Today we’d like to introduce you to Dirk Martre.
Hi Dirk, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Around the age of 6, I shared a bedroom with 2 other cousins. We lived with my grandmother & about 10 other relatives. At the time, artists like Three 6 Mafia, 8 Ball & MJG & Playa Fly were a few standouts in the music industry as far as Memphis was concerned.
Although inspirational, I was more influenced by a musician from Chicago whose name is Twista who was also my primary inspiration for becoming an artist. I would listen to his songs on cassette tapes, write the lyrics down & then learn the songs. From then on, I would get involved in freestyling on the radio with Stan Bell, performing in school-wide talent shows until I eventually landed in Gulfport, MS as a part of the King Heart Entertainment label. Being an artist on this label taught me so much about the music industry & how to pursue it.
Although things didn’t go as planned, I continued to pursue my passion. Ronald Monger Jr. (O.G. Lil One) is a long-time family friend who later, took me in as an artist on his independent music label. This is where he would teach me more in-depth about delivery, cadence, breathing & the actual art of music. Later on, he would show me the business side & that’s where the ultimate intrigue came along.
Afterward, through Ronald, I would be connected with Rodney Tate (Hot Rod), which helped catapult my artistry to a new level, especially with business and paperwork. He took me under his wing, taught & helped me at the same time. If there was no O.G. Lil One or Hot Rod, there would be no me. I have released several singles, projects, and videos since. While trying to perfect my artistry, I wanted to be able to take the knowledge and experience from this and help others develop their talents and skills. After my run as an artist, I became an artist developer.
As an artist, I see a lot of artists who need mentors like I had and I wanted to be an instrument in helping others develop and learn. I wanted to be able to pass off the knowledge and connections to upcoming artists who have the same passion as me. While not becoming a major artist myself, I am still able to use my knowledge to be employed in the music industry. I started my own label/artist development business called Haven Made Music in 2020.
In the last year, Bennie Jones (Jaystar Forever) who is also a prevalent, independent artist/producer connected with me for a joint partnership with our labels. We are currently involved with 8 artists and continue to grow every day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road was not a smooth one. First & foremost you will experience a lot of people who say they want to do music or be involved. Once engaged, you’ll see that they lack the work ethic that it takes to be in the music industry.
There’s a lot of pushback from artists when trying to help because knowledge has been passed around in a general approach versus a tailored approach. People see the fun or final product but they don’t see the work being put in prior.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
While being involved in the music industry, a lot of people wouldn’t know that I am a maintenance engineer. After high school, I went to college & graduated in computer science, criminal justice & industrial engineering.
I was able to obtain different types of certifications that allow me to do more with my skills. I work with computer programs, PLCs, high-voltage electrical systems & more that control the warehouse’s shipping successes.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is to try to stay focused & locked in on your goals no matter what. It’s not easy at all.
Also no matter what you do, there will be good & bad things said about you. You have to build up emotional stability to persevere. There are so many distractions in this world & it’s so easy to veer off the pathway of your success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dot.cards/toodamndirk
Image Credits
Quinton Yates (@901IQ_Productions)
