Swagger Fashion Show Dresses Up The Music Industry

The panel included professionals such as Boogaloo, Tonya Butler, Waheed Alqawasmi , Kurt “KC” Clayton, and Trenyce. The very beautiful and witty anchor Dee Griffin of Eyewitness News ABC 24 hosted the panel.

One of Memphis’s most popular Dj’s, Boogaloo and Allure Marketing held The Swagger Fashion Show Sunday night at the Peabody hotel in downtown Memphis. The show featured an industry panel for aspiring artists, all new lines of clothing, and musical performances. The panel included professionals such as Boogaloo, Tonya Butler, Waheed Alqawasmi , Kurt “KC” Clayton, and Trenyce. The very beautiful and witty anchor Dee Griffin of Eyewitness News ABC 24 hosted the panel. They all gave very good advice on the music industry and good tips for upcoming artists entering the business. Here is an overview of what advice was given:

Boogaloo: He has been in the business for over 10 years and is currently the DJ for Hot 107.1. He has begun venturing off into the fashion world. Being a fashionable man himself, he seems to understand the importance of looking stylish in the music business. He states that Memphis is a great area for upcoming artists and they need to take advantage of their resources provided. He also mentions that upcoming artists have to realize they are in competition with everyone, even platinum selling artists that are on labels. So step your game up folks!

Tonya Butler: She has been in the business for 10 years and has seen it all. She has worked at Rhino Records doing contract agreements and has moved on to teaching music/business at the University of Memphis. Her advice to upcoming artists was to get your business ethic together and have representation. She states it looks better to have someone speak on your behalf and talk business for you. Preferably someone who knows the industry, or you could even grab a smooth talker from your family to help you out.

Waheed Alqawasmi: He is a local cinematographer and has worked with many artists in the area, not to mention staying busy with BMW and Cingular commercials. He states Memphis is a great place for music videos and it is a very supportive town. Most people would feel that there are no resources in Memphis for “making it” in the music business but Waheed states ” Everything you need is in this town and that’s why I haven”t left yet.”

Kurt “KC” Clayton: He is a music producer and has been in the business for 20 years. KC has worked with artists such as Three 6 Mafia for 9years, helped Al Kapone with his new band “The Untouchables”, Trenyce of American Idol and many more. His advice to upcoming artists was to begin networking and getting your name out, and to make sure you have representation. He states, “It can happen in Memphis” you don”t have to travel to other cities to get resources, we have them all here in the city.

Trenyce: She has been singing long before American Idol and has teamed up with Carlos Broady of Memphis. She wants to bring R&B back to Memphis with a bang and feels that the team she is working with is going to do just that. Her advice for upcoming artists was to not be afraid to ask questions and get help from other people in the industry. She states that this business is a 24/7 job and you have to work hard for it.

As for the fashion show and performances, everything seemed to go as planned. Lots of great local fashion appeared on stage, such as Damien with Divine Prodigy/ Custom Kings and a line of Ed Hardy was also displayed. They did a great job with linking the music with the designs, the performers included: Playa Fly, 8Ball and MJG, Cello of Atlanta, and Larry Dodson of the Barkays. It was a large turn out and a great success.