Son of A Local Legend in Austin, TX

Kelly Hancock – aka Born Soul – is a native of Austin, TX. His dad is a local legend and was lead singer of the group “The Satellites” during the late 60s and 70s. The Satellites were contracted to perform huge gigs for local military bases in Austin, Killeen, and other surrounding cities in Texas.

Hancock came up with the name Born Soul due to being born with a lot of talent musically, rhythm, and knowledge of music. Currently, he is a hip-hop recording artist, producer and engineer.

“Because I dont play (I can’t play) piano, keys, etc..fluently, my niche is producing records by ear,” Born Soul says. “I know what sounds Im looking for, and I know what does and doesn’t sound good.”

In the Beginning…

He started playing music in college, as a DJ, djing college parties, birthdays, etc. Born Soul was a self-described “Dirty Backpack” head who was influenced and inspired by A Tribe Called Quest, Souls of Mischief, Del the Funky Homosapien, and Outkast to name a few.

“As a DJ, I always use to rhyme with the MCs on the records and realize I could write my own lyrics,” Born Soul says. “I bought a small beat machine, 5 second sampler, and a 4-track recorder and recorded several demos. And this time, I knew I had something.”

When he graduated college, he started playing a demo for one of his co-workers at his job. While it was playing, an interested listener – now his business partner – asked Born if he thought about actually recording a record.

“He paid for my studio time and encouraged me to take what I had to the next level,” Born Soul says. “Him and my college buddy (both my business partners) have inspired me to keep recording music.”

Why Do You Like Working with Afton?

Born Soul likes working with Afton due to the venues we book. “This alone motivates an artist like myself to bring a draw to the the show because you know the music is going to sound great,” Born Soul says.

“I also like that Afton pushes artist to sell tickets,” he continues. “This gives that experience on how to promote yourself as an artist, and gives you a clear perspective who actually knows you as an artist, and who is willing to invest in order to be entertained by you as an artist.”

5 Questions with Born Soul

Q: If you could play a show with any artist or band, living or dead, who would it be? Why?
Born Soul: Outkast. Because they mesh with the type of show I like to bring to the table musically and stage presence wise.

Q: What’s one of the craziest things that has happened since you became a musician/artist?
Born Soul: The craziest situation that has happen was I literally did 52 regional shows in 6 months. That was crazy and tiresome but fun.

Q: Do you have any pre-show rituals before taking the stage? What do you do after a show?
Born Soul: Pre-show I eat a huge bowl of watermelon. This keep me from feeling sluggish during the slow, and it hydrates me.

Q: What advice would you give to a young artist just starting out?
Born Soul: My advice to young artists would be to have a steady 9-to-5 job so income wont be an issue. You can then use you own money to invest in yourself as an artist. Also, focus on your product. Without a quality product, you have nothing to promote.

Q: What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as an artist?
Born Soul: One of my biggest lessons I’ve learn is you have to have presence online as an artist, people have to be able to find you quickly. No presence means you don’t exist.

Check Out Born Soul Online

Website: www.bornsoulmusic.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bornsoulmusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bornsoul1/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BornSoul
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/born-soul
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBQ6As4C62G2-FUl5DIZG_
Music: http://www.hiphoffeehouse.com/
Bandcamp: https://bornsoul.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1YtZ2x2FtVqKCrVxom7Ysq

Other Resources

Afton Summer Mixtape:

Afton Artist Album Review: Longanimity

The post Afton Emerging Artist: Born Soul appeared first on Afton.

Strong Love for the West Coast Vibes

Born May 26, 1987, the Atlanta, GA native Jeffrey Mathis went by J Math for awhile until he changed his name professionally to Juss Smoke in 2018.

“Juss Smoke” was born in Los Angeles, California due to his Strong Love & admiration for west coast vibes especially from artists like NWA, Wiz Khalifa, TGOD, Snoop Dogg, Berner, Sugar Free, DJ Quick, MC8.

Breezing Through It

“Everybody that meets me wants to know why I choose my artist name & it was simple to me,” Juss says. “Not just the fact that I believe marijuana has a lot more positive benefits for use than negative ones.”

“But I also believe in consummating any task to the best of my ability & breezing through it to achieve my next goal. Which is why I coined the phrase in my music ‘I’m bout to breeze through another one’ kinda like my tag on my music.”

Pleasure to Burn and Smoke God

In 2018 he released my EP, “Pleasure To Burn” on all major digital music platforms like Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, etc.

The hit single on that album was “Reckless” which a lot of people seem to enjoy, according to Juss.

LegionBeats & Producer Cosmo from Taylor Gang (TGOD) based in California, got wind of his music & let Juss Smoke lease some of their beats to record his album “Smoke God”, which dropped on Valentine’s Day of 2019.

Some of the smash hits on “Smoke God” are “Hallucinations”, “Jet Life”, & “Get Loose”.

The Sounds Going Off in His Mind

“Music has always been apart of my life”, says Juss. “I mean I always have sounds going off in my mind no matter where I am or what I’m doing it’s weird but true. I play Hip-Hop/R&B/Pop/Soul music because I grew up listening mostly to these types of vibes,” Juss Smoke explains of his musical approach and style.

