Explore the journey of an indigenous hip-hop duo who weave storytelling into their brand. They share their evolution from hand-selling merch to creating a global presence. Discover the significance of community identity and resilience in their music. The duo emphasizes grassroots growth for aspiring artists, focusing on perseverance and strategic marketing. Their unique 'Savage Kids' clothing line highlights self-expression and authenticity, showcasing the power of collaboration and the connection with dedicated fans.
Adopting a 'done is better than perfect' mindset enables artists to learn from mistakes and evolve both creatively and commercially.
Integrating cultural identity and community values into their music and merchandise has allowed the duo to reclaim space in the music industry.
Deep dives
Building Through Imperfection
Entrepreneurs must adopt the mindset that completing a task is more valuable than striving for perfection. This philosophy is particularly evident in the journey of the musical duo, who emphasize a 'done is better than perfect' approach in both music creation and business endeavors. They learned from their experiences in playing team sports that mistakes are part of the learning process, allowing them to continue evolving as artists. By focusing on progress and resilience, they have built a successful path for themselves in the music industry.
Evolving the Indigenous Music Scene
The music scene for Indigenous musicians has significantly transformed, particularly following movements such as 'I Don’t Know More' that highlighted land rights and social issues. The duo noted that the blend of activism and artistry has helped them connect more authentically with their community and audience. They aim to create music that resonates with the struggles and experiences of Indigenous peoples, utilizing platforms like social media that were less accessible in earlier years. This evolution has allowed them to reclaim space within the larger music industry and share their stories more broadly.
Reclaiming Identity Through Music and Merch
The duo's music is deeply intertwined with their identity as land defenders, emphasizing the significance of their ancestral territories and cultural heritage. They share that their lyrics often reflect their commitment to protecting the environment from external threats like industrial expansion. This connection to land informs not only their music but also their merchandise, creating a holistic representation of their values. The integration of their cultural identity into all facets of their work serves as a form of reclamation, allowing them to challenge negative stereotypes associated with Indigenous youth.
Strategies for Success as Creatives
Their entrepreneurial journey is characterized by a focus on community, collaboration, and a hands-on approach to branding. By leveraging platforms like Shopify, they have streamlined their merchandising and expanded their reach to audiences both in person and online. They advocate for limited merchandise releases and building from grassroots efforts, emphasizing the importance of responding to customer demand. Their advice for aspiring entrepreneurs includes passion, patience, and the understanding that meaningful success often builds gradually through experimentation and learning.