Anthony Tenacious Background

I’m Anthony Guy, My act name is Anthony Tenacious, I’m 33 years old, and i’m currently in Seattle. I can Play many instruments but the one of choice is the Drums. It allows you to express yourself in a way that most can understand without asking. I started at the age of 5. I took interest to it because out of all instruments it seemed like it would be the most simple to learn. It’s just banging on stuff.

7 Questions with Anthony tenacious

Who and what inspires you the most to keep going?

I’m pretty self motivated, but what keeps me going is the love to create. The want to hear other people and what they can create but most of all the need to show others that It’s possible to actually make a living doing what it is you like to do.

Have you played a show with Afton before?

I have done shows with Afton before, In Los Angeles. I did that show and only sold one ticket to an old friend. I’ve done many shows before. I’ve not had much experience with selling my own tickets usually someone else handles that part I just show up and perform. But it was fun connecting with other artist.

Where do you see yourself in 3 years?

Jumping around on stages all across the country.

What’s one of the craziest things that has happened since you became a musician/artist?

Forgetting where you parked that car after a show. Walking around for hours trying to find it. Eventually saying the hell with it taking an uber home and coming back later the next day to find it.

Do you have any pre-show rituals before taking the stage? What do you do after a show?

Staying calm and remaining focused.

What advice would you give to a young artist just starting out?

Just do it.

What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as an artist?

People will try their hardest to sabotage your success because they don’t like to see you doing better then them.

Where To Follow Anthony Tenacious

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Dre’Co Background

Myafton Emerging artist Dre’Co background: Real name- Andrae’Co Craig,Act name- Dre’Co, Home/Current City-St. Louis National Hip hop recording artist.

7 Questions With Dre’Co

What different genres have you performed in/ created music in? What are your favorites?

Performed in/created in-Rap, hip hop, r&b, popMy favorite to create in is rap and hip hop.

If you could have an band/artist produce an album for you who would it be? 

Producing an album for me I would have to say Martie Beatz in collaboration with Noah “40” Shebib, Wes Hill, and Boi1da.

Pre pandemic what places have you performed at? (States, cities, or venues?)

Pre pandemic I performed in venues in St.. Louis, Mo. namely Chaifetz Arena, .Zach theatre, The Pageant St. Louis, Lucas School House, Saint Louis University, Blank Space and St. Louis’ World’s Fair festival to name a few.

What is your favorite music related memory?

So far it’s performing one of my records at Chaifetz Arena. It’s one of the biggest venues to date and it inspired me to keep going so one day I will have a full concert there.

I hear you have a new album out. Can you let us know a little bit about the writing process and the recording process?

When it comes to writing it always starts with a conversation. Me, my producer Martie Beatz and usually my engineer Wes are always in the studio just…talking. Talking about life what we go through and what’s going on around us. That often inspires the music.

We love to build from the ground up so if they start cooking up I’m usually in the booth. Sometimes I write sometimes I don’t and just go in and record, it just depends on the vibe that day. The chemistry we have is really what’s needed to create organically and it helps  me to really lock in and provide truth that’s both potent and appealing to anyone who listens.

Did you get to work with any features on the album?

I did. I brought my homie Dria Stallings in to lay some vocals on a record. She’s a real dope singer and my producer Martie Beatz came in and laced a hook. He really is a genius! And I definitely had to bring the homie Asia Major in for this one. She’s on a song called Way Up and she is definitely one of the best singers that I’ve ever worked with to date.  But that was it I don’t really have a lot of features on my albums so far and when I do, I usually tap in with the top-tier talent that I’ve come to know personally.

Where can we find your latest album?

You can find it on all streaming platforms or wherever you listen to music. It’s literally everywhere! You can even go on Instagram or Facebook right now and type in my name, Dre’Co and the album Therapy Sessions and add add song to your story. It’s everywhere!

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Berg Redstar Background

Myafton Emerging artist: My name is Eric Louis aka Berg Redstar 38 yrs of age born in Chicago…home of the Gangster. I’m the C.E.O. of OTR RECORDZ. Which stands for only the real. Im also an artist whose been doing music for three years seriously. I started messing with the music when I was little. I say about 13.

9 Questions with Berg Redstar

Who and what inspires you the most to keep going?

My cuzzo Walter Louis is the one who made me give it a try and when he passed away last year I was locked in since.

Who and what inspires you the most to keep going?

My inspiration comes from my family, my kids, wife and my hood. I do it for them!

Have you played a show with Afton before? If so, what things did you enjoy about playing with Afton?

No, this will be my first show with you guys and I look forward to many more big paychecks.

Where do you see yourself in 3 years?

