Features

Meet Cauthen Vaughn: Entrepreneur, CEO, Manager + A&R

Published

9 months ago

September 1, 2022

Weasel

Meet Cauthen Vaughn: A multi-faceted entrepreneur, CEO, manager, A&R, who strives for the excellence, perseverance and love of his craft.

Born in Sacramento, California on November 5, 1979, Cauthen began pursuing a career in the entertainment and business arenas as early as his teen years. In pursuit of his dream and driven by passion for film, television and music — the Cali-native dedicates his life’s work to perfecting the culture.

Working with many leading contributors in the entertainment industry, Cauthen continues to surpass the goals he has set for himself. In addition to running his own management company and label, Cauthen continues to support the underprivileged through his volunteer and donation efforts.

After graduating high school, Cauthen relocated from the West-Coast to the South of the Country. Specifically to the ATL — to realize his ‘middle-school’ dream of attending Morehouse College (Atlanta, Georgia). While attending Morehouse College as a business major, he also nurtured his interests in acting, modeling, songwriting, and theatre.

Upon graduation, Cauthen immersed himself in both the fields of entertainment and corporate business. At that time, he wisely chose to remain in Atlanta to capitalize on the alumni network that naturally developed around him.

By 2016, Cauthen decided to relocate to the Big Apple. (NYC). That’s when he started his journey as an A&R, joining one of the major labels of the world, Universal Music Group (UMG). Just two years later, he worked with another powerhouse, Def Jam, fully transitioning to the A&R role.

To further expand his A&R services, Cauthen started his own management company in 2019, WeR1 Productions, located in Los Angeles. He was then named ‘Label Head‘ of 9th Insight Group, which was founded in 2021.

Vaughn is easily considered a household name within the industry thus far, and it’s simply just the beginning of what he has planned. Luckily, we recently got the chance to chop it up with Cauthen — for a dope, in-depth conversation.

We spoke on his time at UMG, his transition to Def Jam, and some of his inspirations. He also names a few of his favorite books, his thoughts on the industry today, and even gives some quick advice for up-and-coming artists.

Read about it all below and stay connected with Cauthen via social media: @cauthenvaughn.

You run your own management and label company — how did that come about?

“Management company came about first due to the need of creating an LLC for business purposes, as demand grew for my attention musically. The Label was created while working in the music business in NY. 9th Insight was created when I realized I was bringing to the table much more than just management for artists.”

How was the transition from growing up in Sunny California — to the down South of Atlanta?

“I loved it. Opposite side of the country, new culture, new people and new surroundings. I was unsure for a couple of hours once I first arrived but never had a doubt after.”

What made you decide to stay in Atlanta after graduation?

“Coming from Sacramento, CA to Atlanta, GA was a huge difference in my life. I grew to love Atlanta as my second home and had numerous benefits of staying instead of returning to Sacramento. Opportunities, relationships, and business are some of the reasons I decided to stay.”

How was your time at Universal Music Group as an A&R?

“Priceless. What I learned and was able to apply to my life can’t be described. Great times along with life lessons that helped mold me into the person I am today.”

In 2018, you then went from UMG to Def Jam — why the transition — and was it much different?

“The transition from UMG to Def Jam was more of a group transition. The team I was with transitioned as a whole and I couldn’t have been more excited about it. This was when Paul Rosenberg (Eminem’s manager) took the lead. Def Jam is arguably the greatest label in Hip Hop history and I was a part of that. The difference came from dealing with more people in different departments. The goals for me were the same.”

You’re very into reading. What are some of your favorite books?

“Well, I wouldn’t say very much. But I do enjoy reading something I learn from no matter what it is. Some of my favorites would be Originals by Adam Grant and Outliers by Malcom Gladwell.”

Who / what are some of your inspirations?

“I’ve been asked this question before and it’s hard for me to pinpoint one thing or person at a time because generally I’ve been inspired by many things around me and by people that have contributed something I was fond of. For example one of my first inspirations was Michael Jordan because of my love for basketball. So you can imagine from artist to activist, to the world as a whole how long that list really is.”

How do you like your role as an A&R?

“I’m naturally a A&R, meaning it’s a part of who I am. I’m an A&R in my management role and in my label. Fun fact, I was working with a reputable writer before I moved to NY and while we were working on a song, I would say things that made him stop and say you are a A&R. At the time I didn’t know what an A&R was so he had to explain it to me.”

What are your thoughts on the music business today?

“My thoughts on the music business today is to make the most of your situation as it relates to you. I’m not going to downplay the majors or uplift the indies and visa-versa .. because it all depends on what’s best for you and your situation. Music will continue to thrive and we will need to adapt around it.”

Before we go .. can you give some quick advice for an upcoming artist today?

