Today we’d like to introduce you to Enoma Asowata.
Enoma, before we jump into specific questions about the company, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started Haunter back in 2016 as an overcorrection to a rock band I was in at the time. I was fortunate to enjoy a small amount of success with the previous project but we were showing signs of finally having to call it quits. It was certainly a hard thing to accept as music is my passion. After things finally ended, I spent a lot time working with my friend, fellow musician/producer Aaron Musslewhite in his studio. At first, we didn’t have an agenda, I was there just to hang out and commiserate over feeling lost and not wanting to give it all up. Aaron was the first person in my circle who came to support the idea of me continuing to try writing music. We continued writing there was one thing that I was certain of. I wanted this to be different on every single possible front.
A few months pass and I start feeling a lot better about music and I started seeking out partners to start this new band. I had met Haunter’s vocalist, Lucy LeNoir, a couple of years prior to us working together. I remembered her just being super easy to work with and reached out to her. What I loved about Lucy is she is fearless. She immediately agreed to work with me without hearing a single song I had written. From there I met our bassist Mark Schroeder at a show that our producer Tyler Smyth was playing. Mark and I shared a mutual friend who introduced us. Right away I knew that we would work together well. Mark is incredibly passionate about music and has a great amount of business acumen. So, the three of us started writing song ideas prior to heading to LA to record with Tyler. Just before the trip, we scrapped every single and opted to go in blind.
During those sessions with our producer we rediscovered our sound and added my best friend, Mike Ray, to the band as our guitarist. We have been working with Tyler ever since. Haunter’s origins really come from a steady stream of madness that was born through a dark time in my life but has led to some beautiful lights.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing ever worth doing comes easy. It hasn’t always been easy but it has always been worth it. I think a lot of independent artists struggle with a couple of challenges starting out. Beyond just trying to find a means for you all to blend creatively speaking, the landscape of what it means to be an artist has changed. It’s not enough to be very good musicians with some cool photos. You have to have a strong vision and be willing to work on your craft and be creative with how your art is shared with people. I think for us as we’ve locked in our sound, we worked to find meaningful ways to connect with our audience. It wasn’t easy and we made a lot of mistakes but without those failures we wouldn’t be fortunate to have the fans we have now. We’re not huge by any means but we are blessed with people who seem to really love what we’re doing and support us in such a great way.
Please tell us about the company.
Our company Print Money Gang is an urban/gaming/lifestyle brand. We are focused right now on clothing but will branch out to digital art, social media management and video production. I think what I am the proudest of is that everyone in the company is self-taught. We didn’t go to school for any of this, we just had passion. It fuels our every decision and it’s been the reason why things have gone well for us. We are still just getting started but I am very excited for our future and the possibilities of it all.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Oh there are so many people who we believe deserve some recognition for us being what we are right now.
Tyler Smyth – Our producer/co-writer/life coach. Without him we wouldn’t have these amazing songs or have enjoyed some of the dope opportunities that have come up. Tyler’s talent and passion for music can’t be measured. He’s a mad genius who truly loves his friends and always puts his money where his mouth is. Tyler is a true talent and visionary. You can’t have a conversation with him without being inspired.
Aaron Musslewhite – My early collaborator. He was the first person to believe I could write a song and was really supportive.
Heather Phillips, Erica Lauren, Zach Alan, & Taylor Foiles – all the photographers we have worked with over the years. They have all played such an important part in telling the visual story of our band. We’re so lucky to have worked with such talented photographers.
Mike Gentile – One of my closest friends and mentors. He’s had a lot of experience within the music industry and always, and I do mean always shoots it straight with me. He will provide us with very direct feedback and it’s tough to hear but we are always better for it.
Orlando Briones and the Filmatic team – They were the team that helped bring our music video for “Love You Better” to life. Orlando is an amazing director and facilitator; he knew exactly how bring everything together. Can’t wait to do another music video with this team!
Rose Campbell – A dear friend and an incredibly valued resource for us. Rose has been a champion of our band from the very beginning. She’s has always been incredibly supportive and brings a fresh perspective to any questions we have for her.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://haunterisntreal.com / http://printmoneygang.bigcartel.com
- Email: haunterisntreal@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://instragram.com/haunterisntreal
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/haunterisntreal
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/haunterisntreal
Image Credit:
Taylor Foiles, Heather Phillips
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