Label up and running, and being one of the hottest labels out in Hip/Hop with a few plaques under our belly and study elavating.

If you could play show with any artist or band, living or dead, who would it be? Why?

My band would have to be the one and only quest love fo my band. 2pac, Fbg Duck ,pop smoke, biggie, young thug, lil baby, EST GEE

The reason why is because all these individuals have authenticity, if that’s the word. All of them will push you to be great. Its like being on that hard with Michael Jordan you have no choice but to be great!

What’s one of the craziest things that has happened since you became a musician/artist?

My pop smoke feature and signing a girl booty cheeks lol.

Do you have any pre-show rituals before taking the stage? What do you do after a show?

Well before my shows I thank the creator for the many blessings and pray my fans feel every word can it’s all from heart no cap. But after the show, now that’s different its lit lit where the bootys where the drink za pack all the above except the booty because my baby aint going. So if you reading this I was just playing lol.

What advice would you give to a young artist just starting out?

My advice would be to anyone getting in this game is its cool to take criticism but always do it how you invasion it not no-one else dream but yours. So you can’t nobody can tell you what you dream now go make it happen.

What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as an artist?

If you gotta pay for something than nine times out of ten its not real because people who wanna see you win they done do it off the muscle.

Where to follow

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Dre’Co Background

MyAfton Emerging artist Dre’Co: Hip Hop recording artist/writer Andrae’Co Craig, but goes by the stage name Dre’Co. He is 31 years old and is from St. Louis, Mo.

9 Questions With Dre’Co

When did you start playing music and what inspired you to give it a try?

I Started to perform and record music as a hip hop artist going into college (freshman year). I was inspired by my grandmother who is a writer to stick with writing and that inspiration grew with opportunities to perform at college stepshows and talent shows.

Who and what inspires you the most to keep going?

My mom and grandmother inspire me to keep going and the urge to provide a withstanding legacy for future generations in my family. That continues to contribute to them financially.

Have you played a show with Afton before? If so, what things did you enjoy about playing with Afton?

Yeah, I played a show in St. Louis at Blank Space (shout out to Blankspace!) and I definitely enjoyed the promo materials I could use (specifically the Thermal Tickets) because it gave an official stamp for the concert.

Where do you see yourself in 3 years?

On tour! Financially free where my music is funding me and my family full time. A consistent monthly streaming of my music (100k or more).

If you could play show with any artist or band, living or dead, who would it be? Why?

I would definitely want to perform at a Dreamville festival because the music I make I feel resonates with the people there and I know the energy would be positive and organic! It would be dope to play a show with Drake, Jay Z or J Cole.

What’s one of the craziest things that has happened since you became a musician/artist?

Being able to perform at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Mo.

Do you have any pre-show rituals before taking the stage? What do you do after a show?

Pray. Definitely pray before and thank God after. I love to kick it with the homies and go eat after a show.

What advice would you give to a young artist just starting out?

Register your music, handle the business/paperwork before thinking about putting out a song. Read All About The Music Business 10th edition by Donald Passman.

What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as an artist?

Don’t over think a record. Feel the record. And know that music is meant to be given to the people, so don’t be selfish with it.

Dre’Co

Seen|Unseen by Dre’co iTunes

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APM Background

Myafton Emerging artist APM: What’s the deal, my name is Di’Marques and I go by the name of Aryes Praedo Marytymus, or APM for short. I’m 22 years old and I was born in Banning California, but now I’m loved to Austin Texas due to unforeseen circumstances. I can play most percussion instruments and I’m teaching myself piano and guitar at the moment. I want to be like the next Les Paul and be able to play anything I pick up because that’s just how much I love music.

When It All Started

I remember the very first time I tried to rap, I was about 9 or 10. It was in the summer and my uncles and aunts were staying with us along with their kids. My uncles had taken over the front room and turned it into a makeshift studio. That was the first time I got a glimpse at something that was bigger than life. CREATION! So I took that fire I had in my belly and wrote my first few bars. I gathered my courage and decided to show em to my cousins to get their opinions. Sadly, my cousins and my brother told me I was trash and I gave up on rapping.

Fast forward a few years and I joined the band in the 6th grade. I thought if I can’t sing or rap, at least I could learn to play an instrument. So I threw myself into percussion for the next 3 years until high school. I joined the football team and didn’t want to deal with marching band so I never signed back up. My music career would take a standstill for the next few years. The only thing musically I would do is occasionally I would freestyle over my favorite songs if I couldn’t remember the words. It was until the end of my junior year that I would take up rapping again. I had just missed an entire year of school but made a lot of friends and was generally happy. I was in a group chat on Lil with the closest of my friends and we would fuck round all the time saying dumb shyt.

