Aspiring musicians displayed their talent Tuesday night for the Tallahassee Artist Showcase at Dro’s Bacco & Cigs Smokeshop.
Marquita Tyson, also known as “Ice”, is the creator of the showcase. Tyson felt a need to help aspiring artists in Tallahassee.
“I’ve come across several indie artists that didn’t have the knowledge or funds to open up for major acts at my club events,” Tyson said. “So I took it upon myself to give them a platform to cater to all their needs as an upcoming artist.”
This showcase is on every sixth and 20th of each month. Aspiring artists have a chance of making their dreams a reality for only $10.
Joshua Brown, a junior biology student and former winner of the showcase, believes the audience makes the showcase even better.
“It feels good, definitely in an environment like this,” Brown said. “When People gravitate towards you, it’s really dope.”
The Tallahassee Artist Showcase provides plenty of opportunities for local talent to succeed. The showcase winner gets a cash-prize, promotional graphics, studio time, custom music production, and radio interviews.
Justin Sanders, also known as “DJ Drumma Jai”, is the official deejay of the local artist showcase. Sanders’ sees many of these acts can join the likes of Tallahassee native superstars like T-Pain.
“Everybody I hear that comes on a regular basis have progressed each time we here them,” Sanders says. “It’s a lot of potential [here].”
Tyson noted that Tallahassee has plenty of talent to go around, the music industry just has to see it.
“We want to build awareness on the talent in Tallahassee so that A&Rs and label executives can have a place to scout dope indie artists that are not from Tallahassee,” Tyson said. “The Tallahassee Artist Showcase is the ultimate independent artist platform in Tallahassee.”