MMIM: We are aware that the name of your record label was derived from your birthday. Can you tell MMIM what inspired you to create the July 18 music group, as well as what has been the most rewarding and challenging part of having your own label?

July18: What inspired me to create July 18 music group was from being around the entertainment business for a while, and seeing how it works. Funny thing is, it was either my own independence or mere arrogance I would think to myself, “man, that decision certain exec and label head did were pretty asinine or just evidence of a poor businessman. In no disrespect to any execs or employee of any label but I felt and feel there is something that honestly was lacking within the music industry. That has led to the last 10 years of it spinning out of control, there are many reasons for what is happening, and that’s being progressive in planning/marketing and branding. I feel most people running labels are reactive and not pro active on their approach to making a certain artist or business decision work. Ex. the downloading of music, there was knowledge of it happening, but actions to think outside of the box were slow or didn’t happen at all hence the merging and closing doors of many companies.

But I feel that forming July 18 was my way of simply putting into action what I have always dreamt of and envision – that is having a label and putting out artists that can have a career and make a livelihood in the field of their dreams. And that in itself is rewarding… that July 18 will be a vehicle for someone to use to do what they are aspiring to accomplish.

The most challenging part to this is breaking through and building on the foundation that is being cemented. It’s hard to step off the sidelines and score a touchdown… So the challenge is the day-to-day operations and also trying to break an artist. But it’s a fun challenge…

MMIM: Can you tell our readers what exactly you mean when you say July 18 is the label for honest, creative music of integrity?

July18: Honesty, Creativity and Integrity… yeah those three words are very important to me when it comes to any artist. I often look to see if an artist is honest, i.e. being transparent with the listening audience and themselves. That is very essential to being an artist; you cannot play a character or mimic another artist to fit in or to validate you as an artist. An artist should just trust their own ability and what they are attempting to convey. Being Honest, to me leads to Creativity that leads to Integrity. In a way that if you are honest then you can express freely and creatively your art, and if that’s who you are then there’s an authentic truthfulness that deserves respect.

MMIM: What are you currently doing with July 18 and what is in the works?
July18: We are working on releasing some projects with the Custodian Of Records… He has an EP and an album that we are soon readying for official release. Check him out www.myspace.com/thecustodianofrecords. Also I am putting the right production together for a production company Prosumer Productions that will be a very creative company that July 18 is partnering with. Looking for artists, and building upon the foundation that has already been laid. There other things like the signing of some artists. but I would keep you posted on those things in the next weeks or so… (smile)

MMIM: Why did you choose the type of artists that are currently on your label? Or what makes you decide on what artist to sign?

July18: I decide artists selfishly by whom I would like to hear or go out to buy their album. Its 30% intuitively, in such a way there’s a vibe a listener with a good music ear gets once they hear something new fresh and creative. Its hard to explain but its something similar to how a directors say an actor has “it” a good artist has a very unique quality that’s hard to explain but understood once you hear or experience it. Sounds pretty Zen like but its very real. But its also 70% dedication and quality that adds to the equation, is the artist dedicated to his or her art and to being productive artist in this industry. So it’s really comes to being first good, dedicated, hardworking and having perseverance.

MMIM:Are you currently looking for artists on your record label, and if so how can they reach out to you?

July18: Definitely. I am definitely looking for artists… I can be reached at July18Music@gmail.com or on Myspace. www.myspace.com/july18music .

MMIM: Is there anything else that you would like to share with the MMIM audience?
July18: First Thank You MMIM for this interview. It’s deeply appreciated. Of Course I have to say, Vote Obama. November 4th

Be sure to come back to MMIM to check out more updates from the July 18 Music Group, as well as intervews from the artists featured on the label.