The Brothers Approval

One day, they were typing up bars and sending them into the chat as they thought of em. So, I decided to try my hand at it and to my surprise, they loved it! They kept telling me to either be a rapper or a songwriter lol. But I assumed they were just hyping me up, so I showed my older brother, Dwayne, one of my songs and he held the same opinion I do. I remember he was like, “You wrote that?” I nodded, “Good shyt bro!” It was one of the happiest movements of my life and it paved the way for my journey up till now.

6 Questions With APM

Who and what inspires you the most to keep going?

I’d have to say the thing that pushes me forward is to rid myself of this ignorance and oppression we live in on a daily basis and when I achieve that I plan to take those who had my back along the way with me regardless of blood relation. 

Where do you see yourself in 3 years?

In three years I see myself in Japan. My career will have taken off and I would start traveling the world looking for inspiration everywhere. Starting with the suicide forest in Japan. I want to solve the worlds mysteries and share it with whoever will listen. It’s naht about the money, fame, or fortune. It’s about the journey to be free.

What’s one of the craziest things that has happened since you became a musician/artist?

Honestly what I think is the craziest thing to happen so far is, one day my brother called me, blowing up my phone. When I finally answered and asked him what, he told me he heard someone on GTA V online bumping my song “You”! It was amazing. Made me feel like my message was getting out there.

Do you have any pre-show rituals before taking the stage? What do you do after a show?

Before a show I like to smoke a couple blunts and listen to my songs with headphones to completely envelop myself in my zone. So that when I get up on that stage, no matter if it’s 1 person or 1000, imma give them 47 billion percent of my energy.

What advice would you give to a young artist just starting out?

To anybody out there who is starting out, the only thing I have to tell you guys is, be yourself. Fuck the fame. Fuck the women. Fuck the jewelry. If you aren’t yourself, then what’s the point? Who is your audience listening to? Why should anyone follow you? People say all the time to copy and paste others techniques, but I think that’s flawed because a person will follow a genuine person wholeheartedly rather than a bot yamean?

What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as an artist?

The biggest thing that music taught me is that there is always something to learn. With every song I make it’s like I get to know myself all over again, as if I’m discovering new feelings, flows, and a fluid vocabulary. Something most people won’t expect when they look at me. So, I humble myself in my music by being as honest as I can be because whether it goes viral or naht, I’ve become closer with myself.

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Emerging Artist Skilla

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Skilla Background

MyAfton Emerging artist Skilla: I am skilla an artist from Houston Texas and I am a heavy vocalist, singer and rapper. I do it all basically.

What inspires me the most is really the fact that I have always listened to music and thought about how I would make the song different and in my own way. Now these days I am able to create something of my very own and make it shine.

I am only able to write when skilla is out. Skilla is a character that takes over and is like my other personality. One side of me is always thinking about my consequences and flow of energy while the other half is a reckless screaming beast. 

7 Questions With Skilla

What things did you enjoy about playing with Afton?

What I enjoy about Afton most is the ease of access. You can literally book a show from your phone and sell your tickets online. It’s effortless so I can always find myself on a stage. 

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

In three years I’ll be selling out huge venues. And I will be up there. Afton will help me connect with people in my local area who enjoy the genre trap metal which I call my scrap music. 

If you could play show with any artist or band, living or dead, who would it be? Why?

If I could play a show with any artist there would be a few. A line up to be exact. It would be with my team because nobody is ever like being with the ones who are grinding with you. YKJ, Black Jesus, Ryex, 15k.shawty, and KXL. If we could all join a tour it would be with either suicide boys or xxxtentacion.

What’s one of the craziest things that has happened since you became a musician/artist?

One of the craziest moments that has happened to me was actually at an Afton show. The support at this show specifically was incredible. People followed me on social and the whole venue was cheering and it was packed. Then the next show everybody remembered me so it was great. One of the greatest moments of my live music ever.

Do you have any pre-show rituals before taking the stage? What do you do after a show?

Before every show we usually will get pretty hyped up. Picture a football team before going to a Super Bowl. Every show we perform at is as big as a Super Bowl to us. We will take a few shots and jam our set list. Then at the show we get footage and party hard!

What advice would you give to a young artist just starting out?

My advice to a young artist just starting out is to perform live a lot! You want real people at your shows. But that won’t work if you are not yourself. People can sense a fake persona usually.

What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as an artist?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned as an artist is to let my weird self out. Nobody who is typically normal usually gets noticed. There’s always something different about them. But at the same time you as yourself will be unique enough to do the trick. So all in all just never be afraid to be yourself.