“I either write about things I personally experience in my life or things I see others go through & generally the tracks fall in one of those categories. I am learning however to play the guitar so hopefully soon I can add that into my act.”

The Inspiration to Keep Going

Juss Smoke started playing the drums in high school band in 10th grade at Highpoint High in Maryland.

Upon graduation in 06, he was trying to find his way through the maze of life. By 2011, Juss Smoke found himself living out of his car when started writing music for what would become, “N My Zone” in 2012.

“After being scammed dealing with my music I decided to shut everything down & stopped pursuing my dream of being a musician,” Juss says.

“2018 rolls around & I hear a song – which I won’t mention for the sake of beef with this individual – but it spoke to me like a subliminal message & then out of nowhere I just started writing music again.” That music would become the songs for his EP and album “Smoke God”.

“I feel what truly inspires me to keep going is the love I have for music,” he says. “I mean hearing the right sounds come together can be very powerful.”

What’s Next and How Can Afton Help?

“Afton offers great opportunities for indie artist to obtain shows & gain knowledge of the music industry,” Juss says. “I decided to try out their platform of tours & showcases they offer.”

“Really I have no idea where I see myself three years from now,” he says. “Honestly I live my life day-by-day because you never know. Tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us.”

“I dream as if I’m going to live forever & live as if I won’t see tomorrow. I’m sure Afton will create more opportunities for artists such as myself to advance my career in music. What in fact, time will tell us.”

Follow Born Soul:

http://www.jusssmoke.com
Twitter: @Juss_Smoke_1
Facebook: @JussSmoke

ALSO check him out on the Afton Shows ‘Emerging Afton Artists’ playlist here:

The post Afton Emerging Artist: Juss Smoke appeared first on Afton.

From Two Radios to Writing His Own Raps

Hailing from Charlotte, NC, Bonnette Da Bandit started writing raps in 1996 at the age of 14 or 15. He started out recording on tape using two radios. By the end of the year, he upgraded to a keyboard and a mic hanging from the ceiling. Da Bandit recorded digitally for the first time in 2003 at a co-workers’ house. He made a little mixtape at his cousin’s house in 2005. Seeing exactly what he needed to have in his own setup; he bought his first PC in 2006, and the rest is history.

God, Family & Life

His inspirations are God, Family & Life. When he first starting writing raps he was inspired by the material things he saw on T.V., because, in his own words, he was “a gullible kid”. Now he’s inspired by getting a publishing and streaming check. He also wants to create 24 hours of music before he dies.

Why Afton?

Da Bandit enjoys using Afton Shows for the exposure. Afton gets him off the PC for the only reason he wants to be off the PC.

“Afton Shows also has online promotion tools I can use for free,” he says, “Afton Shows cuts a check; recognizing that the ticket hustle isn’t easy.”

Where does he see himself in three years? “I’m not psychic,” he says, “The rap game is so constipated, I just hope to be making some money at whatever Im doing.”

“Genre is Not For Me”

When it comes to explaining his genre Da Bandit says, “I just rap. I started out writing short stories & crazy poems about society and people. Sad to say a poet doesn’t get glorified as well as a rapper. I can’t sing or at least I don’t sound good singing. I don’t need a lot of equipment to write rhymes. Poverty, weed, and dreams seem to be the culprit.”

Follow Bonnette Da Bandit online:

http://www.bnet803.com

Bandcamp @ https://bonnettedabandit.bandcamp.com/music

Twitter @ bnet803

Facebook @ BnetBonnetteDaBandit

Instagram @ bonnette803 @bnet803 @bnet803bandit

SoundCloud @ bonnette-da-bandit

Spotify:

Youtube:

ALSO check them out on the Afton Shows ‘Emerging Afton Artists’ playlist here:

The post Afton Emerging Artist: Bonnette Da Bandit appeared first on Afton.

Get to know Cleveland based group “Tassel Gang” in this weeks Emerging Artist series!

The post Afton Emerging Artist: Tassel Gang appeared first on Afton.

The 29-year old Montreal native B-Floss (born Biondy Benoit) hails from the streets of Rosemount. He’s a charismatic self-proclaimed up and coming rapper with a velvety smooth lyrical flow.

Rap music is his forte and he aims to deliver tracks that will arouse your senses and peak your interest.

Influenced by the likes of the late great 2 Pac and the chart topping Biggie Smalls, B-Floss remains true to the craft while carving out a style of his own. He describes his music as “feel good music”.

“I want to be known for making music that people everywhere can relate to and most of all enjoy”.

B-Floss is currently performing locally at various venues around Montreal with the goal of building the foundation for a solid fan base.

He plans on taking the music industry by storm with the release of his mix tape due out later this year. The mix tape will be comprised of 12-15 tracks displaying an array of sounds ranging from hardcore and edgy to smooth and conscious.

Being the dedicated connoisseur of music that he is he promises to fully engage himself on every record. Three years ago due to the positive feedback and encouragement from family and friends B-Floss made the decision to turn his passion for music into a career.

