Meet Mr Foster: 1/2 Of DFD Music & Music Business Executive

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mr Foster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mr, how do you think about risk?
I think of risk taking as a learning curve about doing new things and exploring unfamiliar territory. Serving in the military was my biggest risk taking . Jumping outta airplanes, helicopters and deploying to third world countries in time of war to keep peace. Those experiences alone have made me relentless in the music business. While it still evokes a feeling of uncertainty or fear, you develop a new skill and there’s a stronger possibility of a positive outcome.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The big difference that separates me from everyone else is being a Wounded War Veteran that is overcoming PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries through Music. I most proud of being able to wake up and doing what I love day in day out. Super excited about R& B project working on with over 40 other creatives during a pandemic from all over the world. This journey started in the military at the age of 17 until Present . Military skills and experiences have made me relentless in this industry. Was not a easy journey juggling depression, anxiety, insomnia , irritability on a constant basis. Constantly push thru these challenges by doing what I love no matter what anyone else opinion is. Alot of lessons have been learned and here is some free game to share. Be realistic. If you’re starting jumping out with millions and millions of dollars of revenue in the next year, that’s probably not so realistic. So you do need to have an honest and open conversation with yourself and your team if you have one and just be really clear on what it is that you’re doing and how you’re going to target the market and win. You have be know and do the championship attitude. Also have to find the other champions in the business. . You have to find those people who will work with you, who will take a slight risk for the benefit of doing something exciting. A lot of the times those people find me as well, or have found me. Always remember authenticity is everything , build out your portfolio and resume, traditional education is the flat-liner of competence in this business. With the way the economy is you need to be responsible for identifying and learning the skills as a artist, producer , engineer, and songwriter to be the best at what you do . I have over 20,000 hours doing what I do . Take a “jazz” approach , not a classical one. The music business landscape continuously changes and you have to stay ahead or least be able to keep up with it. Supply and demand give customers (consumers) what they are looking for. The music business is about identifying, building on and adding to your transferable skills. Also know your niche. Another big lesson learned is to embrace technology and use it to the consumer advantage. Never be afraid to ask for advice but be sure to get it from people that have done more than you in the industry. The biggest thing that has helped me is to wear all the hats. This has bee tremendous to my success. Being successful in the industry requires you to market, sell, service, invoice, collect, report, budget, forecast and more. Master your business and know it inside and out. Our purpose is to create music that heals the souls of everyday people and the veterans who have served. It is a battle every day for so many to stay mentally healthy after serving our country. There are too many men and women who have fought for the country like me that end up taking their lives because of depression and PTSD. This cycle needs to stop. Working in partnership with fellow veteran Christopher Davis and other unique artists to release music has been a step in the right direction in helping those who need healing to be healed like us. The mission of DFD Music is to provide fast and reliable services for all without leaving anyone behind.We bring new and innovative artist’s music to the mainstream via a comprehensive marketing strategy and in-depth music business consult to help the artist make a fair profit doing music, become more successful and also notable in the industry. We help you supply the market with music that is in style and popular among its targeted demographics. Overall want you to win just like we have won in the industry in a short time span.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Only been in Atlanta for about 7 months and with the pandemic is very limited to do things but I would defiantly take to studios and stuff I work out of . I constantly work no days off. Places around the city that I like would be Jackson Street Bridge,Busy Bee Café,Freedom Farmers Market, and Historic Oakland Cemetery.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So is there a person, group, organization, book, etc that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story? Thank GOD!!! Business Partner Davis Chris US Army Airborne & Special Operations Forces ATL Top 20 All the DJ’s that play my music and support our business. Family for their support R.I.P to my Dad