Written by Cleveland Oakes, November 17, 2016, at 12:16 p.m. Tweet to @Oakes945
American Dreamer
Slickster: Tell us about yourself, who are you?
Hauke Gahrmann: My name is Hauke. I’m originally from Germany but moved to New York almost 10 years ago. I was a little bored of my home country and decided to build a new life in this busy & exciting city! I’ve worked in TV & film production, real estate and now in the airline industry. I am in love with music and Basketball.
What were your first impressions of New York when you first arrived from Germany?
Well, the very first time I arrived in NY, I found the city both fascinating and overwhelming at the same time. Nevertheless, I acclimated quite quickly and fell in love. Soon after I made the Big Apple my home.
More importantly how about the US as a people?
I always said, “I didn’t move to the US, I moved to NY”. As a matter of fact, I am convinced New York is not a reflection of the United States as a whole. Everybody knows that NY truly is a melting pot. It is a city with an endless amount of different ethnicities, characters, and influences. This city is simply inspiring. Coastal cities like New York, Los Angeles, etc are usually more open minded and tolerant. Comparatively, the rest of the country CLEARLY has a long way to go; which is more apparent now than ever. However, I remain hopeful, in the human spirit.
The State of the Game
Slickster: Why R&B?
Hauke Gahrmann: It’s not just R&B that I’m in love with. I grew up listening to all sorts of musical genres. R&B entered my life when I first started playing basketball, which was 1990. So I basically didn’t miss a beat of the glorious 90s R&B. Generally, I just love SOULFUL music, anything that has a soul to it! Furthermore, I have always been a sucker for the slower songs. Tracks with a real melody and meaning. Even when it came to Rock, Punk, Metal etc! I guess you can say I’m somewhat of a softie. [laugh]
What do you feel about what’s on the radio today?
I guess it depends upon what station we’re talking about. I believe that there are some radio stations that are dedicated to playing quality music. A few even make it their goal to educate their listeners. Not to mention making sure that quality music is not going extinct. However, the mainstream radio stations don’t satisfy my personal cravings for eclectic, soulful and diverse music.
What are your feelings on the music industry as a whole?
Obviously the whole music industry changed drastically. The golden years of that industry are long gone. Things changed at the end of the 90s. Specifically, I would say at the beginning of 2000. I was interning at East West Records back then and witnessed the changes first hand. Even so, with every change comes opportunity. To demonstrate, now you can see who adapted and who did not. The music business has always been cut throat. That’s one of the reasons why I never had the desire to work for a record label full time.
Soulcatchers in NYCROPHONE
Slickster: Why did you start NYCROPHONE?
I created NYCROPHONE out of the desire to share the work of artists that I personally really dig. Music that I’m feeling on a deeper level. Music that moves me. Among my friends, I’ve always been the guy they would ask to borrow CDs from. The guy they would ask to put together a mix-tape etc.
NYCROPHONE is my outlet to share music that I love. That is to say, anybody who can appreciate my taste in music has access. First, it was a simple blog. Second, it evolved into a more complex website. Third, I accompanied the movement with the Acoustic Gold live music concert series and the live Acoustic Gold studio recordings!
I love the relationship between you and your co-host. Can you tell us a little more about him?
Yes! The MarXman! Marc Gilkes is a lyricist in his own right. We met through mutual friends and I’ve always admired his way with words. To clarify, Marc can do it all. He is a rapper, MC, lyricist, spoken word artist, poet, host – you name it! He is super likable, funny and just good peeps. Marc volunteered to host one of my Acoustic Gold first live shows and has been part of the movement ever since. Accordingly, I truly appreciate his dedication, his hard work, and commitment. He’s been working with many people in the industry and is constantly working on his own projects. The MarXman appreciates great music just like I do and he’s been a loyal partner and supporter of the NYCROPHONE and Acoustic Gold movement!
Words of Wisdom
Slickster: What recommendations would you have for anyone looking to get in the music industry?
Hauke Gahrmann: My recommendation is simply to be passionate about what you’d like to pursue. Be passionate, dedicated and relentless. Especially in the music industry, you have to stand out in order to succeed. For instance, there are tons of competition; especially in a city like New York. Be original, be persistent, be reliable and truthful. Hopefully, at some point, it’ll pay off.
What are some of the challenges in this field?
Well, I think the main challenge within the music industry is that there is not much money in it. Well, there is but it takes perseverance. For an example, the biggest part of the pie goes to a small segment of REALLY successful artists. While the remaining small part has to be divided amongst the rest of the industry. Ultimately, you gotta find your niche and be creative when it comes to making money within the industry.
Music for The People by The People
Slickster: Where do you find your acts?
Hauke Gahrmann: This is the question people ask me the most. It’s interesting that people are always surprised where I find all these talented artists. But to be honest, it’s all around us! You just gotta look for it.
I always say it’s work! You definitely have to put time into it. You gotta stay open-minded, curious and willing to dig deep. I find artists on social media clicking on anything that looks remotely like music, remotely interesting.
Through recommendations, through concerts that I randomly go to, through artists who name drop some of their artist friends, etc. Other great tools I use are YouTube and Soundcloud. In addition I Shazam songs in coffee shops or wherever I hear something good. I’m constantly on the lookout. It’s work but it’s fun! To be honest, I still have a huge playlist of tracks that I haven’t even had the chance to share with y’all.
What sets the criteria for being an act you book?
To summarize, one you just gotta convince me that your live performing skills are strong. Two you gotta be able to captivate an audience. Three you gotta sound great in an acoustic setting. I’m not saying perfect but even if it’s raw you need to be able to captivate the audience, keep them engaged! Usually, I can tell within seconds of listening to a live performance online if I’d like to have the artist on my stage or not.
Conversely, sometimes it takes some more research to make the right decision. Fortunately, I can say that most of the artists I have picked for the Acoustic Gold concert series so far have even exceeded my own and our audience’s expectations!
How can people interested get involved?
There are many ways to get involved with NYCROPHONE. Equally important there are many ways to support the movement and every single artist involved. One of the ways is simply through social media. Follow us on all the different channels like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube etc. Everything “NYCROPHONE”.
It’s a unique brand name so just google it and you’ll find all of our outlets. In like manner follow, explore, like, comment, and share. That’s what is important to any brand out there. Make a conscious effort to support if you’d like to help.
Consequently, I ask my audience and friends to send suggestions for dope artists and new music etc. For instance, I tell everyone I know, come out to the concerts if you can. Offer to help with branding, marketing, etc. Any help is appreciated!
How would an up and coming artist get in contact with you?
Simply by emailing us their work – inspire@nycrophone.com and hauke@nycrophone.com
Foundation for the Future
Slickster: What’s next for NYCROPHONE?
Hauke Gahrmann: That’s a very good question. I’m not 100% sure right now. I think I have to reevaluate NYCROPHONE, reinvent the movement. Even though people have been very appreciative of what I’m doing, it’s tough to keep going without growing at a respectable level. I’m going through the growing pains of any artist out there.
I’m experiencing what almost every artist has to go through within their career. I can relate to what it means to build an audience, to build a business, to stay relevant. To quote a saying, “It’s everything but easy”. I feel like 2017 will be my “make it or break it” year. I’ll definitely need a lot more support but I also know that I have to earn that!
Thanks for your time! Can you share some links for where we can follow you next?
Well, first of all – we have the last Acoustic Gold concert of the year coming up! It’s two days after Thanksgiving Thursday, Saturday the 26th! Come through with your boo, friends and/or family!
Also, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. We’ll be releasing some new live recordings you don’t wanna miss very soon.