Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Ellis.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I was younger I was always burning CDs and mixtapes for friends. I was almost obsessed with finding the newest music, the underground band or artist, the rare b-sides. It was just something I had to share with my friends. After years of doing that, a friend of mine said to me “You love sharing music with people. Why don’t you try DJ’ing?” That friend changed my life forever. I dove headfirst into learning every technique I could in order to share music on a live platform. It’s propelled me to play at some of the most popular clubs in Dallas (Lizard Lounge, Beauty Bar, The Green Elephant).
After a few years of DJing, I decided that I wanted to make my OWN music. You can’t become successful by essentially being a cover band. I followed the same plan with producing that I did with DJing. I dove head first into different techniques and practices that would allow me to express my creativity. Doing that has allowed me to have 7 releases on three different labels in under 12 months.
Currently, I’m running A&R for Flunked Records and I’m using this platform to go back to my original passion that started it all. I get to share new music from underground artists with my friends.
Has it been a smooth road?
Oh, it’s been an incredibly bumpy road. From rejection to heroin-addicted ex-girlfriends, having a child, raising that child on my own after his mother left, and balancing my small family, professional life and artistic life. It hasn’t been easy at all but the friends and memories I’ve made help push me forward.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The business I do run is Flunked Records. We’re an independent House music label. I run the A&R for it. The thing I’m most proud of is the music that we have been putting ours. Our roster has more than doubled since launch and EVERYBODY is crazy talented. The thing that sets us apart is that we are about the community more than the charts. We love to have good events with positive vibes associated with our name at Flunked.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Oh absolutely! Some of the most slept on talent is in Dallas. I would definitely recommend Dallas to any potential artists.
Contact Info:
- Website: Flunkedrecords.com
- Email: demos@flunkedrecords.com
- Instagram: @i_am_little_human
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Littlehumanmusic
- Twitter: Twitter.com/littlehumantx
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.
