Today we’d like to introduce you to Phyllip Stoker.
Phyllip, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up in East Oak Cliff section of Dallas, TX we were always experimenting with music. A lot of guys I grew up with started recording music as early as 6th grade. For the most part, I was doing it cause it’s what we were doing..more so as a hobby..it was fun. By junior high, I began selling cds and putting together mixed copies of all the hottest songs out. In 2005, junior year of high school, I recorded a song with subpar equipment Lol. It was on a program called AcidPro and I recorded with a $20 headphone and Mic set on a DELL desktop computer. Humble beginnings to say the least. Even still, I was not serious and no one heard the song other than my friends and neighbors within the Apartments I was living in. It wasn’t until after 4 and 1/2 years of undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University-Commerce, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice in 2011, and working two years in Corporate America; before realizing that my passion and love was within the music.
Sitting at my desk, wondering what could I do for me and my legacy, I Began to work on my debut music project. I released my cd/dvd double disc mixtape titled “Kindness 4 Weakness” 2014 at the A3c Music Festival & Conference in Atlanta Georgia. In January of 2017, I was presented with an opportunity to move to Houston Texas. I resigned from my position in Bankruptcy Processing at a mortgage company and drove to Houston with just my name and resume. Living in Houston taught me a lot about myself. Outside of the networking opportunities and putting myself in a different market, I had to survive situations I’ve never encountered, as things don’t go as we plan them of course.
Great, 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?
No, it has not been smooth at all, and quite honestly I don’t think I’d want it to be. You learn with the rough patches. The trial and error portion of it all. I don’t see things as losses, but more so lessons. The main challenge is getting people to take you serious when you’re first starting off. No matter the business, everyone knows the first couple of years are tough for upstarts. It’s even harder with music. Whether you’re an artist, producer, engineer, etc. With the industry being oversaturated with new people starting daily, you have to find ways to stand out. It’s hard trying to give away music, let along selling it. So yea, getting people to take you serious, and locate your true supporters were struggles in the beginning.
Please tell us about P B.A.N.D T Entertainment.
I founded P B.A.N.D T Entertainment in honor of five of my brothers who are no longer here with us. I’m a recording artist. I’m known for filming my first ever music video with the legend himself, JEFF ADAIR. After filming “Boomin” with Jeff and his company DreamWorksConquerer Films, I knew it was something I could do forever. Although music is currently the business, with dreams of being an all around Entertainment Mogul is the ultimate goal, I’m more proud of what I’ve done for my community. While in college, I was able to pledge and join the Eta Phi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. One ideal we stand on is ALTRUISM, the unselfish concern for the welfare of others. Along with my brother Kenny Smith from DallasWallStreet, I’ve organized and held a Backpack and School Supply Giveaway every August since 2014 at Cummings Recreation Center. “TheGym” as we know it by, served as one of if not the only resource/outlet in our area for extracurricular or after school activities. The initial event started with wanting “TheGym” to be site for a video concept. With a great turnout, collaborations, and word of mouth, the event grew into an annual occurrence that the kids and parents anticipate with much appreciation. In 2016 at the 3rd Backpack & School Supply Giveaway, I was fortunate enough to implement a scholarship opportunity by way of an essay competition from graduating seniors entering college. The Inaugural LaPorsha Brice-Gant Guardian Angel Scholarship was awarded to Za’Keja Bryant.
Living in Houston in 2017 was quite an experience. I was able to venture outside my comfort zone, allowing me to broadened my horizon as a created a larger target population and audience for my content. I was able to perform with Go DJ Hi-C on two different occasions. I was able to meet Legendary Artist and TEXAS Pioneer Bun-B, whom shared a short motivation moment with me while accepting a copy of “Kindness 4 Weakness.” Long Story Short..we met at a Redlight.. before the signal turned Green, I heard my music blasting from his SUV as he drove off; a memory I’ll always have. I’ve since increase of study habits. I follow different artists and labels. I check to see marketing strategies, methods, and different ways content is released; while keeping my eyes and ears open for young talent to invest in. I’ve been recording music. The process is even more therapeutic than it’s ever been. While in Houston, I survived unemployment for half the year, Hurricane Harvey; and even slept in my car for two weeks at one point. I have a story to tell. You’ll hear it in the music (if I ever release any lol)…you’ll for sure see and PHYLL it in the work I do in and for the community. The more I receive, the more I’ll be able to giveback. I’m growing and learning daily to grow my Brand daily.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
….the care-free part of it all. There were no Bills as a child lol. In all seriousness, my childhood was DOPE…I was free…we were free. Riding our bikes far far away..all the crazy neighborhood games. We didn’t have many of the problems the kids nowadays have to worry about. Part of me knows that the lack of social media back then has a lot to do with it. I’m an Eighties Baby Born in 87’..my childhood was in the 90’’s. I guess my favorite memory would be the sports. I played tennis, football, and basketball… that’s what I miss most..that’s what I think about, the fun I had playing Basketball as a Kid.
Contact Info:
- Email: snupey6klub@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Phyll_YOself
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phyllYoself/
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