[ VOYAGE DENVER ] Daily Inspiration: Meet Merch
Today we’d like to introduce you to Merch.
Hi Merch, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in the suburbs of Baltimore, MD, to a family of engineers and doctors. However, growing up, I always had an urge to step outside the box and create meaningful impact via a different medium. When I was 10, I fell in love with breakdancing, and I was on a breakdancing team in high school, where we made the front cover of the Baltimore Sun. I gained a huge following on the social media platform, Vine, and I found a medium of art through which I could express myself and create the impact I desired.
As fate would have it, I gradually drifted away from my love for dance after moving to Colorado Springs in the summer of 2016. In 2018, as a senior in high school, I downloaded my first Digital Audio Workstation and started producing music. I immediately fell in love with production; the idea that I could create music out of thin air felt incredible.
The following year, I enrolled in the University of Colorado, Boulder, where I would later receive a Bachelor’s of Science in Creative Technology & Design, accompanied by a Minor in Business and a Certificate in Music Technology. During the summer of my sophomore year, I interned for TerryJosiah Sharpe, the manager of a revolutionary studio located inside Pikes Peak Library’s Sand Creek District Branch.
After just three months of interning for him, we went into business together, along with TerryJosiah’s brother, JJ Sharpe, to create Anthem Music Enterprises (AME). I currently serve as our Executive Producer, TerryJosiah was appointed as our CEO, and JJ Sharpe is our Lead Artist. Since its inception in 2019, AME has established itself as a pillar in the music industry for the state of Colorado. Purposed with reimagining the way independent artists create, entertain, and inspire locally, AME continues to set the standard for how artists are developing their brand, sound, and showcase in the region. In 2022, AME opened its brick-and-mortar location in the Garden of the Gods District, equipped with an audio production sweet, live recording room, multimedia capture space, conference room, dance studio, and more.
We take every chance we get to extend past our walls and reach into the community by using music to create a positive impact. Our live productions have activated multiple venues in the downtown area, we curate educational programs for students to increase both engagements in the arts and mental health awareness, we host the largest annual New Year’s Eve Celebration in the city, and more. At 23 years old, I am incredibly excited for AME to continue spearheading the Music Industry in Colorado and push the limits of what is perceived as possible for a young yet booming Industry.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Operating in an unsaturated market carries its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Because the music industry in Colorado is largely undeveloped, it takes a great deal of time and effort to both strengthen existing infrastructure and establish new systems conducive to widespread success for artists in the region.
Fortunately, there is a citywide initiative to push arts and entertainment. In cities like Nashville, we’ve seen how arts and entertainment can become a strong economic driver for budding cities like Colorado Springs. With our local government’s help, the Music Industry in Colorado can see similar growth, and I am a firm believer that the talent exists here to make it happen.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
First and foremost, I am a music producer who specializes in artist development. I have worked with recording artists all over the country to help them develop their sound, brand, and artist identity. I am also a recording artist with numerous projects released on all streaming platforms. Recently, I was Colorado Springs’ iHeart Radio “Box State Mic Drop” Artist of the Month, and I have shared the stage with Grammy & Emmy Award Winning Artists.
As I mentioned before, I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Creative Technology & Design. I use my fundamental understanding of marketing, web design, graphic design, photography, and videography to continually propel my career forward. Through the inception of Anthem Music Enterprises, I have learned the importance of collaboration, especially when it comes to building something sustainably. If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Though the entrepreneurial journey can be challenging at times, it is the relationships I’ve built during my short career thus far that have been incredibly fulfilling. The music industry is a service industry. My clients rely on me to express themselves creatively and receive a product that can compete in one of the toughest industries to break into in the world.
The general public relies on people like us to provide them with entertainment on weeknights and weekends. Both of these sentiments carry a lot of weight, putting a lot of pressure on creatives in my position. However, being able to deliver at a high level every single day to continue cultivating relationships with remarkable individuals fuels my purpose.
Pricing:
Basic Studio Session: $75/hr (4hr Minimum)
Full Song Creation: Starting at $1,500 (Consultation Required Before Booking)
Multimedia Space Rental: $50/hr (2hr Minimum)
Live Performance: Free Consultation for Custom Quote
Contact Info:
Website: www.merchmadeit.com
Instagram: @merchmadeit
