The music industry is an avenue for different things to different people. Some use it as a creative outlet, while others use it as a practical means of generating income. But for Dani Stephenson, it is both and so much more.
Dani Stephenson is an eminent entrepreneur, music executive, and philanthropist who has a chain of successful organizations within Straight Forward Music Group. And with over fifteen years of experience in the music industry, he has already collaborated with well-renowned artists like Nana Rogues, Drake, Anne-Marie, Don Diablo, Ella Mai, Dave, J Hus, Big Sean, and MANN.
Dani’s musical career has its roots in producing and writing songs. Back then, he was using the alias ‘Pyramids In Paris’ where he was involved in crafting the hit single, “The Mack,” featuring Mark Morrison & Fetty Wap. The song landed on top of the global charts amassing over three hundred million streams and selling over two million singles worldwide.
The achievement paved the way for Dani’s transition from being a creative to being a business executive specializing in talent management and A&R. It then led to the creation of Straight Forward Music, one of Dani’s most prized conglomerates. This organization aims to champion and support independent artists and businesses by providing them with space to work and room to grow.
In an interview, Dani shares that he is sticking his neck out and going against the grain to push boundaries and do things differently. He further explains that it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve as technology brings more changes to the musical landscape. Lastly, he adds that to rise on top of the industry, one must create heritage, legacies, escapism, and positive frequencies that can stand the test of time and can contribute towards molding the modern-day culture in a positive light.
Straight Forward Music Group is composed of Straight Forward Publishing, which focuses on offering a creative service to develop creatives while providing a global publishing collection service. It also esteems itself with Straight Forward Recordings, a fast-rising indie label organization, that offers A&R consultancy and music distribution. The talent management firm has been nominated twice for Grammy and has been awarded in the Brit Awards.
But despite the overflowing amount of success, Dani still finds ways to take his part in social responsibility. To create a positive and lasting impact on society, he created Straight Forward Giving Foundation to ignite charity initiatives and raise much-needed money for an array of charities like the Princes Trust, NHS Charities Together, Young Lives Matter and Youth Music. The foundation also opens doors of entertainment and educational funding opportunities for underprivileged communities and individuals worldwide.
And in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Straight Forward Giving Foundation marches forward with NHS Charities Together to raise funds for those who have been affected by the coronavirus. Dani uses this platform to send a message that music, being more than just for entertainment and proprietary gain, can actually bring people together to fight for a cause. To get updates on Daniel Stephenson’s work, visit his LinkedIn account or Straight Forward’s website.