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DvffleBvg Ruggv

MyAfton Emerging artist DvffleBvg Ruggv: I am DvffleBvg Ruggv and I am 22 years old from Silver Spring Maryland. I am a DMV trap rapper and am very passionate about my music, fans, and label.

I started making music at 13 and when I was 21 my mom started a record label Paper Chaser Association and I am the face of it. Paper Chaser Association started pushing my music out to get exposure.

9 Questions with DvffleBvg Ruggv

Who and what inspires you the most to keep going?

My Mom inspires me to keep going and keep making music. Having the label Paper Chaser Association really pushes me to keep going and my acquired fans I appreciate more than anything. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be moving forward with the steady pace we are moving.

What things did you enjoy about playing with Afton?

I enjoy doing Afton shows because I get experience performing and new fans in my area.

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

In 3 years I see myself opening for Big Artists and maybe heading to their position by then. I feel Afton will help me by the continued support of performances to add up on my EPK for impressions to other booking agents that can get in me in opening for bigger artists.

If you could play show with any artist or band, living or dead, who would it be? Why?

Kevin Gates for sure. I feel we would vibe on the stage together. I get my music inspiration from him because he had road blocks that he overcame and I know if he did it I can too. He is a hustler just like I am and I just feel a show with him would be a fire performance

What’s one of the craziest things that has happened since you became a musician/artist?

People calling saying they were from big labels trying to put me on the dababy tour. My mom searched and searched and found out they were scammers trying to take our money. She actually contacted the people the scammers were stating they were and warned them about the scam.

Do you have any pre-show rituals before taking the stage?

I hype myself up so that I can perform well for people. On the way to the venue I blast my music so I can get the energy I had recording my songs.

What do you do after a show?

Smoke a Big Blunt to celebrate a job well done.

What advice would you give to a young artist just starting out?

Don’t give up keep going. Have people listen to your music and get feed back critique your music and keep at it. Always promote yourself.

What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as an artist?

Promoting myself I struggle with it and its made me loose out on big shows.

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MyAfton Emerging Artist: DJ GATTIIIYEE

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DJ GATTIIIYEE

MyAfton Emerging artist DJ Gattiiiyee: My name is Calvin Robinson. On stage my act name is DJ GATTIIIYEE aka Gotta Eat. I am 32 years of age. I am from Fresno and I am currently living in Fresno, California. When it is time for me to performed, I like to use a pioneer DDJ SX2 controller using Serato DJ Pro software to mix my music.

My favorite genre that I like to play is R&B. I like it because it is relaxing, sexy, smooth and sweet. Well that’s the way that I would put it. If you ever listen to my music, then you would feel the same way. A famous rapper that I share the same birthday with is Mac Dre. I like Mac Dre music he started the hyphy movement. 

Getting Started

I started playing music in 2018. But I have always been a music lover since I was born. I wanted to be a disc jockey when I lived in San Diego, California. Being around other disc jockeys inspired me to want to become a disc jockey. While being around some great disc jockey’s I saw myself wanting to be a disc jockey because I believe that I can entertain people just like them.

The one key thing that inspired me to want to become a DJ is the movie Black Panther that came out in February 2018. That movie is a very inspirational movie I would say. Since giving disc jockey a try I really like that you can change the way music sound. You can also bring a rhythm in every set that you mix. You can set the tone in every mix that you do. So, it great to be able to do a pick me up mix or even a chill mix.

8 Questions With Dj Gattiiiyee

Who and What Inspires You The Most to Keep Going?

Not being at the level that I want to be at inspires me the most to keep going. I want to be a well-known artist across the globe. I don’t think that I would ever stop doing music because it is my escape from the world when I need some time to chill. I believe that with continued hard work I can be able to continue to gain a lot more experience at a professional level. Right now, I am just getting started to become a great disc jockey. I think that there is only a matter of time before I am getting recognition.

I am going to keep going because I love music and the energy it brings to the world. The competition also inspires me the most to keep going because I like competition ever since I played sports in the eighth grade and even in college. On another note, everyone loves to play music. So, I see myself in competition with not only disc jockey’s but music lovers as well that love to play music. It’s a fun competition because we all teach other something that we didn’t know before. So, it’s a win, win for everyone. I am a very competitive human being so I will keep going, going and going some more. I love music.

What Things Did You Enjoy About Playing With Afton?

Yes, I have played shows with Afton before. I probably performed about five shows before I was introduced as a disc jockey at Omnia Night Club at DJ competition in San Diego, California.  I have performed 2 shows at Brick by Brick, one show at The Merrow and one show at Queen Bees. These shows all came from the bookings from Afton shows.

