Today we’d like to introduce you to Remon Johnson.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Growing up I was a quiet, reserved kid. I was the young kid with the old soul; wise beyond my years. Although I’ve always been an introvert, I was always active, creative and enterprising. Whenever there was cipher going on at school, I was in the middle of it; I wrote songs, I drew pictures, played the saxophone, anything I could do to express myself. I played football, basketball, baseball and did martial arts. I would pretty much sell anything I got my hands on. I was really determined to rise above my environment and not fall victim to all the traps this world has for young black men. So staying busy kept me out of trouble.
I’ve been on the scene here in Dallas since about 2008. I started out as a rapper, making music and performing at showcases around the city. As I got moving, I noticed there wasn’t any platforms or outlets in the city that supported local/underground/independent artists. I also noticed most of the platforms that did exist and mainstream media outlets that did cover urban culture seemed to pump the most negative images of the culture. So, in February 2009 I launched the THEURBANADVOCATE.COM, a website that was designed to support and promote what I considered to be the newest and brightest talent in music, art, style, and entertainment. I also used the platform to create a space for businesses and events to be introduced to the uninformed and give a spotlight to community organizations, leaders and activists who help raise social awareness and consciousness of the people. From the beginning, I had a goal to get involved in radio, TV, film, business, charity and event planning/promotions. The Urban Advocate gave me the opportunity to get involved in all of the above on some level or another.
I became a co-host of The Vincent Tucker Radio Show, a syndicated online broadcast that has won 19 awards over the years. I became the manager of the Anger Room, a company that has been featured on just about every major media outlet. (I would be remiss if I neglected to say rest in peace to the founder, Donna Alexander, and I would like to send love and light to her two children JJ and Jayla.) I became a promotional partner for Comedian Q’s We Got Next Comedy Series with Quality Events Dallas, HC3 Enterprises and DJ Spinderella. I have an annual Thanksgiving Drive, MBK Dallas: Feed the Homeless Drive, that feeds homeless and low-income citizens in the South Dallas area with the support of our promotional partners Radio One Dallas (97.9 The Beat and Majic 94.5). There’s so much more, but this is just a brief history lesson.
In my lifetime, there have been many trials and tribulations. I’ve struggled, I’ve lost a lot of sleep, I’ve cried and I’ve been in situations where I could’ve died. But, my faith in God and the mission I believe He gave me has kept going.
Please tell us about your art.
I think the thing I’m most known for my video work. More recently, I’ve been producing a short film series entitled Devil’s Town. It’s a story about Gabriail, a man on the road to redemption who’s being forced to confront demons from his past; things that he’s kept hidden behind a mask for so long are now starting to haunt him. Also, while he’s on this path he’s being forced to make decisions that put his business, his relationships and his friendships to the test. The Call and Olympus Has Fallen, the first two installments in the series are available now. We are in pre-production for Part Three now, and we plan to go into production later this summer.
I have another short film I’m developing now and definitely have plans to do more in the near future. I want to tell stories that reflect real life. Some will have happy endings, some won’t, but the stories will be real.
Just like with everything I do, it’s done for the purpose of entertaining, enlightening and inspiring. So whether I’m doing music, radio, film or whatever, it’s all done with at least one of those purposes in mind.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I believe the role of the artist today is what it has always been. Some artists provide commentary for what’s going on in the world; some provide a momentary escape from what’s going on in the world and others are here to inspire change in the world. I don’t think that has changed. I also don’t believe either role is more important than another; they’re all necessary.
I always strive to stay in tune with what’s going on around me and weave those things into my art. Whether the goal is to hold a mirror up and encourage people to take a deep, long look at themselves or encouraging people to be a catalyst for change. I try not to be preachy, but I do try to be a voice of reason and righteousness.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
If people would like to support anything I do, be sure to stay tuned to The Urban Advocate, as most of what I do can be seen there. There’s a lot of things in the works and announcements will more than likely be revealed on the website or through my social media outlets.
Part One and Part Two of Devil’s Town can be seen at www.aangelproductions.com.
I work with artists, charities, events, and businesses who need promotional videos so people can also reach out to me for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theurbanadvocate.com
- Email: remon@theurbanadvocate.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/urbanadvocate
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theurbanadvocate
Image Credit:
Louis DeLuca
Quentin Shaw
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
