Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Terry.
Morgan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was 8 years old, I became interested in playing musical instruments from watching my brother at his violin rehearsals. I remember asking my mother if I could start taking lessons but I was totally indecisive about what I wanted to play. I went from the violin, piano, oboe, and saxophone. My mother was very patient with me, thankfully. Finally, I set my eyes on percussion instruments and that sparked an interest. As I got into junior high school, I joined the marching band as a part of the drumline and became engulfed in the black marching band culture throughout the rest of grade school and into college. I’m sure that my experience with instrumental music plays a huge part in the love I have for music today.
I have to credit my mother as well. She was always playing 70’s/ 80’s/90’s RnB, and HipHop around the house. I took a huge liking to both genres but HipHop really stuck. I didn’t aspire to begin rapping until I turned 25 years old, which was in 2007. I wrote my first verse and I haven’t stopped since. I decided to start a record label and go at this independently. It’s been a journey but I’m having so much fun with it.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road but I am enjoying the journey. When I first decided I was going to pursue HipHop, I immediately had the independent artist/business mindset. I bought gear and started recording, mixing, and releasing my music online. I decided from the start that I would start my own company and do this independently. Because of this mindset, I spent a lot of time on the backend learning how the industry works.
From when I started in 2007 until now, I’ve seen the music industry, the internet, social media, and technology evolve quickly. I was always trying to figure out how to move with the changes in order to create a fanbase and break into the music industry but things were changing so much and so rapidly that I sometimes felt the train was just passing me by.
I found myself having to learn, relearn, and then learn something else all over. It felt like once I had a good grasp on a strategy, it became outdated. I think if I had a mentor or worked with people who understood the things I didn’t know much about, the struggle would’ve been less. I’ve invested a lot of my money into my career with no real ROI. I’ve performed at shows with only 3 people in the crowd. I’ve released music that got no listens and videos with 10 views. I didn’t understand marketing just yet. I taught myself that too.
However, I am completely grateful for the knowledge and experience that I’ve gained during this journey. I learned through trial and error but I’ve figured it all out now and things are working out.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The name of my indie label is Free Culture Records, which I hold the title as Founder/CEO. We are a boutique label that focuses on music artist representation, distribution, and video production. The idea is to provide a platform for creators to gain exposure and success through the use of their respective talents and passions while encouraging self-awareness, free expression, innovation of new ideas, and entrepreneurship. My label has collaborated with many indie music and visual artists within the DC, Miami, and Atlanta area. However, I am the only music artist on the roster as of now.
When I first got on Twitter in 2009, I named my handle “MorgantheCEO” initially because I was the CEO of my company. When I started performing at open mics, people began calling me that and it has stuck with me since. Though it may be my stage name and my position in my company, it sums up my journey, the passion, drive and hustle that I’ve exerted for the past 10 years.
As an artist and entrepreneur, I always aim to inspire others whether it be through my lyrics, my grind, and/or drive to reach my dreams. I am most proud of the positive feedback, encouraging words, and support that I’ve gotten so far along this journey. I am proud to see the growth of my company and music.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is a great place for creative arts, especially music. The music industry is brewing here and has been for years. The culture is here. I would recommend anyone who aspires to create music or wants to learn the business side of the music industry to start here in Atlanta. Most definitely.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MorgantheCEO.com
- Email: morgan@freetheculture.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/morgantheceo
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/morgantheceo
- Twitter: www.instagram.com/morgantheceo
- Other: www.instagram.com/freeculturerecords
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