The things that I enjoyed about playing with Afton is different crowds that came from different venues that I played with Afton. You learn a lot from just being at the different venues. Because everyone shows loves for their favorite venue, so you get to meet a lot of music lovers. Also, I enjoy the continue support from my Booking Representatives Ryan and Amy Kintz on getting booked for more shows. They are the superstars behind getting booked. Also, I like that Afton shows provides beginning artist the chance to promote their own show.

Where Do You See Yourself In 3 Years?

I see myself as a successful disc jockey in the next three years. In the first of the 3 years I see myself gaining a lot of shows and doing a lot of more events. I am hungry to show the world what I can do with this music. Since starting this journey on becoming the best disc jockey in the world I keep getting better. Becoming the best disc jockey is a goal that I set for myself. 

Second year I see myself with a good following and a lot of contacts for business opportunities to perform at private events and open events. That will bring me a bigger following and much larger network for my entertainment success.

The third year I see myself working on a non-profit helping out individuals with bullying problems. I would like to help them help themselves learn how to deal with bullying. With this non-profit I would like to teach and give individuals someone to come to help them with their bullying problems. Or at least give them answers to deal with the frustration of wasting their time on a bully.

The name of the non-profit will be Making America Smile Again. I name that Making America Smile Again because these are the Americans that are not smiling. What is the “American Dream” if everyone is not smiling? I feel like I owe it to everyone that has been bullied to help them deal with the problems of being bullied.

If you could play show with any artist or band, living or dead, who would it be? Why?

If I could play a show with any artist, it would be Usher. Usher has a very great work ethic that I love. He has been in inspiration in my love for music. It’s unbelievable on how he brings the vibe to every track that he has put out on all platforms. I like R&B and he brings a different approach to the music industry and I like the work he has put in. A reason why I want to play with him is because he has great music. I have been a fan of his ever since he came out with the album 8701. By far one of my favorite albums to listen to. The way Usher performs is amazing. His talent level is unbelievable. I like his creative ways and his dance moves. He is a very good entertainer.

What’s one of the craziest things that has happened since you became a musician/artist?

One of the craziest things that just happened since becoming an artist I would say making it into a business in March 2020. I recently started my business as an LLC, and I think that this will help my career. The reason why I did it is so that I can separate my artist earnings from my personal earnings. I also think that this will bring on more business opportunity as an individual contractor. 

I am expanding my brand with doing business with multiple events like Event/Party Planners, Music Producers/Concert Organizers, The government (government guest), Households, Facility Managers, Restaurants and Bars, Hotels and Motels, Residential Areas, Campgrounds, Lounges, Casino, Birthday Parties, Nightclubs, Schools, Private Events, Weddings, Graduations Clubs and Social Gatherings, just to name a few. However, with the stay at home due to COVID-19 in effect my business is now just using this time to collect music and will continue to market on SoundCloud with mixes and using other social media platforms to promote. 

Do you have any pre-show rituals before taking the stage?

I like to eat a good meal early in the day to give me energy throughout the day and prepare me for a great show. I also like to get a feel of the crowd before I perform. I also have to get my outfit on point before every performance, I will make sure I have a nice pair of shoes and nice business causal outfit. If I don’t have a good look from head to toe, I feel like my performance will not stand out. Another ritual would be to hydrate and make sure that I will maintain good hydration throughout the set.

After the show I usually summarize my performance. If it was recorded, I will go back and look through it to see my mistakes and how I can make that performance better.

What advice would you give to a young artist just starting out?

The advice that I would give to a young artist starting out would be to find the rhythm of the beat that they like to hear. Find your sound. Find the music that makes you feel the most comfortable while performing or even just chilling. The moment you find your sound you will feel like the weight has been lifted off your shoulders. I would also say that since the outbreak of COVID-19 your time is now to start working on spreading your brand. Enjoy this time to make your sound look and sound great. The more music you put out the better you will get. Also, it’s okay to not put out every mix that you did. Sometimes you have to put some mixes to the side and learn to make something better from it.

I would also tell them to surround themselves around people that are doing what they are doing. Figure it out if the energy is right then you are in the right place. Keep finding the right energy so you can keep leveling up and be more successful. Learn everything you could and summarize on a regular basis to make your music get better, better and better. Always surround yourself around people that is doing what you want to do and have good energy. Bad energy only means it’s time for you to move on and don’t be afraid to do it. If you have to change your surrounding find that energy and never stop looking for the right energy. It will help your music career a lot. Trust the process. I’m here for anyone that needs advice or help.

What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as an artist?

I learned that just because you know people that doesn’t mean anything. The way you work, talk, your artist act is completely different than someone else’s. I learned that the way I play music is completely different than anyone else. Everyone learns differently so my biggest lesson that I did learn is to always keep it business and study music to make your sound better.

