Thursday, June 18, 2020

@SeanOatz Named Program Director of Cleveland Backline & Offers $20,000 Grant for Indie Artist

Backline Musician Program Hires Cleveland Director, Announces Inaugural Program The program which also provides $20,000 grants began accepting applications CLEVELAND, OH– Backline, a free, grant-based musician accelerator program launched in Cleveland this week. Backline Cleveland will coach, connect, and provide $20,000 in grant funding to each of the four artists who are selected from a rigorous application, audition and interview process. Backline’s goal is to help emerging artists from the local community increase their chances of “breaking out,” and to further put Cleveland on the map for top musical talent. Backline was founded in Milwaukee in 2018 by 88Nine Radio Milwaukee and gener8tor and has since expanded to Detroit and now Cleveland. Backline was named one of Fast Company’s “10 Most Innovative Music Companies of 2020.” Sean Oatz (“Oatz”) has been hired by gener8tor to lead Backline Cleveland. Oatz’s deep roots in the Cleveland music scene include serving as the talent manager for Cleveland musicians Lil Cray, Dj Ky, YFL Kelvin, Luis Armando and Congrez. Oatz was also a promoter at Rumor nightclub. “Working with music industry executive and record label owner Leonard Brooks, I became a very well-rounded artist manager,” said Oatz. “The job as the Director of Backline Cleveland is a perfect fit, as it allows me to do what I already love; impact artists’ careers and help them become a breakthrough artist.” “We are thrilled to have Oatz leading the Backline Cleveland program,” said Abby Taubner, partner at gener8tor. “It’s clear that Oatz has a deep network and has gained immense respect from the music community in Cleveland, and we can’t wait for him to further support that community through the Backline program.” Backline will run one annual 12-week accelerator program in Cleveland beginning this fall. Cleveland-area artists can apply now at www.backlinemusic.com/apply. Although the process to be selected is competitive, it is also designed to be enriching. Local musicians who apply will have their music heard by national industry leaders who are tapped to help judge the applications and select the participants. Beyond working with just four artists in the program itself, Backline will also offer the broader Cleveland music community free office hours with program director Oatz, and free quarterly workshops open to the public. To kick off Backline’s engagement in Cleveland, a free, virtual “Emergency Response Program” will be made available to any creatives struggling with the effects of COVID-19. The program will last one week, and consist of three webinars aimed at understanding local resources that may be helpful at this time. One-on-one office hours will also be made available to participants. Sign up at https://www.gener8tor.com/emergency-response-program/cleveland. Backline Cleveland is funded by the City of Cleveland and The Finch Group, both of which also sponsor gener8tor’s pre-accelerator startup program gBETA in Cleveland. Both gBETA and Backline run out of Glenville CircleNorth, a new development built as part of Mayor Jackson’s Neighborhood Transformation Initiative. For more information and to sign up for Backline Cleveland’s mailing list, visit https://backlinemusic.com/cleveland. ### About The Finch Group www.thefinchgroup.com The Finch Group (TFG) is a full service, vertically integrated real estate firm with 30+ years of hands on experience in asset management, consulting, developing, rehabilitating, marketing and managing multifamily residential, commercial, hotel and mixed-use properties. About gener8tor www.gener8tor.com gener8tor’s turnkey platform for the creative economy connects startup founders, musicians, artists, investors, universities and corporations. The gener8tor platform includes pre-accelerators, accelerators, corporate programming, conferences and fellowships. About Backline www.backlinemusic.com Backline's 12-week grant accelerator program provides coaching, mentoring, industry networking, and grants to cohorts of three or four musicians and/or bands. Each participant of the program receives a $20,000 budget grant. The Backline program is free to artists and takes no residuals, royalties, or revenue share. Musicians and bands of any genre may apply. A panel of local and national music industry professionals interview and select the participants. Backline also hosts free quarterly workshops open to the public. Backline is a partnership by gener8tor and 88Nine Radio Milwaukee.

