BLAQUELINE: You founded the Urban Artist Alliance (UAA). Tell us more about this organization.
TERRANY: I started the organization in 2010 to educate the urban artists who are part of the music community in Austin, but not always involved in it. There are tons of non-profits that teach you about the music business, but none of them are catered towards the urban artists. I try to teach artists ways to own their music and create sustainable revenue.
BLAQUELINE: How have you made the community aware of UAA?
TERRANY: It's all word of mouth. I am one of those artists that have been here since the 1980's - 1990's and everyone pretty much knows me. I do not run ads or create banners. I want to reach people that are in east Austin and those that do not have access to computers.
BLAQUELINE: How do you feel about the state of Urban Music in Austin?
TERRANY: I feel like its been constant. There is always a new influx of new artists. We have never had a lack of artists, but we have had a lack of business minds. The other genres are more organized and they share resources. But we are more into cliques.
BLAQUELINE: What is the true theory behind the lack of urban artists being part of SXSW?
TERRANY: SXSW has evolved. Hip Hop used to be in one room at a hotel. But now SXSW is a marketing machine. Artists need to come together and partner with SXSW and get their own event going. I left SXSW as the Urban Music Director because I felt there was a ceiling put on me that I could not break. I wanted funding for a huge show that I was going to put on and instead the funds were allocated to somone else.
"Hard work is measureable and should be practiced all year"
BLAQUELINE: Are there any artists that you have encountered that have put in the work and you would give them the "hook up?"
TERRANY: Definitely. But sometimes it's a bunch of things together. You can be a great artist, but I might not like your attitude. I am big on relationships and I tell people all the time, relationships are more valuable than money.
BLAQUELINE: You are currently a Black Fret board member. Tell us more about this organization.
TERRANY: It's the future. We actually give out grants each year to musicians. We gather to see the artists perform at private events, so grants are not just given, there are certain milestones that must be accomplished by the artist.
terrany johnson
"Tee-Double"
PAGE 10 | www.blaquelineentertainment.com
Terrany Johnson can only be described as incredible and a blessing to the music industry. To try and define his works will take more than my article. But when I sat down to speak with him he summed it all up so that even I could understand. Johnson is an Artist, Musician, Songwriter, Producer and a Dreamer. His contributions to the Austin, Texas Urban community can be felt in all that he touches.
As I walked the halls of his studio, there were awards that dated back to 1994. He even had plaques that he had not yet adorned his wall. Not because he did not have the time to put them up, there were simply just too many.