EDM has become one of the most popular genres among Gen Z audiences — but what does that really say about us?
It’s no secret that I align myself with the hip hop generation — I even founded a record label with my sister, Misha, just for purpose-driven hip hop artists. However, I’m not blind to the biggest trends among my fellow Gen Zers. Over the past decade, EDM (“Electronic Dance Music” for the uninitiated) has been one of the most popular genres for teens and young adults. And when you think about it, Gen Z and EDM go together pretty well.
Gen Z and the Internet
Don’t feel that you have to cheapen or somehow betray your passion for music just for shock value.
The music industry is changing rapidly, with new avenues arising for both creators and consumers every day. This begs the question: What will the music industry look like in the future?
As the cofounder of an indie record label, I’ve watched many of the most recent changes happen in real time. Despite only working in the business for a few years, we’ve had to constantly adapt to new trends — both in music creation and consumption. …
In today’s article, I want to examine the relationship between community outreach and hip hop. Most hip hop artists who have “made it” try to give back in one way or another, be it through community outreach programs, charitable donations, or other means. However, community outreach and charitable endeavors often hold a more personal meaning for many hip hop artists. Read on to find out why hip hop artists feel more connected to the people and communities they help.
A Brief History of Hip Hop Music
In today’s article, I want to look at a few tech startups that are really putting the planet before profits. These aren’t just businesses that deal in ‘green tech.’ On the contrary, these startups are actively working to make the world a better place through their vision, leadership, innovation, and accountability.
Plenty of large companies try to cash in on the whole “go green” movement. Some do it out of a sense of obligation to the planet and a recognition that past or existing business practices are simply not sustainable. Others do it because they think it will improve their…
In today’s article, I’ll be talking about the severe lack of artist-friendly record labels in today’s music industry. While I count my record label, Guin Records, among the most artist-centric labels in Los Angeles, the industry needs more labels that put their artists first. Additionally, I want to evaluate how deals with major record labels often end up hurting rising artists.
I don’t like to toot my own horn or make myself sound more benevolent than I am. At the same time, I’ve never been afraid to be honest and speak openly about my business ventures. …
It’s easy to talk about big ideas that could transform the world, but how would society actually change if we all lived to admire and inspire one another?
When I founded The Doe, I started with the idea that civil discourse had hit a barrier. From my perspective, people were no longer communicating with one another with positive intentions; they just talked at each other and debated for a right vs. wrong resolution. Anger and emotion trumped reason, making true discourse impossible. …
It’s easy to let stress accumulate at your job, but it’s not always easy to get rid of it — especially when you’ve got work to do. Fortunately, there are ways to destress your mind and body even when you’re stuck behind a desk.
As an entrepreneur, I am no stranger to stress or anxiety. I’ve been very fortunate to have founded multiple successful companies, including The Doe, which has grown into the largest anonymous publication platform on the market. …
There’s no doubt that COVID-19 has had devastating effects across the globe, but there is a small silver lining in the realm of online education.
Just a decade ago, online learning was still a rather foreign concept to most people. If someone wanted to get an online degree or learn a new skill in their spare time, they would have to wade through a sea of unaccredited schools and sham universities just to find the real deal. Though online scammers aren’t going anywhere, the quality of online education has drastically improved over the last year. …
SoundCloud is the #1 platform for new and upcoming hip hop artists, but is it alienating casual music fans to be at the forefront of the music industry? For some, SoundCloud has elevated music creators at the expense of its listeners.
If you follow music trends closely, you probably know that SoundCloud is THE place to find new artists, particularly in genres like hip hop and electronic music. For more than a decade, SoundCloud has helped democratize music production and distribution for struggling artists. Now, all you need is a smartphone and an Internet connection to share your musical creations…
Higher education looks completely different than it did a few decades ago. What does the future hold for students in an age driven by the Internet and technological innovation?
People have been questioning the necessity of a college degree for years. Many high school students continue to debate their parents on the issue, as the perception of higher education has shifted in the age of the Internet. What was once a vital stepping stone toward getting a sustainable career is now viewed as a little more than a piece of paper. …
Milan Kordestani
Milan Kordestani is a 22-year-old serial entrepreneur whose most notable startups include Guin Records, Dormzi, and The Doe.