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

StaySolidRocky [Video] Party Girl

Trey Lew @TreyLew3 [Audio] Show You The Way

Most know Trey Lewis as a professional athlete but soon the world will come to know, "Trey Lew" the artist. Trey Lew is a Christian, Hip Hop artist from Cleveland, Ohio. He recently announced to the world of his new musical endeavor by releasing a freestyle tribute to the late great Nipsey Hussle, entitled, "Blue Laces Freestyle." Trey Lew's love for music is just as strong as it is for the love of the game of basketball. As far as he could remember he's been singing and rapping but never took the talent as serious as his training. Some of his earliest memories of were influenced by his father who introduced him Hip-Hop Legends such as, Public Enemy, KRS-1and NAS. Later adding to the list Lil Wayne and Cassidy. The work never ends for this multi-faceted individual, stepping off of the court, and into the studio; writing and recording lyrics full of colorful metaphoric language and positive messages. His authentic style is versatile, with the ability to seamlessly move back and forth between rapping and singing, all while the context of his message remains the same, motivating and tasteful. Summer 2020, Trey Lew will release his first mixtape entitled, "Through the Storm", which will feature the two original tracks, "Show You The Way" and "Dear Kobe". He is currently in the studio with plans to release his first album Winter 2020. To those who try to box him in to only pursue basketball , he has this to say, "The thing you fail at but you can't put it down, that's for you," says Trey Lew. "Music and Basketball, just go together!"

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Ty Bri @TyBrinkss [Video] Gimme Sum Money

Today, 22-year old Cleveland rapper, Ty Bri releases the visual to her track “Gimme Sum Money.” Directed by Blaytr, the cinematic visual features Ty Bri living lavishly and getting her money. WATCH HERE Best known for her tracks “Bobbin” and “Candy Lady,” Ty Bri is quickly becoming a standout in the rising female rap scene. She has opened for acts like Wale, Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Baby on tour. She performed alongside Mulatto and Flo Milli for the “Girls Trap Too” tour earlier this year and has also been co-signed by Cardi B. She plans to release an upcoming project this year which will feature “Bobbin” and “Gimme Sum Money.” Watch “Gimme Sum Money”: https://TyBri.lnk.to/GimmieSumMoneyPR About Ty Bri: East Cleveland rapper Ty Bri first caught the public’s eye by making freestyle videos on Instagram. Her dope look and clever punchlines grew her popularity quickly making it hard to believe she just started rapping in 2016. While she compares herself to no other artists, Ty’s musical influences include Beyonce, Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill. She plans to change the stereotypes of female artists because her bars are for real. Ty Bri also enjoys giving back to her community and motivating young girls. She has even included the Shaw High School girls’ band and dancers in performances. Ty started to take over the Midwest when she remixed Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up,” which was later added into rotation on radio all over Ohio. She is also featured on “Cook” by DJ Ryan Wolf feat. RootaBang. Since performing at Z1079’s Summer Jam and White Out in 2018 and 2019, Ty Bri received early co signs from other female artists such as Trina, KashDoll and DreamDoll. Ty Bri is set to release an upcoming project this year which will feature her singles “Bobbin” and “Gimme Sum Money.”

Monday, April 6, 2020

Cardi B CoSigns Ty Bri's New Single "Bobbin"

Cardi B Tweets "This my Shit Right here!!! TY BRI!" Hip Hop A lister Cardi B. Acknowledged upcoming Cleveland artist, Ty Bri's new single Bobbin via Twitter this week.Cardi B is best known for her breakout single, "Bodak Yellow," and debut album "Invasion of Privacy" going Multi-Platinum. Cardi B and Ty Bri were spotted in a NYC studio in 2019 via Instagram. The single is quickly becoming a favorite with the ladies. East Cleveland rapper Ty Bri first caught the public’s eye by making freestyle videos on Instagram. Her dope look and clever punchlines grew her popularity quickly making it hard to believe she just started rapping in 2016. The video for her single “Candy Lady”, directed by Rich Productions, reached over 200,000 views.Since performing at Z1079’s Summer Jam and White Out in 2018 Ty Bri has been getting early co signs from other female artists such as Trina, Kash Doll and Dream Doll. “Bobbin” is the second single off her upcoming project, “Sweet Lick.” Produced by Philly Ferrari. The single is now available on a digital streaming platforms. Keep up with Ty Bri on Instagram: @tystillcold For more information or interviews email tyra@starmusicmedia.com or heff@starmusicmedia.com Ty Bri - Bobbin Master2.mp3 Ty Bri - Bobbin Clean Master.mp3 Stream “Bobbin”: Youtube: https://youtu.be/x7hLxAwJaT4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4pdHBfarW1yQ12cOOo6apH