Fashion week started in New York in 1943 and we get a stylish creative who can give you everything you need and takes us to Dallas. “Dallas Fashion Week” by Tracy Lamont is an artist who can produce your record, write and record a catchy hook, smash a verse and then executive produce your album to make sure it’s headed in the right direction. Lamont is a force. We had the pleasure of interviewing Tracy Lamont, and here is what he had to say:
Q: Can you introduce yourselves and tell us about your creative career?
TRACY: I am an artist from Manassas, a small city in Virginia. Currently residing in Dallas, TX. I was introduced to music at an early age and the impact has shaped me as a person and an artist. From the very beginning, my parents played an eclectic mix of music, from Missy Elliott and Jay-Z to Kirk Franklin and Kelly Clarkson. It isn’t just hip-hop that flows through Tracy Lamont. It’s Rap, Gospel, Soul, R&B, and everything in between that can be felt in my music.
I started writing songs at the age of 9, and I also took on playing the upright bass for my middle school orchestra. Practicing almost daily, this forced me to learn how to read music. My father played a major role in my music education by getting me my first keyboard. Around 16 already curious and fully in love with music and its creation, I began experimenting with producing and creating my own sound. After graduating high school and making music with a myriad of groups I left home to be free and be myself.
Despite some conflict, I’ve built a hefty resume for myself, producing for a number of artists including Amiss. Omega and WizKid. I am looking to expand in 2023, releasing music and content consistently as well as producing for more artists.
Q: With the music industry tanking and record sales falling, how do you envision yourself earning a living as an independent artist?
TRACY: Currently my focus is on building my audience, learning my brand DNA, and making the highest quality music and content I can. My income for now comes from production, merchandise, and performances but I am looking to get into sync licensing and other brand partnerships as opportunities present themselves. I think it’s more about the long game these days. When you master your craft, build your audience by remaining consistent, your income streams will open up and/or improve. Right now we’re still in the building stage and that’s fine because we’ve been blessed along the way.
Q: Let’s talk a bit about your current releases “Dallas Fashion Week” and ‘Everyone’s Favorite”’. What is the backstory behind both tracks? Is there an upcoming album or EP in the works?
TRACY: Dallas Fashion Week originated from a session in Chicago with producer J.Phree. I had written a hook and the verses in Chicago but we decided to pursue a different direction with the hook. Something more universal, something that would make people feel positive and want to dance, so my manager Dee Jack thought about P$O Kwama. I had heard some of his music and I liked his style and became a fan instantly so we sent it over with the open hook and the verses on it and he sent us back “You know you want me…”
Everybody has a theme song something that gets them hyped or makes them feel like they’re the sh** That’s what Everybody’s Favorite is for me. I had to remind myself that I got this, so keep trying. Don’t be focused on what’s not happening or what you can’t accomplish, but instead focus on what you can accomplish and what is working? I produced the beat a while back and just caught a vibe listening to it one day and BAM!
I’m currently wrapping up “Closer Than Yesterday” and the theme will be centered around persistence, consistency, dealing with the ups and downs of the journey because we all have them but, as long as we keep pushing forward we’re a lot closer to our dreams than we were yesterday. A lot of the production is handled by me but J.Phree lends a hand as well as a new producer I’m working with blkswn.
Q: You have been in multiple fashion weeks. Which was your favorite and what brand did you like the best and why?
TRACY: My favorite brand that I’ve worked with so far is definitely UNFRM. The owner Chris has a clear vision and great attention to detail, which I appreciate.
Q: What is your earliest musical memory?
TRACY: Performing for the first time ever on stage in 7th grade. My teacher had me make a positive song for MLK day and I did a remix of a T.I. song, “Dope Boyz” from the I’m Serious album. It worked out well. I remember being nervous, really nervous but feeling like I belonged on stage as soon as the music dropped. I think about that performance often actually. My teacher, Mrs. Davenport always asked “Is this your best?” and the older I get I find myself asking that question a lot.
Q: What artists and music are you listening to lately? Any playlists?
TRACY: Nipsey is always in rotation for me; Smino, Hit-Boy, Westside Boogie, Blxst, Cousin Stizz, Saba, 218Poppi, P$O Kwama just to name a few. I have an Apple Music playlist called Yams Only. That’s pretty much my day-to-day.
Interviewed by Shertara Brazil
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