Devon it’s an absolute pleasure having you join us for this edition of our SODMG interview series. So for those not familiar to your name and record label & management company, please explain a little about yourself and background.
How did your career as a CEO of American Monster Guild come about?
My career started off really by luck, faith, and chance. I started writing rhymes, lyrics, and raps for my neighborhood friends. I began to develop when I started writing poems to get my high school friends out of trouble with their girlfriends, when they missed their anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays. That was the first of many hustles that I developed at age 12. I dove into life traveling the world and knocked my head a few times getting in trouble, and along the way got 2 bachelor degrees and a Master’s degree, while running track and field for the University of Oklahoma. Since 2003 I have served as an A&R for Ingrooves/Universal, talent scout and a consultant for many major labels. I decided in 2013 to break out on my own and American Monster Guild was born.
2. Where does your love for Hip Hop stem from?
I love music, but even more than that, I love lyrics, rhymes, and the composition of writing music and extracting emotions out of words. I love what Hip Hop represents and how it has shaped individuals and American Culture. My love from Hip Hop really started because of my dad’s influence from Jazz. Obviously, I was made fun of as a child because of my knowledge of Jazz musicians, but I am grateful for the exposure as I believe it gives me an edge.
3. When deciding which to sign or manage what are some factors that go into play (if any)?
I really look at the business aspect and the ability to learn and hustle. Many artists are talented but cannot take instruction or lack work ethic. I use the teachings I learned from Def Jam A&R’s back in the day, guerilla marketing tactics and the willingness to invest, dedicate, and learn from all surroundings. Creativity to play with different sounds, and beats is also a determining factor, as I don’t want to manage someone who sounds like 90% of the artists on the radio
4. What's it like being a Manager for artists and developing their careers?
Insane, hard, thankless, and time consuming. Being a manager is not like the reality TV or the media depicts. It is long hours, behind the scenes, it is much like the accountant of a NBA or NFL superstar. It is one of the most important jobs that there is, but few are thanked and acknowledged for the work that goes into connecting the dots for the artists that we manage.
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5. What's your take on the current state of Hip-Hop?
The current state of hip hop is like that one that got away. You always think about what she was, but you love the woman she is. I love the diversity of the music; from Migos to Kendrick to Drake to Machine Gun Kelly, to Rick Ross and even the battles that take place. It’s all goes into the pot keeping Hip Hop evolving. I support and love the creativity and the artists taking chances, whether right or wrong.
6. Have you ever shot your shot at recording or has it always been strictly analyzing and analyzing the work of others?
Ha Ha Ha, great question! I have 300 potential songs written but I have never recorded them. I think it’s all about timing. And I am currently reviewing the surroundings to see where would be a great time to dedicate to the process of recording. It is not as easy as the media and reality TV makes you believe. It is all a process
7. When you're not writing or creating, what are some things you like to do in your spare time?
The Gym, being that I am a single man with no kids, dating is part of my life. But other than that, it’s all about American Monster Guild or AMG as the world knows it
8. Who are some of your creative influences?
2Pac, Biggies, Tribe Called Quest, my environment, the city of Las Vegas serves as an influence. My city is sooo talented but it’s my job to use my influence to shine the light on what we have. My dad always motivates me to be the Music Mogul that I was born to be. Malcolm X, Obama, anyone that has ever took a chance is motivation for me.
9. What motivates you the most?
To beat myself. To raise the bar. Never let my city down, and show these young guys coming up that it’s not impossible.
10. Looking back on your career, is there anything you would change?
Yes and No. I did take chances on some artists that I didn’t have to take. But if I had not taken those chances I would have never grown to where I am now. So, in a way I owe them a lot. But I wouldn’t change anything even the little rap beefs I found myself in. I accept them all.
11. Most recently your label signed a distribution deal agreement with a major how does that platform help the artists that sign to your label? What can we expect from AMG in 2017?
By Signing to Sony Orchard, it has given the artists a major platform in which to distribute their music. With that exposure, comes a harder measuring stick in which the visuals and music must exist. Sony Orchard has not only distributed the music but has given AMG access to other resources which will aide in the development of the artists’ music. Well based off recent success, Neechie is our focus, but we have several other artists in the pipeline that we are working the strategies based on the content. As always, we are looking at new talent and scouting to find the next rising star.
Devon Brabham definitely has big plans lined up in the future We’d like to once again thank CEO of American Monster Guild for stopping by for a interview . Make sure to link up with Devon via his social media outlets and keep your ears open for more music and business moves in the coming months for his management company.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AMERICAN MONSTER GUILD LOG ON:
http://www.americanmonsterguild.org/
https://www.facebook.com/Americanmonsterguild