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MyAfton Emerging Artist: Saint Pete

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Saint Pete

MyAfton Emerging artist Saint Pete: My real name is Peter John Pappas, and I was born & raised in Park Ridge, Illinois! Growing up I lived in a medium sized home, in a safe neighborhood, where I could go outside and call on any of my best friends, to go on an adventure with or creative art together.  Living in Park Ridge was a privilege, and allowed me to be who i wanted to be, from a young age- which gave me confidence looking back as i became older.

Community theatre companies were casting shows in all the surrounding suburbs, which I always auditioned for, and I’d often attend real broadway production casting calls and master classes  in Chicago. I’ll never forget when One December, my parents took me to see Annie. It was a matinee show and I loved every minute of it. It might even still be my favorite musical today…that and Joseph…. and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Anyway, I left the theatre after watching Annie and when i got home, I was already planning my “Basement version” production to perform, and quickly got to work designing every aspect of my Annie revival.

Flash forward: I currently live in Orlando, Florida, Where the sun shines bright like a diamond, almost everyday and the energy in the air is both magical and contagious. I moved to Florida back in June of 2019, to embrace a new environment, find a new home, conveniently near a place that I’ve always been obsessed with going to my whole life- that being Walt Disney World.  I left my friends and Family in Chicago, because I had to get away and find myself, and more importantly- my artist persona.

I began writing lyrics and melodies, filled notebooks and drawers in my kitchen stuffed with small hand written notes that I had collected throughout the years, and booked sessions to record at various studios, making demos that would soon be mastered and produced  into tracks for my debut album. I’ve always been fascinated with element’s that go into writing a “Hit Song’ and after writing and recording the songs for Star boi, i can honestly say that my material is all very different, meaning no two songs sound the same. I intentionally did this because I took my time throughout the process, expressing major life changes or obstacles I was going through in various stages of my life through each tune. I started when I was 21 years old, and wrote almost all of these songs between then and when I turned 30 in November, I collected all my demos, and found a producer to mix and master the songs so I could start to put together an album.

I chose to name my album, “star boi” , because it is the character I found along the way, and he is both brave and daring, and has a story to tell. While writing my story and album, I revisited  religion, and found an icon that was given to me as a child, through the greek church.. It was the icon of Saint Pete, which inspired my artist name to become- Saint Pete.. Just before I turned 30 years old, I found who I wanted to be as both a man and an artist. I also discovered my musical vision/genre/and audience, as I tapped into my spirituality, formulated a new belief system, and studied online through NYU: Tisch sponsored by a  program called: YELLOWBRICK. I was able to take a class called: “Music Industry Essentials” which helped me quickly learn and understand the business side of pop music and what I would need to know as an artist breaking into the business.

I relate to saint Pete in particular, out of all the saints,  because of the fact that I am a mediator, when it comes to my  personality type. I’m often torn , especially when it comes to focusing  on my craft, between taking care of myself and nurturing my vision, or attending and helping others first. At the end of the day, After I moved to Florida and focused on balancing my daily schedule between: prayer, meditation, fitness, writing and recording music, and managing my brand as an artist, my favorite time spent, in the past 6 months has been putting together my first album called: “Star Boi”. It was a blessing in  disguise. (Which I’ll talk more about later on…lol)

9 Questions With Saint Pete

When Did You Start Playing Music and What Inspired You to Give it a Try?

My earliest memory of playing an instrument was on the piano that held a permanent place in the living room of my childhood home. As a kid, I watched my brother play the  piano at home, and take lessons from my mom, who had a natural ear for music, and a beautiful voice too. I became interested in learning how to play the songs I heard my brother cranked out, but also wanted to sing too,  because I heard my mom humming, and even singing at times, while playing. One time, i’ll never forget, I came home from a long day of school, sat down at the piano, and tried to figure out how to play “My Heart Will GO On”, after watching Titanic the night before and being so moved by the song, that I felt the urgency to write my own tragic love romance pop hit too!

But to be honest, I’ve always had a thing for pop music. I would spend the entire weekend in the basement as a kid, building a show, set to a tracklist made up of Michael Jackson and Britney Spears songs, for the most part, but had some other random oldies…oh and the Spice Girls too! Haha

I built set pieces, from boxes and other old furniture, and would paint and decorate them, making sure there was a dynamic to the backdrops, some 3D “Pop” aspect too. Since my brother, George, was into pop culture and MJ, I’ll never forget he let me borrow his “Glitter Glove” for my basement show during“Tech Rehearsal”  – I just danced and Sang, but I think it was in that basement, during those long weekends of hard work, that I developed a deep rooted passion for creativity, one that would surely benefit and support my artistic vision, one day..

Who and What Inspires You the Most to Keep Going?

