Today we’d like to introduce you to Dtown Ice.
Hi Dtown , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started writing at around 7 years old. My Pops was a Dj and artist himself so I have been around music forever. From cookouts to Bar Mitzvah to weddings, versatility was not only embraced but encouraged. Pops refused to allow us to be put into a box. So initially, creating my own music was a hobby used to express my observations of the world. Who can better explain my life better than me. Being able to actually carry a flow made it sound good. I have some videos of songs I made when I was 12 on the internet for the hardcore supporters to search for lol we not new to this we true to this.
In middle school I met my brother Ced. He and his brother Ej were already recording music at home using Audacity. Once I learned how to use that, it was over. I put Audacity on the family laptop and got to going. My Pops having instrumental cds made it easy. Then he showed me soundclick, think beatstars of the early 2000s. I really only released music to soundcloud during the great 2016 because of family and friends asking to listen and I got tired of sending people songs individually.
I played around on Audacity making and releasing okay sounding music on soundcloud until college when covid hit. Made a few plays and bought my own home studio and StudioOne has been my baby ever since.
After putting acouple of songs out with better mixes, my cousin Kendrick (Streamer BTW that goes by WarrbuckzMadness) connected me with my Cousin Quarter K. After a few conversations and songs, we made YesYes in something a little more legit with logos slogans and early merchandise.
6 Years later we have multiple projects out together and solo, independently we made it so you can find us on all platfoms. We also have A “One Stop Shop” website where fans can connect with us, purchase merch and music directly from us.
Currently Currently, I will be hosting my second annual Dtown Cookout on July 18th. A free event meant to bring people together and mix fanbases to bring back the community I remember coming up with in the early 2000s.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been smooth lol. The toughest part is realizing the idea is the easiest part of the entire process. How do you actually make the money from the idea? How do you execute the idea? How do you get it in front of people. Once you get it in front of people, how do you get them to care? The answers there are different for everybody.
Then the next part is money. I dont know about everyone else but I came up broke and while I aint downbad, the prices that have been put on the cost to create are outrageous. In many cases, artist are expected to receive a fraction of what they are worth simply because they are “unknown”. The industry has made flexing and amount spent on a promotion a standard that indicates status so the more spent on something is a metric used for quality. Making it tougher to stand out organically.
Im just here to create and bring people together. But industry politics feel like game of thrones on every level from what I am seeing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I mainly make music. Hip Hop being the base but I experiment with crosses like country (I’m from Texas after all), R&B, Pop and other sounds.
I specialize in Highway music. Thought provoking music you listen to as you drive with the windows down. I’m real eclectic so i genre hop alot. I can guarantee I have at least 1 song to fit everyone but those that love Texas flavored hiphop will be in for a treat.
I’m most proud that we have had to build YesYes without any handouts or sponsorships so far. I am big on integrity so I will figure it out on my own before I go somewhere or interact with someone that will have me questioning actions.
While progress is slower than what some of our supporters believe it should be. It’s better to be in control of your art than to comprise your integrity for clicks. We are direct to consumer and being able to connect with our supporters directly is especially important.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
For me, you don’t really find a mentor. They are placed in you life. Archie Red, who I would consider my current mentor. Was brought in by my Pops when we were younger as a mentee turned brother. I watched them during their independent music grind and now that I can’t lean upon my Pops for advice, I get the same game from someone as close to the source as I could get. Not to mention how his pivot into streaming has gave a whole lot of insight on being able to switch gears but stay on mission. Most people probably already have a mentor but don’t realize the relationship. Those that want the best for your regardless of the path you choose. Go to them for advise, they will be able to help you sort your thoughts.
As far as networking. Get out your comfort zone. I have alot of introverted tendencies and sometimes you have to just do it. Get out there, talk to people. Go to showcases, artist events and get your name and face out. Go out with the intent of meeting just one person to add to the movement. That eventually grows into more and more support. As you interact with people, you eventually find people with similar energy. Like minded people make the best teams.
Pricing:
- Mobile Studio – $50/ Hour
- Features – Free (Just send the song)
- Mixing/Mastering – $15/song
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yesyes-ent-shop.fourthwall.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtown_brown1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaiah.brown.593348
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwnhgGr-gj9hWF1T6Eym_Tg
- Other: https://linktr.ee/yesyesent
