Getting Inside the Independent Music Industry

In the music industry today, there are a lot of independent record labels who are working hard to produce and distribute quality music. Fly Away Records, out of Barstow, CA is one of those independent labels. This is an interview with its owner MC Mic Won, real name: Michael Vaughn. He discusses topics such as what it's like owning an independent record label, the modern state of hip-hop, the Oklahoma City Bombing and advice for up-and-coming rappers.

What is your name, age, and location?
My name is Michael Vaughn and I am 24 years old. I live in Barstow, CA (but I am a San Diego, CA native).

How long have you been involved in some way with music?
12 years.

How did your music experience all start?
At the age of 12 I got into hip-hop right around the time of the Oklahoma City Bombing. I wrote a poem recounting the day's event and through a church ministry I presented it at a charity event for the bombing and met a rapper named Merle Anderson who actually taught me how to rap.

Is hip-hop your only favorite kind of music?
Hip-hop is the only favorite; however, I do enjoy rock, some metal, and gospel music!

What made you want to jump into the music industry and start Fly Away Records?
Fly Away Records was a final paper from high school. It is something that I had hoped to do and never thought in my teenage years I would actually do it. I wanted to jump into the industry because I felt there was a message that needed to be told and I felt that the Lord would use this medium to do so.

How many artists are currently on your music label?
At this moment there are just two.

What are some of the short-term goals of Fly Away Records?
We are currently rebuilding and redefining ourselves. Our short-term goal is to ensure we keep knocking quality tunes out when the time comes for us to do so.

What are some of the long-term goals of Fly Away Records?
Not to disappear like so many independent music labels have done before us. We want longevity that affects many generations of people and not just a single generation.

What is it like running an independent music label?
I've had my ups and downs. It's been fun, a struggle, and a learning experience. It has helped me to learn more about music and what it takes to do it. It's been a great experience.

What do you think of the modern state of hip hop?
Hip-hop is missing accountability. No one is accountable for what they say, do, or how they act. Kids are influenced by what they see and most of what they see is negative images that don't truly reflect the artists they love. Hip-hop isn't giving back it's actually destroying people. The people behind hip-hop are making it distasteful not the culture itself. However, we do have people who are setting up a standard no matter the sub-genre of hip-hop you listen to.

How does Fly Away Records hope to influence hip-hop and its listeners?
To show people that there is a God who loves and has a plan for us all. That music doesn't have to be debased to be enjoyable. We want this and future generations to grow and know that they can make it in this world.

What would you say to someone who is trying to break into the music industry as a rapper?
Perfect your craft! Listen, learn, grow, and share. Humility will go further than haughtiness. You have to be the student to be the master.

To find out more about Fly Away Records and to support independent music artists, check out Fly Away Records websites.