In most ways, Oliver Murphy is your average Eastern Michigan University student.
Majoring in secondary education and minoring in political science, he spends a good chunk of his time on campus and doing homework. He aspires to be a high school history or government teacher when he graduates. However, unlike most college students, this 20-year old moonlights as the CEO and founder of the record label Self-Made Entertainment Group.
Self-Made Entertainment Group is an independent record label Murphy has recently established. He started brainstorming the idea of starting his own label last spring when he had some free time and by summer he was cracking down and figuring out everything he had to do to get his idea off the ground. With his laptop, a microphone and a little help from his friends, Self-Made Entertainment Group was born by September.
“If I could take after anyone [in the music business,] it would probably be Jay-Z. Or P.Diddy, without the East Coast/West Coast feud,” he said, laughing.
Murphy’s main focus on the label is rap and hip-hop, but he’s open to any bands or artists that have the drive or desire to succeed in the business, whether it is
rock, country or anything in between.
“If someone signed to Self-Made Entertainment Group, I’d also help them book shows in the area, in addition to recording their music,” Murphy said. “I’d help promote them.”
Though Murphy does own the necessary recording equipment to start his business, he is not a record producer. The entrepreneur is new to this and is learning. He’s looking for anyone who would be interested in the producing and recording of the music.
“I’m open to new ideas and anyone who is willing to contribute,” he said.
Michigan seems to have some pretty good luck when it comes to independent record labels. From the infamous Psychopathic Records to the Detroit Techno Militia, the names are recognized nationwide.
Over 300 independent labels exist in the mitten, and with such a vast range of music that comes out of the state, bands not only give themselves exposure, but their labels as well. There’s never any telling what will be the next big thing to come out of Michigan. It could be Self-Made.
As of now, Murphy hasn’t signed anyone on to Self-Made Entertainment Group, but there are prospects in both the Ypsilanti and South Chicago area.
With such a thriving local music scene in this area, getting some exposure shouldn’t be a problem. Keep an ear out for this label. Murphy is a dedicated man and his plan has the potential to be a hit.
Any local musicians looking to sign onto a record label or people interested in producing music for Self-Made Entertainment Group or contributing in any way, email Murphy at selfmadeentgroup@gmail.com or check out the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/smentgroup.
