Today we’d like to introduce you to Porter Shields.
Porter, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m an artist and entrepreneur from East Atlanta, born in Memphis. I’ve performed, recorded and/or toured with Joe Budden, Kanye West, Shawn Mendes, Rita Ora, The Roots, Harry Styles, Pyer Moss, and others. I also lived in London and New York City for a few years before recently relocating back to Atlanta. I’ve performed on Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Voice, X-Factor, Brit Awards, Later with Jools Holland, and Wireless Fest.
I have a production company called JUKEBOX JUNKIES. I dropped a new EP called “TRAPPED N LOVE” on my JUKEBOX JUNKIES RECORDS label. The first two singles, “4 SHOTS” & “SWEET ON YOU” are available on all digital platforms now. The entire project was produced by The Brand Music Group and The Democratz. My last EP “Bleu Dream” was released under my company too. I got my first 2 billboards in Times Square NYC as a solo artist with this project. I played sets at Glastonbury Festival, BBC Introducing Radio, and Reprezent Radio in the UK.
In Fall 2020, I will be releasing more singles. This music is being produced by The Brand, Big Ran from Very Rare Ltd, The Democrats & 6Mile JP. Between all of them they’ve worked with Nipsey Hussle, Tory Lanez, Ty Dolla $ign, Young Thug, Travis Scott, Lil Baby, Future, YG, Kendrick Lamar, Gucci Mane, T.I., Rich The Kid, Snoop Dogg, 2Chaniz, Young Dro, Yo Gotti, Kevin Gates, and K Camp.
I got back from Ghana a few months ago, writing with artists as part of a collective 19FIFTY7. Jukebox Junkies is producing a new web series called “The BLVD” and releasing our new merch and clothing brand “Psunami.” My team and I are creating our own wave (Psunami). Our message is simple. The mission with Jukebox Junkies is to inspire and introduce new perspectives and ideas in music, TV, business, and community work while bridging social gaps worldwide.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Finding work as I transition to different cities is a challenge that I always tackle by hitting the ground running. You just gotta get out and be seen as much as possible. And focusing on doing good work and staying fly at all times. But being from such an influential city and maintaining my own creative identity in a different cities or even countries is extremely tough. A lot of times, I feel like the south doesn’t get the respected we deserve still. I naturally sit observe and can adapt but it’s hard to stay rooted when you don’t have consistent access to what is familiar and what has helped you thrive as a creator. You gotta see the best and toughest version of yourself and put action towards it as much as you can. And if you don’t, you have to be ok with the outcome. Don’t just live for opportunity alone, live towards your dreams. Remember it’s ok to dream a new dream as you evolve.
Jukebox Junkies Records – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Jukebox Junkies Records is a full-service entertainment production company. We provide songwriting arrangements, music production, visual production, and live show production. What makes us different is that we are multi-genre: Trap, R&B/Soul, Pop, Gospel, Hip-Hop, and more recently, Afro-Music. I’m most proud that we focus on the community. We’ve partnered with churches, children’s hospitals, youth detention centers and have taken donations to assist the homeless population. Our goal is to eventually have an entertainment community space for kids and teens to give them something productive to do after school and weekends. That’s down the pipeline.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
They say luck is being prepared when opportunities come your way. So I try and stay ready and available. I think luck plays a part in my success. But you gotta work it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.portershields.com
- Email: info@portershields.com
- Instagram: instgram.com/PorterShields
- Facebook: facebook.com/portershields
- Twitter: twitter.com/portershields
Image Credit:
Phillip Alan, Tyson Phillips, Troy Oraine, Seye Isikalu
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