My most random release yet. Incomplete and unmixed. Was actually supposed to be a collab, but got scrapped. I can still hear it fitting on my developing project #TheStoryOfTheUnderdog. Just wanted to share these words and this vibe with the people at this time. #TSOTU 

Signed And Sealed (Produced By The Patents)

Five Steez is sharing music from a project which could manifest as a full-length album next year. In doing so, he has released ‘My Life, My Craft’, a song in which he chronicles his love for music and his own artistic pursuit, over lush melodies provided by long-time collaborator, Bravo. 
(Artwork by Jome Anderson)

My Life, My Craft (Produced By Bravo)

Five Steez has followed up on February’s release from a developing project, with another song titled ‘The Story’. The track, produced by DJ MTM, features him telling the tale of an independent Hip Hop artiste over a military-style drum track, with vocals cuts that speak to being an underdog in the chorus.
Follow DJ MTM @supreme-mtm
Artwork by Jome Anderson

The Story (Produced By DJ MTM)

Five Steez hits the back of the net with his new loosie titled 'Bergkamp', a random verse over a head-nodder crafted by The Patents out of Poland. The track begins and ends with exciting football commentary as Five Steez glides over the track with ease, all within 90 seconds, requiring multiple replays.
Free Download: http://bit.ly/FiveSteezBergkamp

Bergkamp (Produced by The Patents)

Five Steez gives a crash course via a one-time podcast (or 'podclass') for independent artists, providing tips and tricks related to Recording, Releasing Music, Marketing & Performing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Recording
- Ensure you have free studio access, whether yours or a collaborator's.
- Keep all your music files in one place.

Releasing Music
- Feel free to explore physical options for your music if you have the audience for it.
- Digital is where it is now. Distrokid is highly recommended for distribution, but also explore Bandcamp for your store.

Marketing
- Figure out your brand and how to present it.
- Make contact with all the necessary persons in a professional manner and within reasonable time.

Performing
- Performance is important so take your rehearsal seriously.
- If you don't see the right opportunities to showcase your craft, create them.

RESOURCES
- MusicMart.biz (Jamaican music store)
- MusiciansFriend.com (Online music store)
- Sweetwater.com  (Online music store)
- Disc2Disc.com (Jamaican CD manufacturer)
- CDBaby.com (Digital aggregator/distributor/CD manufacturer)
- Distrokid.com (Digital aggregator)
- Bandcamp.com (Artist platform/store)

RECOMMENDED READING
- All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald S. Passman (Must-read book for all industry practitioners)
- Start & Run your Own Record Label by Daylle Deanna Schwartz (The book I have found most useful in my independent journey)

FEATURED MUSIC
Intro: Commander in Chief (Instrumental) by Five Steez & Mordecai, HeatRockz 2.0
Outro: U.G.K. (Instrumental) by Five Steez & Mordecai, HeatRockz 2.0

This podcast was made possible by CATAPULT, The American Friends of Jamaica, Kingston Creative and Fresh Milk Barbados.

The Five Steez Cheat Code For Indie Artists

It is impossible to have a credible discussion about Hip Hop in Jamaica without mentioning Five Steez. The underground Kingston MC has been a mainstay on the local scene for over a decade, with international festival appearances and notable music outlet features under his belt. 

Reminiscent of the golden era, with a new twist, a common man’s perspective and an unheard Jamaican narrative, Five Steez’ music has been described by critics as ‘poignant’ and ‘soulful’, with lyricism full of imagery, storytelling and wit.

Five Steez

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