep pushing. So there’s still a lot we can be
proud of.
I’m not sure if Toledo’s music scene is in a decline or not.
But for my part in it, we have had to re-prioritize.
Making music is the purest expression I know of next to
love.
Creating a song and perfecting it and then putting it where
people can access and appreciate it… really, there is no
higher joy for me professionally or artistically.
But I know other producers/artists/etc feel me when I say…
If it doesn’t start making money soon, it will start seeming
more like a foolish pursuit than a worthwhile investment.
Whatever goals you have in music or entertainment, give
yourself a quick gut check.
I tell our artists the same thing.
If you aren’t spending at least two hours a week on it,
you’re NOT serious and you probably are just deeply
INTERSTED in music but it’s not something you have a deep
yearning to achieve.
But if you need this like I need it…
If you feel like I feel…
I’m ready to make the kind of progress that lets me know
this is real and dreams do come true.
I’m ready to make it happen, just like you.
Peace.
Email or Facebook Search:
glasscitytruth@yahoo.com
(shout out wall music, audio dream, 4MK… I see y'all)
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