Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dodley “Seaux9” Joseph. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Seaux9, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
In 2004, the seed of my artistic journey was planted when I wrote my first song. Fast forward to 2009, and stepping into the studio for the first time breathed life into my musical aspirations. The following year, I ventured into beat-making, crafting the sound that would define me.
In 2011, winning the Producer Excellence Award at the Gwinnett Media Festival validated my dedication. Transitioning to Lanier High School in 2012, where I taught music technology, marked a new chapter in sharing my passion.
2015 was pivotal, as I released my first entirely self-produced and engineered song. The journey gained momentum in 2019 with the release of my debut EP, “Field Nxtez,” and a meeting with Spotify.
The subsequent years were a whirlwind—performing in Atlanta, starring in a film, and venturing into NFTs in 2021. With the release of “FEELED NOTEZ, Vol. 2” in 2023, my journey continues, intertwining creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship. From those early studio days to the world of NFTs, this is my story of resilience, growth, and unwavering passion.
Seaux9, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am Seaux9, a dynamic artist and entrepreneur weaving a tapestry of creativity and innovation. My journey commenced in 2004 when I penned my first song, and since then, it has evolved into a diverse spectrum of artistic endeavors.
As a musician, I’ve not only written and produced my own tracks but ventured into beat-making, earning accolades like the 2011 Producer Excellence Award at the Gwinnett Media Festival. My commitment to music education led me to teach at Lanier High School in 2012, marking a transformative phase in my career.
In 2019, I unveiled my debut EP, “Field Nxtez,” reflecting my prowess in production, songwriting, and engineering. This success paved the way for meaningful collaborations, including a meeting with Spotify.
Beyond music, my journey encompasses starring in an independent film, exploring NFTs, and co-directing a film in 2021. Now, in 2024, the release of “FEELED NOTEZ, Vol. 2” underscores my dedication to pushing creative boundaries.
What sets me apart is the fusion of creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship in my narrative. From championing self-produced tracks to navigating the NFT space, my story embodies resilience and unwavering passion.
Proudly rooted in my Haitian heritage, my art is a celebration of the vibrant culture, infusing soulful melodies and rhythmic beats that reflect the resilience and diversity of Haiti.
For potential clients, followers, or fans, I want them to know that my work transcends genres and mediums, creating a dynamic experience. Whether it’s through music, film, or NFTs, I bring authenticity, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of creative excellence to the forefront of my brand.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
While my primary focus lies in music, films, and NFTs, your question prompts an exciting expansion of possibilities. For those delving into a multifaceted creative enterprise, imagine a clothing line complemented by CDs and posters, each embedded with NFC tags. This innovative approach not only integrates fashion but also extends the immersive experience of my art.
In this hypothetical scenario, collaborating with skilled manufacturers becomes paramount. Finding partners capable of seamlessly incorporating NFC technology into clothing, CDs, and posters requires a careful search and strong communication to ensure the vision is realized effectively.
The lessons learned in such an endeavor revolve around the synergy between creativity and technology. The integration of NFC tags adds a layer of interactivity, creating a unique bridge between physical and digital realms. As an artist, this venture underscores the importance of pushing boundaries, adapting to emerging technologies, and offering fans an enriched, interactive experience that goes beyond conventional expectations.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
To kickstart my artistic endeavors and build a multifaceted creative business, I initially pooled resources from various avenues. Personal savings played a crucial role, providing the foundational capital needed for equipment, studio time, and early promotional efforts.
As my artistic journey unfolded, I embraced a hands-on approach. Selling CDs and merchandise not only generated revenue but also fostered a direct connection with my audience. This grassroots engagement became a significant source of income, helping fuel subsequent projects and ventures.
Additionally, I seized opportunities to provide production services for others and offered my engineering skills at studios. These endeavors not only expanded my skill set but also brought in additional income, creating a symbiotic relationship between artistic expression and financial sustainability.
Diversifying income streams became a key strategy. Taking on various gigs and part-time jobs provided supplementary funding, ensuring a steady flow of resources during the formative stages of my business. This adaptive approach allowed me to navigate the challenges inherent in the artistic and entrepreneurial landscape.
As my artistic footprint grew, so did opportunities for collaboration and partnerships. These connections not only enriched my creative projects but also brought in potential financial support, contributing to the expansion of my business.
The initial capital was a mosaic of personal investment, earnings from creative outputs, and strategic collaborations. The journey has taught me the importance of resourcefulness, adaptability, and building a sustainable foundation for long-term success in the dynamic world of artistic entrepreneurship.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://seaux9.carrd.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seaux9
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Seaux999?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dodley-joseph-a7832117a?trk=public_profile_browsemap
- Twitter: https://x.com/seaux9/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Seaux9?si=RJSR5_V2blu67V1m
- Other: New Album FEELED NOTEZ, Vol. 2 https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/seaux9/feeled-notez-vol-2-2