Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Smith. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Growing up, Antonio Xavier Smith was a talented child who always expressed himself through art and music. At the age of 10, drawing and music was his way to express himself. As he got older, the more he embraced them. It was during this time he started sketching a tennis shoe idea he’d name Dionies. And he’d also gotten heavy into learning how to write rap songs. His first demo was a song he recorded at the age of 14. Between drawing and writing rap songs, he was able to turn these from just a hobby but into a business.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although there were many challenges along the way, Xavier knew that quitting wasn’t an option. And that no matter the roadblock, he must continue in his pursuit to fulfill his dream of making Dionies a product and taking his music career to the next level of being a business, and not just being an artist. In 1998, he introduced Dionies Sportswear, a small line of t-shirts, hoodies, and baseball caps, and he left his rap career to become the business partner/A&R for M.A.S.S. Entertainment Group and Q&M Music. During the early ’90s, Antonio “Xay” Smith played a pivotal role in the independent music world of Atlanta, consulting and managing independent artists.
From overcoming setbacks to positioning Dionies in an overly saturated market and finding his place in the music business, the biggest struggle was keeping up with the change in market demand for music and products.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Better known as Antonio “Xay” Smith, he is part-owner of LS Muzik Group, an Atlanta-based independent record label. Founded in 2017 with business partner Donald Lamar, Xay oversees the day-to-day operations of the business. He scouts for new talent to sign to their annual Real Muzik Revisited compilation product and handles radio promotions and marketing. And he always includes his business partner Don in all of the decisions.
His love for music runs deep. As a former artist himself, Xay understands the challenges independent artists face. When he meets anyone who wants to get into the music industry, he is always available to provide consultation. His 30 plus years of experience in the music industry has taught him a lot. And have shown his love to help another starving artist understand the music industry. The passion he has to teach artists how to leverage their music careers as a business, and not just as artists, is what sets him apart from others. Providing consultation to independent artists is the thing he takes pride in doing.
Although music is his first love, which keeps him going, his second passion was drawing. This passion led to the creation of Dionies Sportswear. A childhood dream he would introduce in the 90s, only to relaunch it in 2019. Dionies is unisex sportswear that has undergone two years of research and development. LS Muzik Group and Dionies Sportswear are what sets him apart from the rest, putting him in a class with notable entrepreneurs.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Despite all of this, helping someone who wants to start a business or independent artist understand the music industry brings him complete joy. Just the knowledge to help someone see their dream come true fulfills him.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dionies.net
- Instagram: @officialdionies
- Facebook: Facebook.com/dioniesofficial
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dioniessports
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/Xo2bXKxfupk
- Other: www.lsmuzikgroup.net
