{"id":21098,"date":"2023-02-08T14:13:37","date_gmt":"2023-02-08T19:13:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/multi.nycnewsnetwork.com\/brooklynbuzz\/kota-the-friend-wants-to-help-independent-artists-win\/"},"modified":"2025-02-13T09:40:40","modified_gmt":"2025-02-13T14:40:40","slug":"kota-the-friend-wants-to-help-independent-artists-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/brooklynbuzz\/kota-the-friend-wants-to-help-independent-artists-win\/","title":{"rendered":"Kota the Friend Wants to Help Independent Artists Win"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Courtesy TodaysHipHop.com<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

In an hour-long sitdown on the podcast\u00a0<\/i>Independent Living<\/i><\/b>, Brooklyn’s Kota the Friend explains the importance of genuine fans, the moment his music became profitable, his passion for helping independent artists, and more.\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

In his most recent interview appearance, Kota the Friend spoke with COO of\u00a0BeatStars<\/a>\u00a0and ex\u00a0Funk Volume<\/strong>\u00a0Co-Founder\u00a0Dame Ritter<\/b>\u00a0on his new podcast\u00a0Independent Living<\/strong>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/i>The podcast highlights the stories of the world\u2019s most successful independent creators.\u00a0 Together, Ritter and Kota discuss some vital aspects of being independent, which Kota and his brand fltbys have used to accelerate growth.<\/p>\n

A Loyal Fanbase\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

In a pivotal moment in the interview, Dame asks Kota about a typical member of his fanbase.\u00a0 What is their demographic?\u00a0 What do they do?\u00a0 Where are they?\u00a0 Who does your music resonate with?<\/p>\n

Kota answers: \u201cGenuine people.\u00a0 People always talk about when they come to my show how good the people are in the crowd, like, \u2018this is the coolest crowd\u2019.\u00a0 And I agree, just because of the people I meet at my shows.\u00a0 All super chill and kind people\u2026People have proposed to their girlfriends at my shows.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

Kota goes on to discuss how he was very intentional with his artist name, image, and the message that he puts out through his music.\u00a0 He creates for his fans. With the hopes that his lyrics and actions will help people, and build a positive community.\u00a0 Starting with the concept that, as he says,\u00a0\u201cEverybody needs a friend.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

Kota Wants to Help Independent Artists Win\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Dame goes on to ask Kota the Friend about his passions surrounding starting a label or helping other artists win.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have the desire to work with other artists, but I don\u2019t want to have a label or anything near it.\u00a0 I kind of want to create a way I can help artists win, and win at the same time. Without having to sign anything or signing percentages or rights to me.\u00a0 I just want to create together.\u00a0 Create something dope that helps them, and helps me. I would love to create content for artists and have my signage in their videos, and my company\u2019s signage in it.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As Kota the Friend and FLTYBS continue to reach more independent artists through opportunities like\u00a0Flight Night<\/a>, one can expect both artist and company to take a more hands-on approach toward leading the new guard of independent talent.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

Money in Music\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t even know there was money in music\u201d,\u00a0<\/i>Kota shares when asked to reminisce about the early stages of his career.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI wasn\u2019t a signed artist, I didn\u2019t really expect to get paid independently.\u00a0 It just kind of happened.\u00a0 At the beginning of it, I just said \u2018if I can put a roof over my head and feed my son that would be it.\u00a0 And I stuck to that.\u00a0 The first time I realized I had money in my Tunecore, I checked it. And I had $8,000 in my account.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Kota makes clear that early in his career, he was focused on the art, not the money.\u00a0 He wanted enough to provide for his family.\u00a0 The lesson an aspiring artist can take from this is to focus on the art first.\u00a0 Once you create a sound that\u2019s special, the money will come.<\/p>\n

Flagship FLTBYS (Flight Boys) store in Harrisburg, PA\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Kota often gets asked why he chose Harrisburg, PA as the location for his retail FLTBYS<\/a> store.\u00a0 He elucidated on this point further when asked by Dame in the interview.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the city of Harrisburg, PA, one of my friends lived out there and he said he was thinking about buying property out there.\u00a0 And this is at a time when I didn\u2019t even have an apartment.\u00a0 I was renting an apartment from a friend who last minute didn\u2019t want me to be there\u2026 My Dad brought it to my attention, \u2018you should look into that spot in Harrisburg.\u2019\u00a0 So we checked it out, and I bought a property.\u00a0 And that\u2019s where I put my store.\u00a0 It made sense.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In addition to the life circumstances that led Kota to Harrisburg, he explains how the area surrounding his retail store is really nice, with good restaurants, a movie theater, and a growing neighborhood.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n