Today we’d like to introduce you to Antoine Perkins.
Hi Antoine, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a hip-hop recording artist & indie music executive. I was born & raised in Illinois, shortly after I started making music, I relocated to Minnesota in 2003. I started out making my recordings & uploading them on the Internet and selling CDs around the city (and giving away my music too haha). This was early, before Internet was a daily part of all of our lives, and before having digital music was normal. I watched the music game start to evolve, and the world & the rest of technology catch up to what I was doing.
During this time, I released a few underground albums and other projects using these methods, I performed here in Minnesota and in other parts of the country. Over time, I learned to work a little smarter in the independent music world after a few attempts to rise up in the music business. I had to beware of scammers and empty promises, there were a couple of times where I failed at that & lost money or was swindled out of it. But I learned from those missteps and educated myself on the business-and insulated & protected myself better.
I’ve always looked out for and helped other talent, be it other rappers/emcees, singers, songwriters, producers, etc. I assisted some in getting a start to their music career. Others I shared my knowledge and gave guidance to them, plus more. I released my very first commercial album in 2009. Creatively & artistically, it received lots of praise. Unfortunately, I entered a period of stagnation that lasted for years shortly after that.
My next release wasn’t until 2014. But I continued to learn more about the record industry during this time and had already made the choice that I would start moving more behind the scenes & helping others since I have such a love for the creative side of making music, as well as a passion for the business side of things. I also started dabbling again in making film projects to accompany the music being released-we released a companion documentary in 2015 complete with a red-carpet film showing.
I really care about the professionalism in the music business, especially the end-user experience that the creative is left with. This drove me to start creating my own concerts and live music events. Our first was back 2016. Since, we have produced a dozen events including a concert series in South Minneapolis, and an all R&B concert series in Saint Paul.
To continue supporting other artists, I formed an artist management operation in 2018 and I am proud to report that my full client history thus far has been women, as I am big believer in investing in women and & empowering them. It’s been a pleasure to support & mentor producers, recording artists, and the like.
I am still making my own art, my latest full-length album released last year in 2020. And I am currently preparing to release a special project in October 2021. No matter what happens, or which level we work at, independent, mainstream, commercial, I plan on continuing to be involved in creating music & art and impacting the world with my own points-of-view and assisting others with getting out theirs. To say it gives me life would be an understatement, I am very aware of the artist’s role in society & how important we are. I do not take the responsibility lightly, and I am blessed to be a creative.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road at all. In 2004 I had a really bad experience with a music company back home in Illinois who tricked me out of money. In addition to other opportunities to flirt with the industry that did not work out. Every artist, whether they will admit it or not, has moments where they want to give up & wonder why are they even doing this. Those moments have been very real for me, and they still come up even ‘til this day! Ha-ha!
The time management piece of being a creator yet having a real-life to tend to is always tough. I have a family and it is definitely a juggle trying to be a dad and provide, and spend quality time with my kids. As well as ensuring my personal business is taken care of so it can clear the way to go create, and perform. I always remember that this is what I signed up for & remind myself that what I am doing is impacting the entire universe positively, including my family & loved ones.
Lastly, budgets are always an obstacle. The more resources we have the more we can do. The less we have, we have to be more nimble and smart about how we go about creating.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an emcee/lyricist/songwriter/producer/indie record executive. I’m a recording artist, artist manager, live music promoter.
As far as specialty, I am the guy you call when you know someone who wants to get started in music but doesn’t know where to begin. Or you would call me if you were in that boat, haha!
My uniqueness is my honest approach to my music, I am really telling my life stories & my evolution. It’s a message of self-discovery that the listener can tap into, and enjoy the ride.
I am most proud of my humanity and my willingness to be and contribute.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I’m the biggest nerd you’ll ever meet. And that’s a good thing. 😉
I’ve always looked out for and helped other talent, be it other rappers/emcees, singers, songwriters, producers, etc. I assisted some in getting a start to their music career. Others I shared my knowledge and gave guidance to them, plus more. I released my very first commercial album entitled Truth or Consequences in 2009. Creatively & artistically, it received lots of praise. Unfortunately, I entered a period of stagnation that lasted for years shortly after that.
My next release The Cost of Living wasn’t until 2014. But I continued to learn more about the record industry during this time and had already made the choice that I would start moving more behind the scenes & helping others since I have such a love for the creative side of making music, as well as a passion for the business side of things. I also started dabbling again in making film projects to accompany the music being released-we released a companion documentary with the same title in 2015 complete with a red-carpet film showing.
I really care about the professionalism in the music business, especially the end-user experience that the creative is left with. This drove me to start creating my own concerts and live music events. Our first was back 2016. Since, we have produced a dozen events including a concert series in South Minneapolis, aptly named A NIGHT OVER SOUTH, and TWIN CITIES MUSIC LOUNGE, an all R&B concert series in Saint Paul.
To continue supporting other artists, I formed an artist management operation in 2018 and I am proud to report that my full client history thus far has been women, as I am a big believer in investing in women and & empowering them. It’s been a pleasure to support & mentor producers, recording artists, and the like.
I am still making my own art, my latest full-length album Central Standard Time released last year in 2020. And I am currently preparing to release a special project, Midwest Mayor, in October 2021.
Contact Info:
- Email: illcountymusicgroup@gmail.com
- Website: http://reverbnation.com/twainonline
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/twainlo
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/twainlo
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/twainlo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdqsYJxejaVbMn4WEx8z19w
- SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/twainlo
- Other: https://linktr.ee/twainlo
Image Credits
Shaina Lacey
Xavier A.