The world TBH, When I become discovered…I’ll be known and will come out and be heard, But only when it’s right for me to shine.. Now is the right time for Saint Pete to present Star Boi to the world because his music and story will inspire others during these tough and scary times we live in today, Saint  Pete has a story to share with you, much like the Wizard of Oz. However, you will learn that at the end of the day, you will walk away  inspired to make 2020 your year, and to follow your heart’s desire when it comes to your passions and career desires. Conspiracies are what Pete fights for, as he is brave, and believes that if so many individuals can come together and believe in something, then why are they so quick to be judged and called theorists?

At the end, finding my artist persona, my soul, my alter-ego- and last but not least- saint pete has helped me reconnect with , well ….“ME!!”.I’m happier now than I’ve ever been before, simply  because I’ve been given the chance to share my story through a self- written album, Star Boi, and now I get to start performing it for the world too!

What Things Did You Enjoy About Playing With Afton?

I just played my first show, at the Abbey in Orlando, FL and it was a really fun first performance. Afton helped me book the show by giving me promo tips, guidelines, and even deadlines to meet, when it came to selling tickets for the show. 

As a new artist, I spent 4 months, after moving to Orlando, growing as a person and i’ve changed so much in such a short time, that it scared me at first on how i was going to build my fanbase. I really have to thank Afton for helping me book my first gig, and learn how to find my fan base as a new artist because many people came  out to see my first show as Saint Pete.

Where Do You See Yourself In 3 Years and How Can Afton Help You Get There?

It’s weird because I’ve always been kind of futuristic, not psychic but I sometimes think too far ahead , instead of addressing the here-and-now. I know that If i continue to give my career as saint pete my all, stay focused, then in 3 years from now i see myself touring and filming a movie which details and revolves around “The Wizard of Pop”- essentially the story my album tracks revolve around- the score of my story, if u will.

I hope for Saint Pete to be an opening act on tour by summer, because his show will fit in with how festivals present their live acts these days: With lights , smoke, fireworks, etc.. My show is visually interesting because it incorporates projections that interact and detail what’s going on in each of my songs, and also highlight footage from some music  videos I’ve shot on my i-phone, all in a 3-D format. I know that by working with Afton, they can definitely help teach me the tricks that I will need to succeed in booking larger venues and opening acts for both festivals and tours!

If You Could Play a Show With Any Artist or Band, Living or Dead, Who Would it Be? Why?

I would love to play a show with Ariana grande because she has such a fantastic, stunningly trained voice and can truly deliver during a live show, and i know i would feed off her live energy and push myself to be more risky and share how strong my voice is, being more honest with the microphone-no holding back. A dead artist I would love to perform with would be Michael Jackson, obviously, because without the key memory of watching his “Thriller” music video and the glitter glove that my brother passed down to me to use in my show, then i wouldn’t be able to draw inspiration for why i do what i do- because i wanna be a pop star just like Michael one day.

What’s One of The Craziest Things That Has Happened Since You Became a Musician/Artist?

Ok, this may or may not be creepy to you but, i guess here it goes…and it’s the truth! I recorded one of the last songs, “Work For Me”, that would be on my debut album, and loved it so much that I immediately released it as a single. Since I was on a budget, (with everything that was going into producing an album), I decided to record footage on my iphone and figure out how to make a music video by using IOS store applications. Since it was October, and It was always a spooky time of year, i went to the graveyard to film for the video. I put my speaker on low, to remain respectful, and moved around, getting different shots of me dancing or playing around on one of the benches by the lake.

I’ve always been a huge fan of horror films forever, and I wanted to essentially make my own, by challenging myself, because spending the night there filming was truly terrifying…I’m not gonna lie! At the end of the day it was soooo worth it because it helped me figure out what the song was truly about , and it matched up in a totally unexpected way to how the video turned out…..it was truly scary!! When I was packing up, to go home in the morning, and get to work…my speaker started playing “giving me life” by Mariah Carey, randomly, which was so crazy because I had never heard that song before, and it just came on my Spotify. Turns out it was a blessing because I’m obsessed with it now, and it always reminds me of how brave I was that night.

Do You Have Any Pre-Show Rituals Before Taking The Stage? What Do You Do After a Show?

Yea, i have a magic wand that was specially made in Ireland, specifically for Saint Pete to use. It has different stones that help in various ways both mentally and spiritually. I hold the wand, and pray, and then begin to work out in my dressing room. I do push ups, drink water, lots of crunches, more water, then I take the wand and put all that positive energy and intention from my body and mind into it. I thank it  for how grateful I am to be able to get on a stage and share my art, and then I bring the wand on stage, set it down and perform!

