Today we’d like to introduce you to Kia Smith.
Kia, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I discovered my love for music when I was seven years old. I’d write songs and perform them at all of our family functions and later pursued music as an artist. As I got older, I realized I’d much rather be behind the scenes because I was really shy and not the great of a singer. lol. I started personal assisting, doing internships and finally decided to reach out to an artist in regards to management. I flew them across the country to live and we started building which helped me to gain a lot of relationships. I eventually met production duo Ayo n Keyz and started working with them as an A&R and manager for their independent label, The UpperClassmen Music Group. I co-manage 3 producers signed to the label and two artists, assist with curating events and I also work with Drake’s Tour Life clothing line as a social media strategist.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m an A&R and manager. As a manager, I help develop talent, guide and advise their career. As an A&R, I’m constantly looking for talent, mainly writers to create with my producers and build records for potential placements.
I love being able to develop talent and help artists grow. I love that process. I’m really passionate about working with passionate people. lol. I think that drives me more than anything. Being able to help people reach their full potential, achieve goals and seeing them thrive especially when I can feel that they really want it and I see them put in the work because I know it’s not easy at all.
I want to encourage creatives to build with genuine, like-minded people. To work with people that REALLY believe in them. Regardless if your numbers are crazy or not or any validation, work with people that believe in YOU and are willing to build ground up and do whatever it takes for you to win. You need a team that will go hard for you that’s determined to show the world what they see even when nobody else is watching or “cares”. I think a lot of people get caught up in clout, money and what looks good, when all you need is people that believe in you that will go hard for you no matter what. If you’re passionate about something, you’ll always make a way out of nothing.
How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
I think everyone’s definition of success is different. It depends on your personal goals and what’s most important to you, and that can definitely change over time based on your journey. Some people feel successful when they’re financially stable and are able to take care of their family while for others it may be a title or a certain number of plaques.
I think what’s essential is consistency and persistence. Consistently putting in the work for what you want even when things aren’t exactly going as planned and being persistent. Never taking no for an answer, never giving up and always finding a way.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Social media. I’m always posting the artist I work with, and I’m always posting in the studio way more than I post myself. lol.
The best way to support is to listen, share, show up to shows and events. It’s those little things that help us build and reach bigger goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theucmg.com
- Email: kia_smith@theucmg.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/_kyaaaa
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
