Event Recap: Made In The DMV

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The Made in the DMV conference was a huge success. The rain and heavy winds Saturday were not enough to keep the hungry and focused artists, management companies and media professionals of the DMV from coming out to receive pointers in the key elements of truly making it in a fickle and ever changing music industry.

One segment with a panel of experienced and knowledgeable media gurus such as the area’s very own DJ Heat of WKYS 95.5 FM and MTV and Revolt representatives Tuma Basa and Rob Markman enlightened an eager audience on how to impress and catch the attention of the record labels that hold the opportunities the thriving artist so desperately seeks. A common thread discussed among the panelists was a need for humility and professionalism when presenting a body of work. Other pointers were acceptance and utilization of constructive criticism, exerting full passion into your mission and realizing when you are ready for certain platforms and when you might need just a little more work.

The networking opportunities were near perfection. Many power players of the DMV were present. Whether invited as a panelists, administration or guest the information derived was useful and if executed properly, possibly life changing.

After a brief midday intermission attendees reconvened at Café Asia in Northwest. Artists who had previously auditioned and were selected as the cream of the crop had the chance to perform in front of selected panelists and receive the criticism and feedback many wish they could receive immediately after a set. The teaching continued but the underlying message was that of genuine concern and care that these artists continue on to chase and catch their dreams.

There were producers and artists alike presenting their best sounds and the audience received them with positivity and respect. A particularly talented performer was a dude by the name of Brain Rapp. He had the crowd turned up with a smooth retro New York cadence over a bass heavy beat. His call and response went off without a hitch and he left the crowd wanting more.

As if these talented individuals weren’t enough some of our familiar and favorite artists graced the stage with hype performances that changed the tides from contest to full on concert. Gordo Brega stopped through with his (Migos With Attitude) Nino Rubirosa and Hollywood and gave the audience that dope rap with that latin flavor we have grown to crave. Fatz Da Big Fella commanded attendees with lyrics and swag as big as his stature. Pinky Killacorn had everyone grooving and shouting “Hol Uup”. Lyquin spit some fire from his new dope mixtape “2 Sides 2 a Story” and Laelo provided an energy and a sound that reminded us just where we were and why we are so proud to be here. Most performers utilized the drummer and keyboardist present. To the sheer delight of a DMV crowd their already awesome sound was laid perfectly over a freshly made Go Go beat.

Big thanks to Will Rap For Food, I Got It For Free, Think Brown Ink and all the other contributors and organizers of this event. It is exactly what the artists of the DMV needed…guidance, encouragement and care.

By: Ambre MzGreenEyez Tomlinson (@MissGreenEyez)

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