Your Story. Our Culture. #MadeInTheDMV
Thank You
As
we are winding down from the December 6 launch of #MadeInTheDMV and
gearing up for the campaign in the New Year, we wanted to take the time
to thank you for your participation in what has been called "one of the
most monumental days in DMV music history." Words can't express how
grateful we are to have had your support and trust in our vision for
#MadeInTheDMV, and the contributions of your time, knowledge, and
experience have made an immediate impact on the atmosphere and energy of
our music scene.
Our Story
We
initially set out to create a platform to inspire, cultivate, and
build. We knew, like many of those outside of our area, that amazing
talent in all aspects of the music industry live and work here, but
bridging gaps, changing attitudes, and instilling a sense of pride would
be key in growing into the next music mecca we have the potential to
become. In personal conversations and awareness of your personal
efforts, we knew that we weren't alone in our belief in our region. We
found ourselves overwhelmingly personally inspired by you all and your
willingness to teach and share and our attendees' eagerness to learn.Putting together #MadeInTheDMV was no easy feat. Aside from the time and logistical challenges of putting the events together in less than 45 days, we faced uncertainty and challenges. We were told that people aren't interested in learning. We were told that the experienced and successful won't openly share. We were told that people would not come to an all-DMV artist showcase without a major headliner. We were told that we faced the risk of getting shut down if we were able to draw a crowd because of disorder. We were told that we can't put on a quality event without a budget and make it free to attend. We were told that no one really cares, and that the DMV will never have a "real industry."
Despite the doubt, we put in inhuman hours and pulled every resource and favor from our friends, colleagues, teams, and families. With your support and involvement, doubt turned to encouragement and expectation, and we built a marketing campaign that generated over 60 graphics, over 6,000 #MadeInTheDMV hashtag posts on Instagram, over 100 auditioners, over 500 registrations for the conference, and over 1500 registrations for the show. Even with the buzz, we faced uncertainty about whether the Internet support would translate into reality.
On a rainy Saturday morning at 9 am, the R.I.S.E. parking lot and our first panel was packed. The rain continued all day, but so did the overwhelming spirit of support and the endless stream of artists, creatives, executives, entrepreneurs, influencers, and supporters. We reached capacity for both the conference and the show, and the only news we made that day was good news. Our final numbers were over 300 in attendance for the conference, 800 for the show, and $2000 raised for charity non-profit, Will Rap 4 Food, Inc.
We are truly honored and humbled by your support and contributions in helping to make #MadeInTheDMV a success. Together we made a powerful statement to local businesses, the region, and perhaps most importantly to each other that there is not only a need, but also a desire to grow and build, and that we can come together as a community in a positive manner in support of one another.
Special Thank Yous
We
would like to thank our partners and sponsors: IGotIt4Free, Will Rap 4
Food, Sports Zone, Chix, Fractograf, Hennessy, Reebok, Center for Arts
and Media, Bottom Feeders Music, Coliseum Apparel, JukiTV, Best of Both
Offices, Hip Hop Since 1987, Create DC, Sam Bone Group, High Definition
Society, Haven House Music, My Promo Voice, RealTALK DC, HATFest DC,
Humanities DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center, and DCCAH.
We
would like to especially thank the Will Rap 4 Food team, Bryonna
Younger, Kim Lomax, Shantae Sturdivant, Allia, DJ Marauder, J Cudder,
and Cory Moore for going the extra mile to help provide logistics and
coordination support.
The Way Ahead
Following
your dreams isn't easy and #MadeInTheDMV is about celebrating our
successes, empowering and inspiring others with our stories and
experiences, and creating a collaborative culture. As the saying
goes, "True leaders don't create followers, they create more leaders."
WE are the leaders. No one else is going to build our own scene like we,
ourselves, can collectively – those of us who live, work, and create
right here in the DMV.
We hope to
collectively build on the platform and momentum you helped to create. We
will continue what we started with #MadeInTheDMV by hosting workshops,
events, collaborating on projects, and more. We hope to grow the
campaign into broader topics and participation given more space and time
in the future. #MadeInTheDMV was created to help mutually support each
other, so please keep us updated on your projects and endeavors.
Recaps
Please check out some of the #MadeInTheDMV recap articles:
Sincerely,
Byrd, IGotIt4Free
Melisa Duncan, Will Rap 4 Food | Maniiifest
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