“I would say try to stay true to yourself. If you can’t then you can’t because a lot of people copy others or take from others and apply it to themselves. I’ve seen that work for some, we all do it just don’t over do it. Keep your individuality as much as possible. And like Polow da Don once told me, “Make sure that s*** hot.”

Features

RAPPER IDK & NO LABEL ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF NO LABEL ACADEMY WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE HUTCHINS CENTER AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Published

2 weeks ago

May 24, 2023

Weasel

No Label Academy (NLA) is thrilled to announce its highly-anticipated return this fall, in partnership with renowned rapper, producer and entrepreneur IDK. As a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for social progress through the arts, No Label is committed to empowering BIPOC students with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to jumpstart their careers in the music industry. NLA is excited to announce its return, and thrilled to see the impact that this innovative course will have on the music industry and beyond. With its commitment to social progress and innovation, NLA is truly setting the standard for educational excellence.

With the support of the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research and Harvard Art Museums at Harvard, the 10-day tuition-free music business seminar will bring together talented students from around the country for an immersive and unforgettable learning experience. Through active collaboration with industry and academia, NLA breaks down barriers and expands its programming to reach even wider audiences. This year, NLA has partnered with NIKE Inc. for the second year in a row, Nike, Converse and Jordan Brand will lend support to NLA along with Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment.

With a roster of powerhouse curriculum advisors and previous guest speakers, including cultural icons such as the late Virgil Abloh, Amber Grimes, Tremaine Emory, and Tuma Basa, NLA is committed to providing a unique and stimulating educational experience that inspires future leaders and drives the culture forward.

Check out a few testimonials from former NLA students:

“No Label changed my life forever by teaching me the ins and outs of the music business and putting me in rooms with individuals I thought I could never meet. We did a lot of great exercises in class that efficiently painted the picture that Professor Mills had on his agenda. No Label changed my approach to my artistry and expanded my mentality to go beneath the surface level when creating music. I’m personally making the greatest music of my career right now and I’m very proud of how I evolved, thanks to No Label.” — Brandon Scott

“No Label Academy opened my eyes to the infinite possibilities the field of music offers me and fellow young creatives, confirming that success in this ever-changing music industry is more than possible.” — Kojo Oduro

“NLA was a life changing experience that I am so grateful to have been a part of. I learned so much from the guest speakers, field trips, students, and of course Professor Jay/IDK. So much so that upon graduation I relocated from Detroit to Los Angeles shortly after completing the program and am now a Digital Marketer at RCA Records.” — Ashley

This year’s course will include live streaming at Howard University, remote activations for students on campus, and creative workshops that tap into the full breadth of students’ innovation. From the fundamentals of music business to studio sessions and peer-reviewed exercises, NLA offers a unique and engaging educational experience that is second to none.

But NLA’s commitment to social progress doesn’t end there. The organization is also dedicated to providing access to its course to prison systems so that those looking to change their lives can do so with the best education in entrepreneurship and creativity.

“After an incredible year one, we’re excited to continue building a pipeline for BIPOC talent in the music industry. Breaking down barriers continues to be more important than ever. We hope our curriculum, coupled with the lessons from actual practitioners, continues to shed light on the need for increased equity and helps inspire more BIPOC to aspire for a career in the music business,” say Marcelo HD and Miles Weddle, Co-founders of No Label.

No Label and IDK’s ultimate goal is to level the playing field for BIPOC students entering the music industry, showing them how to apply knowledge and that it is possible to have a sustainable career in music. They will be announcing more details about their selective application process in 2023.

Features

MOËT & CHANDON, THE OFFICIAL CHAMPAGNE OF THE NBA, TAPS ICONIC STREETWEAR DESIGNER
DON C FOR LIMITED-EDITION COLLABORATION

Published

3 weeks ago

May 16, 2023

Weasel

Moët & Chandon announced today its collaboration with renowned streetwear
designer Don C, featuring champagne bottles and an NBA-inspired hoodie imagined with the fashion forward NBA fan in mind. The storied French champagne House and Just Don founder are debuting the Moët & Chandon and NBA Collection by Just Don to fuse the culture of the NBA with the vibrant energy and heritage of the Maison, inspiring champagne-enthusiasts and basketball-lovers alike to celebrate a season of extraordinary moments.

As an echo of Moët & Chandon’s partnership as the Official Champagne of the NBA, the House is thrilled
to work with Don C, a cultural connector in his own right, to offer a fresh perspective on the design of the
brand’s iconic Impérial Brut and Nectar Impérial Rosé offerings. A longtime friend of the House, Moët &
Chandon tapped Don to cultivate the natural synergy between his artistic vision and the culture of both
brands.

“The fusion of sports and luxury is here now, and it’s here to stay. Collaborations like this will keep this
intersection of culture, luxury and sports, at the forefront of people’s minds, and I am excited to bring
together two worlds that mean so much to me, personally,” says Don C, Just Don Founder and Creative
Strategy & Design Advisor, Chicago Bulls. “As seen through their partnership with the NBA, Moët &
Chandon paints the picture of cultural relevance, while maintaining their luxury and centuries-old
heritage.”

