Meet DJ Swmpthing | DJ, VP, Artist relations and Program Director for Meet The Plug records and Itsaswmpthing media, state manager for Ohio chapter of fleet DJs

We had the good fortune of connecting with DJ Swmpthing and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DJ, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After DJing A-lot of local shows and programing an underground internet radio show for 5 years, I noticed artist were not being educated and/or prepared for a show or to be interviewed. The focus was only on the music and nothing else. There is so much more to an interview other than music. I’ts a chance for the audience to get to know the artist, find out they have things and common and listen to there thoughts and opinions outside the mic. On the other hand i’ts just as important for the artist to really utilize an interview platform to speak on things that are just as important as there music and/or what they create.

I wanted to create a promo and media business that focused on the people first. The music will be there but getting to know who the person is behind the artist is just if not more important. For my business the relationship with an artist helps create a more custom promo run and brand for that artist. I have found that one way may not work for all, however talking and spending time with a artist can help shape a better brand awareness specifically for that artist.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am blessed to be a part of two businesses in one. My company, Itsaswmpthing Media merged with a friend and now business partner company, Meet The Plug. This merger happened because we both were doing almost exactly the same thing and after numerous conversations, we decided our brands were better as one.
Meet The Plug Records is a “people first” music and media company. People first meaning, we want people to feel at home with us. Like it’s not just business, but friends helping friends. We find it is easier to help people reach their goals when we know more about what gets them motivated. The goal is to make people feel like with or without their business we genuinely want to see their dreams come true.

Our overall philosophy is we want to know the person we are working with/for first. Music and talent is secondary for us. Once we establish that we and an artist are like minded, and we genuinely support what the artist stands for, we can then use our brand, likeness, education, experience and network to help promote the music from that artist. We currently have four artists that we represent full time. One of our goals is to help create more awareness for indie artist music. A few ways we do this is scheduling interviews, placing their music on mix shows or internet radio, email blast, creating an EPK to send to our DJ coalition, sending their records to our personal network of A&Rs, just to name a few.

One thing I am very excited about is we are a very young company, and are constantly expanding and growing. We are very blessed to have the support, and means to expand in various ways. From the very start, we have had a lot of support from artists that we have worked with in the past who allowed us to help push their music. Our people first attitude has allowed us to gain trust with others in the business through a genuine support system and network of like minded individuals. We have achieved so much because of the people, and we will forever be thankful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, and I wanted to show them the best time ever, I would take them to “The Walrus” or any new place at the Easton Mall. Where we can enjoy their outside stores, bars, and shops. Easton Mall is constantly expanding, and there are always new shops to explore. The best place to visit toward the end of the week that has both a good music playlist and food is “The Citizens Trust.” They make the best drinks. Citizens Trust was an old bank and they still have a lot of the preexisting structures such as the flooring and an old safe. In addition to Easton Mall, a great go to spot is “Late Night Slice.” It has the best pizza in town.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow! I always struggle with this because there are so many people to thank. I live by the montra, “Nothing done successfully is not without the help of others.” With that being said I would like to start with my experience at the Ohio Media School. I met some great mentors during my experience there.  I would love to mention Dommy “Huge Deal” styles, DJ Coolbreeze , Comedian Danger, Ro the Realest, Tiffany EL, Young Nisa,  Miss Malone AKA Mama D and last but definitely not least, the worldwide Fleet DJs where I hold the state manager position for Ohio. These people and organizations have been vital to my success and business model. There are people I forgot I’m sure, but please blame my head, and not my heart. They are definitely appreciated.

Website: meettheplugmedia.com

Instagram: darealswmpthingdj