Independant Artist Laelo Featured on major Washington DC Radio 93.9 WKYS. 

What has been the biggest challenge for you as an artist thus far?

I think I’ve battled with some of the same issues a lot of independent or underground artists face – like putting together a dope project and not having a serious budget to market it. But, the fact that I do so much with so little means a lot to me. I put out two albums and nine music videos in 2011. The grind and sacrifices have built my character and makes me appreciate what I’ve accomplished 10 times more. Also the politics in the music business are crazy. It’s so much about who you know and what you can do for someone else. It’s not solely about artists making great records anymore. You have to kiss ass and give a lot of fake smiles to get love in DC. It’s well documented that Laelo does not kiss anyone’s ass and does not do the politics. So it’s been somewhat of a challenge. I don’t let it bother me though. I understand that this is a business and most people are looking out for self first. I just really choose to focus on and appreciate the people who have thought of me enough to help me out along my journey. It’s a lot of people too. At this point I think surrounding myself with the right people is my biggest challenge currently. I’ve been independent for so long I have trouble delegating things to other people. I want to do everything myself. That’s pretty much impossible when you’re trying to do what I’m doing at the HD Society. We have so much going on that it’s hard for me to be 100% involved with everything. But being the captain of the ship I have to make sure enough attention is paid to everything that represents our brand.