Available exclusively in the United States, the limited-edition Moët & Chandon and NBA Collection by Just
Don draws inspiration from the heritage of Moët & Chandon blended with Don’s favorite sport: basketball.

The fashion savant’s keen eye for design is evident in the seamless integration of the two worlds, with an
attention to detail that fashion lovers and fans of Don have come to know as a mark of his work.
The collection, inspired by the game of basketball itself, infuses NBA marks that evoke a fun and whimsical feel while reflecting the quality of the Moët & Chandon brand, as well as logos from eight NBA teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Oklahoma
Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, Charlotte Hornets and the Milwaukee Bucks. The collaboration can be
collected, displayed, worn and enjoyed at the many occasions, big and small, that are meant to be
celebrated.

“We are thrilled to partner with our longtime friend of the House, Don C, giving him carte blanche to
revamp the design of two of our most coveted champagne bottles,” says Anne-Sophie Stock, Vice
President of Moët & Chandon. “Aligning with our brand identity, this collection of limited-edition Impérial
Brut, Nectar Impérial Rosé and customized hoodie brings to life the worlds of luxury and sport. Through
this collaboration, we encourage celebration around the extraordinary moments in life: from the big
championships to smaller life victories, and everything in between.”

The limited-edition bottle of Moët Impérial, adorned in an all-black finish with NBA team logos, is filled
with the House’s flagship champagne, defined by a bright fruitiness, seductive palate and elegant
maturity, all distinctive characteristics of Moët & Chandon’s blends. Its assemblage is designed to mirror
the richness and diversity of the Champagne region’s vineyards, structured with a slight dominance of
Pinot Noir, textured by Meunier and enhanced by the freshness of Chardonnay. The limited-edition Moët
Impérial bottle has a suggested retail price of $52 USD.

The bottle of Nectar Impérial Rosé, featuring team logos while left clear to allow the deep pink and copper color of the champagne to shine through, is filled with the most radiant and voluptuous expression of the Moët & Chandon styles. A champagne of choice for lovers of demi-secs, this wine pleases the senses with its refined and sophisticated richness, and distinguishes itself by its extravagant fruitiness, density on the palate and crisp finish, which surprises and delights. The limited-edition Nectar Impérial Rosé bottle has a suggested retail price of $60 USD.

To complete the capsule collection, Don C created a limited-edition hoodie that melds the luxury and
heritage of the Champagne house with an edgy, modern flare, crafted with intricate details, ideal for
celebrating your favorite teams during the 2023 NBA season and beyond.

The collaboration bottles in the Moët & Chandon and NBA Collection by Just Don will be available in
limited offerings beginning May 8 on OurCellar.com and at select locations nationwide. The hoodies will
be packaged with the bottles exclusively on OurCellar.com available beginning May 16 for $480 for the
set, while supplies last. A limited number of the hoodies will be available for purchase individually at the
Just Don store in Chicago.

For additional details please visit Moet.com

Artist To Watch

R&B/Soul Music’s Newest Star: Oshanna Listeners on a Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment

Published

1 month ago

May 8, 2023

Jessie

Meet Oshanna Naomi Davis, the rising star in R&B/soul music. She hails from Toronto but grew up in Brampton, and is currently based in Vaughan. Oshanna draws her inspiration from some of the greatest musicians, including Michael Jackson, Lauren Hill, Alicia Keys, Kiesha Cole, Mary J. Blige, and Jhene Aiko. Her music is a unique blend of R&B/soul, chill, and alternative sounds that represent her perspective on life.

For Oshanna, music is more than just a hobby; it’s her passion and calling. It provides her with a safe space to express herself and connect with others. Oshanna’s music invites her listeners on a journey of self-discovery, vulnerability, and empowerment. Her latest project, “Energy,” is a testament to the power of authentic connections and the transformative nature of friendship. It’s inspired by Oshanna’s close friendship with someone who taught her the real meaning of unconditional love.

“Energy” is the first single from Oshanna’s upcoming EP, which is scheduled to be released in August 2023. Her performance at the NXNE Festival in Toronto in June will be something to look forward to. Additionally, as the first-place winner of the Coast to Coast Artist Showcase, Oshanna will be going to the finals in Miami on November 11th to perform some unreleased music.

Through her music, Oshanna hopes to inspire her fans to follow their dreams and conquer their challenges. Her message of self-love, authenticity, and vulnerability is a source of liberation and empowerment for her listeners. As a rising star in the world of R&B/soul music, Oshanna’s future is undoubtedly bright. Her music is a beautiful invitation for her listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery, vulnerability, and empowerment.

Check out her new single “Energy” below.