Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrew Tainter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Andrew thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was during the early days of the Hot 16s podcast. I started it as a way to connect with independent artists and highlight voices that weren’t getting mainstream attention. At the time, I was just experimenting — I didn’t have a full vision yet. But once I started sitting down with these incredibly talented underground artists, hearing their stories, and capturing that raw energy, something clicked.

I remember one specific moment — I was recording an episode with an MC who had been overlooked for years. After the session, he looked at me and said, “This is the first time I felt like someone really saw what I do.” That hit me. I realized this wasn’t just a hobby — it was a platform. It could grow into something that built community, celebrated artistry, and created real opportunities.

From there, I started organizing shows, linking with collectives like Lighter Fluid, and eventually developing Hot 16s Fest. Each step rooted deeper in purpose — not just for me, but for the culture. That’s when I stopped thinking of it as a side passion and started treating it like a professional mission.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Andrew Fredrick Tainter, and I’m the founder of Hot 16s, a grassroots music platform that started as a podcast and evolved into full-scale event production, community engagement, and cultural storytelling. I operate under a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsorship with HNDP, and our mission is to highlight underground talent, especially in the Los Angeles hip hop scene, through authentic, high-energy experiences.

I got into this industry through genuine curiosity and love for the culture. I grew up in Mendocino, Northern California — a small town where hip hop was something I discovered and held onto as a form of self-expression. When I moved to LA, I dove headfirst into the underground scene, meeting artists, engineers, DJs, and creatives who were all hustling without big industry backing. That energy reminded me of why I fell in love with hip hop in the first place — it was raw, honest, and built on community.

Hot 16s started as a podcast — just me interviewing artists, giving them a platform to share their story and spit bars. But it quickly turned into something more. I realized I had a talent for curating events and bringing people together, so I started throwing shows — first in small venues, then scaling up to multi-vendor festivals with full sound, car shows, live graffiti, and brand sponsorships. I’ve worked with artists like Locksmith, A-F-R-O, 60 East, and Viva Mescal, and I also collaborate with collectives like Lighter Fluid to offer workshops and feedback sessions to up-and-coming artists.

What I provide isn’t just a stage — it’s a platform. Whether it’s live performances, radio exposure through my show LA Lifestyle on 101.5 FM KQBH, artist development, vendor opportunities, or brand alignment, my goal is to help artists and creatives gain visibility, build fanbases, and make meaningful industry connections — all without selling out their vision.

What sets me apart is the integrity behind the work. I’m not trying to “go viral” — I’m building something that lasts, rooted in community, culture, and consistency. I operate with a nonprofit mindset, reinvesting everything into the movement, whether that’s through affordable ticketing, supporting local businesses, or giving underrepresented voices the spotlight.

I’m most proud of the fact that we’ve built Hot 16s Fest into a recognized brand without outside investors. It’s word-of-mouth, sweat equity, and real love for hip hop. We’ve drawn crowds of 200+, booked stacked lineups on a budget, and we’re scaling up — August 30th, 2025 will be our biggest fest yet: 12 hours, 750+ people, a car show, food, graffiti, live performances and more.

What I want people to know is this: Hot 16s isn’t just a brand — it’s a community. It’s a place where real talent meets real opportunity. If you’re an artist, vendor, brand, or fan who wants to be part of something authentic — we’ve got room for you.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of this work is seeing people feel seen — especially artists who’ve been overlooked or counted out. When someone tells me that our platform gave them their first real crowd, or their first paid show, or helped them connect with fans or brands — that’s everything to me.

It’s also rewarding to watch the community grow beyond just music. At our events, you’ll see vendors building relationships, graffiti artists getting booked for murals, and people from all walks of life coming together around culture. We’ve had artists who performed at our early shows go on to tour, sign deals, or start their own collectives. Knowing we played even a small role in that is incredibly fulfilling.

For me, it’s not about clout — it’s about legacy. It’s about creating a space where authenticity thrives, where people get inspired, and where the underground finally gets the recognition it deserves. That’s the real win.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Absolutely — there have been plenty of times where non-creatives didn’t understand the journey. Whether it’s family, city officials, or potential sponsors, some people just don’t get why we do what we do, or why it matters. They might ask things like, “Is there money in this?” or “Why invest so much time in underground music?”

I’ve had moments where people thought this was just a hobby — or assumed it was disorganized or unprofessional because it wasn’t tied to a big corporate brand. They didn’t see the hours of planning, the logistics, the community impact, or the emotional investment behind every show, every podcast episode, every collaboration.

What I’ve learned is that not everyone is supposed to understand your vision — especially if they’ve never had to build something from the ground up. But I don’t let that discourage me. Instead, I let the work speak. I show them the turnout, the testimonies, the real lives being impacted. And over time, even some of the skeptics come around once they see how real the movement is.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hot16sfest/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@L.A.Lifestyle
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/pbp-136714439