After spending countless days and nights in the studio perfecting his sound and doing the work necessary to make his dream a reality he’s ready to unleash his talent.

B-Floss has hopes of someday breaking all barriers with his music and eventually tapping into the international market.

“Once I get myself off the ground here in Montreal, I want to start booking shows all over Canada and the US”.

With the entertainment industry being tough to infiltrate B-Floss stays grounded by the pursuit of his dream.

He knows that he has a long road ahead of him to become the true definition of the star that he aspires to be but he sincerely believes that hard work and dedication will pave the way to success.

https://bfloss.hearnow.com

The post Afton Emerging Artist: BFloss appeared first on Afton.

Gett to know another amazing Emerging Artist from the Delaware area: Base Yung!

The post Afton Emerging Artist: Base Yung appeared first on Afton.

This summer we ran contests for our active artists! We just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who participated, and let you know that we have a lot more where these came from! On that note, we wanted to recognize our winners and share a little more about them:

Born Soul

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Born-Soul/524474961009386

www.reverbnation.com/bornsoul

www.soundcloud.com/born-soul

Afton Shows contacted me to perform on several occasions, which at the time, I was in process of upgrading my recording systems and was not ready for live performances. I FINALLY agreed with Afton to perform July 10, 2018, promoted the show, and sold tickets. My draw to the show was 20 (plus the people that came in off the street after hearing my music blaring from the venue speakers). I was able to video my performance which helped me receive an invite to my FIRST music festival which has a draw of roughly 1,500 – 2,000 people.

Afton provided all the tools necessary to be successful promoting your show. I gain so many new fans from this show as well as followers through my social media which plays a huge part in your music presence as an artist. The Booking Representative at Afton stressed, “If all the artist do their part, the show will be a success”, and it was just that, A SUCCESS. That tip I received was golden. People came to the show early and never left.

Thanks Afton for providing a platform for up and coming artist to perform on a professional level.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Li66y JayPeso Talibanfels

soundcloud.com/josaiah-p-fraser

Afton really helped me get the feeling of taking the next big step towards me being the artist I believe I can be. I booked my first show with afton and only sold a few tickets. Due to my music having so much energy and feel it still had the crowd going insane. Afton’s shows and promotion really goes a long way because ever since I did my first show with them I got a chance to network with other people who were also doing shows that liked my music and got more traffic on my social media.

Plus at the show I met someone under power 105.1 and it made me realize that off of this one show I met so many various new artists and connects in the music world. Afton even made the whole process easy for me. From booking the show , selling the tickets (offline and online), getting the tickets printed or ordered, promotion, what you need to bring , down to the point. To be honest with afton all you need to do is book, sell tickets, and show up!!. Can’t get a better process than that. See you guys again!!!

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Richie Manzo

myspace.com/richiemanzo

My name is Richie Manzo and Afton has helped me tremendously in my music career. Before Afton, I was just playing guitar in my room playing covers and some originals. As soon as I got that message they wanted to book me, everything changed. That first show at The Orpheum in Tampa, Florida, sparked a fire that pushed me to produce my first album. Playing that very first show was a feeling that I could only dream of.

The place was packed and as I played my set, the feedback from the crowd was incredible. That night I did signings, took pictures with fans and sold half of my CD’s. It changed me as a musician and since then, I have had the opportunity to play with nationally acclaimed artists and do many more shows. Working with Afton has been a dream. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be nearly as far in my music career as I am.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Check back in for more contests in the coming months and more opportunities to learn from Afton Artists!

The post Afton Summer Contest Winners appeared first on Afton.

We got a chance to catch up with one of our young and bright upcoming stars: Vudu! We asked them to tell us a little about themself, how they got started, and where they are going with all of it. Here is what they had to say:

– Tell us a little about yourself 

– When did you start playing music?

– What inspires you the most to keep going?

– Where do you see yourself in 3 years and how can Afton help you get there? 

Be sure to give VUDU a listen and stay tuned for future Emerging Artists!

The post Afton Emerging Artist: Vudu appeared first on Afton.

Check it out here!

The post Shorty Mack gets a shout out for their Afton Show! appeared first on Afton.

Sam Sullivan is one of the talented emerging artists that Afton has booked in Salt Lake City, UT. She’s only 16 and has a lot to say about why creating meaningful music is so important. We’re so happy to provide booking opportunities, resources, and support for unsigned artists! Every major artist that you listen to started out as a local act. So it’s important to help cultivate local artists because they really are the ground floor of the music industry.

Congrats to Sam Sullivan for scoring some good press and for working hard to make a name for herself! We love it when we see a strong, creative, female musician take charge and get noticed.

Read the full article here:

https://www.parkrecord.com/entertainment/park-city-musician-16-continues-to-hone-her-craft/

Follow her on Facebook and Reverbnation!

Where are our other talented female artists? If you’ve gotten some good press lately please share in the comments!

Check back in for more emerging artists features soon!

The post Afton Emerging Artist: Sam Sullivan appeared first on Afton.