Today we’d like to introduce you to Dion Dupree.
Hi Dion, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got started in the business side of music entertainment in early 2012 when I was asked by one of Pittsburgh’s biggest DJ’s, DJ Nick Nice, to help him run his production company called Nick Nice Productions. He appointed me as the President of his production company and I began booking him and his network of DJs for private sector events and large shows in Pittsburgh. While booking him for shows, I was the first point of contact for the record labels and road managers of acts that was coming into the city. Local recording artists started noticing the work we were doing and asked if we could manage them. Nick was not interested but gave me the greenlight to utilize his network and resources to work with them so I started Grind Mode Management LLC and began working with artists. This opened the door for me to meet my mentor and friend, Domingo. He is a legendary Boom Bap Hip Hop Producer from East New York. He and I developed a great bond and he began to open up his network to me which led to me securing a label Partnership with Ingrooves Music Group and Grind Mode Music Worldwide emerged as a result of me now being able to distribute globally through that relationship. Running into challenges throughout the process of breaking independent recording artists, I began to invest in the infrastructure that was necessary to help them get the exposure they deserve. Grind Mode Radio LIVE, which is my online radio station, was started to give artists a global platform to have their music heard and began the media training needed for interviews on bigger radio platforms.
I started a television Network on Roku called Ur Vision Television Network to help those interested in visual content, such as films, music videos, documentaries, reality shows and more get exposure for their production. We also utilized this platform to help businesses gain exposure through our ability to ingest ads into our shows. Having a background with working with youth, I understood the importance of helping them learn how to take their interest in music entertainment and make it a career option by teaching them the trade, then showing them how to set up a business. So, I started Grind Mode Multimedia Productions and set it up as a Non-profit so we could utilize our network of DJs, radio show staff, music producers/engineers, photographers and videographers to teach youth to acquire the skill and I teach them how to develop a business. As a Professional Member of the Recording Academy/GRAMMYS. I believe it is essential to continue to persevere the culture and help our youth understand the lucrative earning potentials that are available based off their interests in arts entertainment. I have believe it is our responsibility to teach the youth a better way based off the experiences we gained through our journey as entrepreneurs.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. The biggest challenge I have faced along the way is differentiating the people who are out here to scam the artist from those who genuinely provide platforms for them to get the proper exposure. We have ran into a lot of what I call “IN THE WAY” people that offer useless promotional services that’s really designed to help line their pockets that don’t benefit the artists. I decided to focus my work on the independent artists so that often poses challenges with trust because some of them have been taken advantage of in the past. It also poses challenges because a lot of them have the talent but don’t have access to the capital needed to help display their talents to a broader audience. As a business, I had to overcome the challenges of making the money needed to continue to provide the resources to our clients. The post-pandemic effects from the economy and challenges people have had to face as a result of the loss of income and other factors have had a tremendous impact on our business however, my ability to adapt and develop other revenue streams have helped us to maintain our professional standards and still meet the needs of our clients.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the owner/operator of Grind Mode Management LLC, Grind Mode Music Worldwide, Grind Mode Radio LIVE, Grind Mode Business Solutions, Ur Vision Television Network and the President of Grind Mode Multimedia Productions Incorporated. I specialize in marketing, branding, distribution, advertising and promotion. I am most known for moving artists into various markets such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and California. I utilize my network to help artists gain exposure for their content in various markets. I am most proud of the success we have had with artists in our network without major label backing and I am proud of my teams willingness to educate the youth. I am also proud to have been accepted as a Professional Member of the Recording Academy/GRAMMYS in 2022. I think my mindset and network is what sets me apart from others. I really believe that putting artists and creatives first and working diligently to meet their needs is essential. Most people in my position often look at how something would benefit them first as a part of their evaluation process when it comes to working with independent creatives, however, I evaluate whether or not we can reach their goals.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have to give a huge thanks to DJ Nick Nice. He was the first person who believed in me. With his appointing me as President of his production company, he really opened the doors the evolution of Grind Mode. Domingo, my mentor and brother has provided continued support and guidance throughout my journey. He has also provided me the opportunity to partner with him on our distribution platform, www.mediafamous.com. I am very thankful for my team, Nina Amendola, Joanna Haughton, Jose Moya, Brian Hill, Julian Hill, Alvin Nix, Lorne Shields, Ruby Williams, Kanti Kasa, Marlon Martin, Alvin Johnson, Aaliyah Smith, Ericka Kenney, Janell Ross, Yvonne Strothers, Richard Burton for their continued support with the growth and evolution of the Grind Mode brand. They all play vital roles within the company that contributes to our success. I also would like to thank our artists, NFM Drama, Ruger Rome, OT Cali, Graffiti Rue for their continued trust in the process and commitment to their art. They have stayed diligently creating great music, touring and allowing us to continue to support them by providing them performance and promotional opportunities. Teamwork makes the dream work is definitely the proven model that has led to the success of our company and each of the individuals mentioned has stepped in and done their part in ensuring we adhere to the professional ethics and standards we have set as a company.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.grindmodemusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grind_mode412/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grindmodeceo
- Other: https://linktr.ee/GrindModeMusic
Image Credits
Joanna Haughton of Her Vision Media GFX by Jio Vanni of Avante Garde Designs
