With the huge influx of music available on the web these days, many people feel overwhelmed when trying to locate new music outside of what's readily available via mainstream platforms. I've had the pleasure of working with and getting to know some independent labels who work tirelessly to bring the world quality music. With this new series, Indie Label Sessions, it's my goal to shed some light on these labels that pour their heart into this art form. I hope you'll tune in as we discuss their stories, motivations, and tips for other independent artists.
For the very first episode, I had the chance to catch up with the incredibly talented members of independent music label Truth Tone Records and have a detailed conversation about artistry, working together as a collective to achieve success and building a long lasting legacy.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Full Episode
Connect with Truth Tone
Kevin Lavender, Jr. aka VH (CEO/Founder)
https://twitter.com/MrTruthTone
https://twitter.com/TruthToneMzk
Yolonda Lavender
BIO
Yolonda is a natural and soulful singer, songwriter, poet and model. Yolonda’s sound is the perfect mix of rhythm & blues, jazz, soul and gospel. Headlining several natural hair, health and beauty expos including the World Natural Hair Health and Beauty Show, Naturally Me Media’s Fro Fashion Week and being crowned runner up in the World’s Next Top Natural Hair Model Contest are a few of Yolonda’s major accomplishments. Yolonda has also shared the stage with The Spinners, Vaughn Anthony , Keith Murray, Sunshine Anderson and Elzhi formerly of Slum Village as well as Def Poetry Jam's own, Abyss and Georgia Me. Yolonda also takes pride in using her talents to better her community and has done so by being apart of African American history celebrations, war veteran fundraisers and community outreach concerts. Yolonda invites you to enjoy her Soul Artistry!
https://www.reverbnation.com/yolondaSOULARTISTRY
https://soundcloud.com/yolonda-lavender
https://youtube.com/user/yogilavender
https://www.facebook.com/YOLONDA-of-Truth-Tone-Records
https://instagram.com/yossoulartistry
https://twitter.com/yossoulartistry
Kandace Lavender aka "DC"
BIO
DC is an internationally known poet, vocalist, and hip hop lyricist. She is a graduate of Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI., where she earned a bachelors degree in Secondary Education for English and Spanish. DC has been performing on local and international stages for eight years. She has opened up for artists such as J. Cole, Talib Kweli, Nas, Damien Marley, and a host of others. As the only female emcee on a locally based label, Truth Tone records, DC is no stranger to holding her own. She states, "It's not a competition for me. I strive to be the best because that is what is required of me from the expectation I have set for myself. People get too caught up in competing against others. The only person I compete with is me."
https://twitter.com/dcemcee
https://instagram.com/dcemcee
For booking: dcemcee@gmail.com
Jahdal Johnson aka Conscious
BIO
Covering various styles and genres DJ Conscious (Founder of LIFEstyle Ent) has become one of midwest's go to DJ's. With his eclectic mix of Top 40, Reggae, Funk and 80's/90's Hip-Hop, and R&B listeners are sure to be treated to an evening of Love, Inspiration, Freedom, and Entertainment! #LIFEstyle
https://twitter.com/consciousmzk
https://soundcloud.com/DJConsciousmzk
https://instagram.com/Consciousmzk
https://reverbnation.com/Consciousmzk
Vokab
https://instagram.com/crookedculture100
https://twitter.com/mrgrindhard_258
https://youtube.com/hush_247
Imagry
- Album Reviews
- Art
- Beats/Instrumentals
- Books
- Conversations & Quotables
- Did You See It?!
- Free Downloads
- Free Game Friday
- Hear Here
- Hip Hop Documentaries
- Hip Hop History
- Independent Labels
- Indie Analysis
- Instrumental Intel
- Internet Radio
- Interviews
- Mini Documentaries
- Music
- Music Documentaries
- Music Education
- Music History
- Music Humor
- Music Industry News
- Music Marvels Radio Show
- Music News
- Podcasts
- Poetry
- Resources for Artists
- Think Piece Thursday
![Hear Here: Achickwitbeatz - Dopamine & Serotonin [Single]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52b0b90ae4b0293bfed0d692/1710852808557-EZYGFDIBHLBSIRFOVS1Q/Dopamine+%26+Serotonin.JPG)
A headnodic ode to the wonderful city located in Southwest Michigan. Performed by Yolonda Lavender, written by DC (Kandace Lavender) & produced by Achickwitbeatz.