Today we’d like to introduce you to Duane Powell.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Duane. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The SOUNDROTATION has served many purposes on Chicago’s music scene. Growing up in the 70s, having uncles who were DJs and were figures in southside nightlife, I had a blueprint. Starting in the mid to late 80’s, I was doing street promotions and consulting for several of the now legendary DJs and promoters on the burgeoning house music scene. In 1997, I started DJing myself on and off. That same year, I landed a job as the buyer for import dance music for one of the largest music distributors. After which, I became an employee then manager at Dr. Wax Records, a Chicago staple. My interactions there led to me networking with artists and begin throwing my own events and concerts under SOUNDROTATION. Many Grammy nominated artists made their Chicago debut on my concert series.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth ride, lol. Being ahead of the curve always come with a price. Convincing venues and sponsors to back my ventures showcasing artists and talent not yet known to the market or the world was always a struggle. A lot of times, I had to fund these shows myself. Flying in the talent, housing them and paying their performance fees as well as technical costs for venues and sound became a serious struggle. It was a blessing when I finally got backers to believe in what I was doing. I also had the hard lesson of being given the short end of the sticks by others I tried partnering with on these ventures.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with SOUNDROTATION – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
As I said, the SOUNDROTATION brand is associated with many things within music culture. I consult artists on career moves. I have several companies that come to me to help promote events and concerts. Currently mostly known as a DJ holding residencies at many of Chicago’s hotspots including the Virgin Hotel, Ace Hotel, House Of Blues as well as many of city’s festivals including Chicago House Festivals. I’m most proud of my recent addition to my brand. I start a music lecturing series that’s currently funded by the University Of Chicago called the Rear View Mirror Sessions. In this series, I created lectures on the history of soul music legend and unsung heroes. Very informative. What sets me apart is the many hats I wear successfully. Not many promoters are also DJs, consultants or public speakers.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Talking my music lecturing series to universities worldwide and the idea keeps popping up to write a book. Maybe, just maybe, lol.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.duanepowell.com
- Email: info@duanepowell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundrotation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djduanepowell/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SOUNDROTATION
Image Credit:
Christopher Andrew, RJ Eldridge, TyKeith Nelson
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