Today we’d like to introduce you to Dashon Awotona.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dashon. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in Marietta with a single parent trying his best to provide(which he did well). I was always class clown in my early days. I wasn’t one of the “cool” kids. I had friends but it felt like I was sort of a laughing stock to my peers. I was being funny to gain friends but it seemed that I lost friends doing it. So all I’m saying is I wasn’t “popular” and it molded me in a way. I was fighting to be accepted. I wanted to be accepted for who I was. I always dabbled in music as a kid. I remember getting a keyboard for Christmas. I remember doing a cover to “stand by me” in front of my mom and her being impressed.
But I would say 2015 was when I started recording things. They were trash but it was a start. I was using my phone, I started on an LG 4 and was loving it. I thought it was amazing. In 2016, I got an iPhone which changed everything. I started using GarageBand on my phone and it was terrible but I liked it at the time. The concepts were great but the execution was very bad. I did that until 2017 when I got my laptop. I then transferred to logic pro seamlessly because garage-band is a free logic pro. But still I wasn’t going anywhere as I didn’t have a mic. So for a minute, I was using an xbox headset. So I was working with what I had while simultaneously getting more used to logic.
Then in mid-2018, I had finally bought studio equipment. I bought a mic kit and a monitor. I still use this equipment today. It took a minute but finally I had the things I need to make good music. My music became much better and I was exposed to more artists in the Atlanta scene and now I collaborate frequently with a few. and I eventually felt that I should open a studio one day. I felt that being an artist might not be enough for me. For that to happen, I have to start now. So I’ve been using my knowledge of logic to run recording sessions for a very affordable rate. I plan to one day open a studio.
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?
Its been tough for the fact that I’ve had to learn how to gain a following by myself. I feel and have been told my music is quite exceptional. But for the music industry thats only 50 percent of the battle. I don’t like to compare journeys but I feel that my music is “slept on”. But I still have a chance to get my name out there and I will gain a steady following.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’ve finally decided on my brand name. Bang For Your Buck Productions. Because thats exactly what I’m providing. I am providing a service at an affordable rate while giving great quality. With three years of experience in logic pro, standard studio equipment, and a nice personality, I have been able to provide my abilities to countless people. I only charge $20/hr and $15 a mix. At the moment it’s a great rate for me because I’ve paid off my equipment and I’m using the money to save for better equipment. While going to school, I make around 300-400 dollars a week. And eventually, I plan to move to a bigger and better space. With this, my price will go up but I have a lot of return customers. I’m proud that I’ve found a way to be independent and find a source of income. I’m different for the fact that I’m charging way less than other places. Would you rather pay 60-100 an hour or pay 20 an hour for great audio and quality mixing?
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very goofy and sweet. I grew up being kind of mischievous, but a lot of early stories I have are hilarious. I can say I had a good childhood. I wanted to be a cop and a painter at the same time. Then I wanted to be a chef because I loved food.
Pricing:
- $20/hr for recording session
- $15 for mixing mastering
Contact Info:
- Phone: 4706852989
- Email: 1idgnh@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncle.diesel/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dashondiesel
Image Credit:
Millionbenz, Tahir Kasin, Matthew Baker
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