What Advice Would You Give To a Young Artist Just Starting Out?

If anyone..and I mean anyone….tells you anything negative about what you do, even when it comes to feedback, never let that make or break you because at the end of the day, more than likely, they have no idea what they are talking about with their feedback, unless they are a professional in the business of music. Otherwise, you start to believe everything you hear, and forget why it is you are doing what you are doing. Let your music become a new persona for you, and be careful who you share it with, because it should be sacred and rare to you. 

I made that mistake, long ago I would get so excited about each song that I wrote, that I would share each demo with everyone, and almost couldn’t even get to the point of releasing an album, because I was so excited to release and share each song I put together, almost instantly!!!

 My point is, be patient and keep your ideas almost locked in a chest, with all the things that inspire you…for me it was my notebooks of lyrics, magic wands, spellbooks, crystals, candles, puzzles, games, legos, and coding kits. Make it your magic chest of ideas, and trust me you’ll know when it’s time to open it up and share your story with your audience, and heck, even the world!

What is One of The Biggest Lessons You’ve Learned As An Artist?

Take what people say with a grain of salt, if you know you gave it your all, that’s all that matters. I had the idea for a while that my music would somehow summon  a label’s attention and magically notice me and see what I saw in my music , and sign me. It took some time to realize that that idea, was and still is a total fantasy. 

If your vision and change to perform isn’t happening and you’ve given it your all-then IT may just not be your time. But, the sun will come out tomorrow! 

Best advice given to me: Get a white board , create a space in your room with other things that inspire you,  and literally write all your ideas out, and then the music will come.

Any exercise or attempt that makes you uncomfortable when doing it, usually ends up being the best secret you never were told, meaning it benefits you in the end . Find the method to your madness, but be careful who you tell. Always share it with your fans, or those who accept your message.

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I’m  excited because I am re-releasing a Deluxe Version of my album: Star Boi, with 15 tracks,  2 bonus tracks, which have never been released before. It will be out on April 1st. Want a physical copy of the Star Boi album mailed to you, free of charge? All you have to do is become a fan and join the PETE PACK.Follow Saint Pete below on social media platforms (links below) and  shoot him a DM him after. You will then get a free copy of his debut deluxe album, along with :a mini poster (signed and bedazzled by Saint Pete), album booklet, and a sweet sticker pack! Can’t wait to connect with you

– Saint Pete

Other Resources

Local Shows in Your City

MyAfton Emerging Artist: Elias

The post MyAfton Emerging Artist: Saint Pete appeared first on Afton.

**Highly Recommend**

This Months Review

We are very happy to bring to you our Afton artist album review of Graham Crackers & Applesauce by Caloe. We recommend this album to anyone that is looking for a new Hip Hop EP to listen to.

Caloe

Caloe is an up and coming Hip Hop artist from Tampa Florida. This 20 year old artist brings words to the picnic table he crafts. This grouping of songs displays the artist’s charisma and reason why his fans love him.

Graham Crackers & Applesauce

Starting off with the album art it really helps paint an obscure picture for what is to come with the EP Graham Crackers & Applesauce.

This EP starts of strong with the track ‘Pause’. It is produced by ProLee93 and definitely has some lines to remember along with many great references. It even has a reference to the artist Avril Lavigne as well as a great Simon and Garfunkel line: “Simon and Garfunkel made me Pancakes, I wanted Waffles”.

Track number two is a well places interlude that is straight out of Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer.

The 3rd track on the EP is titled ‘Fles’ which is produced by Hood2Handle. The slow production flows very well with the quick lyrics in this track. Right of the bat Caloe starts off with a bang spitting lyric after lyric in this track. Just like the first track it is full of great references “Skrillex” and even “Jaws”. My favorite line in the song would have to be. “Stole the Heart of Brie Larson got charged with Larceny it’s very hard to speak.”

The Second Half

Track 4 is another well places interlude titled ‘Intro (Clutter)’.

Track 5 titled ‘Disparage’ which is produced by CHill. The production (like track 2) fits very well with the lyrics that Caloe is throwing out on this track. The chorus is very simple ( I’m upset that I’m so obsessed with everything 2x) but works very well with his complex lyrics in the versus. My favorite line in this track would have to be: “You have my emotions swimming like Ryan Lochte, I’m locked, trapped in travesty no one understands me.”

Overall this was a great EP that left me wanting a little bit more. It was full of strong production and ever stronger lyrics that pack a punch. I am excited to see the next album from Caloe.

Thanks for sticking around for our album review of Graham Crackers & Applesauce by Caloe. Read below to find out where you can find Caloe online.

The Full Album

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Soundcloud

Other Resources

Local Shows In Your City

Afton Fall Mixtape

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