Meet Alston Umuolo of Au (Au Music) in West Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alston Umuolo.

Alston, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I like to think to say my life started when I officially decided to pick the path I wanted to do for me. I’m from Phoenix, AZ born at Phoenix Memorial in 89. My dad is an immigrant from Nigeria who worked night and day to provide and build his own law firm. My mother a strong queen from Tuscon was the one who instilled faith, Gospel, and the love of Jesus in my heart while still working and doing what she could to make sure her family had the best life.

Growing up music has always been around. I’d say the greatest genre of influence on me is Gospel. Listening to melodies from Kirk Franklin, to Fred Hammond, Dietrick Haddon predominately where my melodic sound comes from.

Hip-hop and rap weren’t introduced to me until I was about 12. It was actually banned from our house. Makes sense my mom is a minister right? Lol However, my older brother got his first job and got his license and with that came freedom. You know what he did. Bought rap music! We are a west coast family. We listened to every west album you can think of from Westside connection to nocturnal, Luni coleone to ucay uno (google him).

However, my favorites were Tech N9ne, and all the Dj clue mixtapes that came out.

However, it was until 8th grade; I knew music was my calling after I bought my first album. “Get Rich or Die Trying”. I was no tough kid no gangster, but for some reason when 50cent took over, I saw myself in him. At that point, I didn’t fully go for it as I’m from a family where the school is all and at that time I know my dad wasn’t heading you son is going to rap.

Fast forward to the back end of college. Once a star division athlete injury struck. Shortly after comes depression and everything that comes with it. However, I was still into music at this point by 2008 in recording low budget songs in the off-season on audacity. I remember asking my best friend and best man Davion to start a group, but he said no and that was the end but I never thought it was the end for me o just had to figure who I would be and how I could do it alone.

It’s 2016, I’m working great jobs thanks to the master’s degree I gain in 2014, lovely living, nice cars and an amazing sexy girlfriend (who is now my wife btw). However, I’m realizing I’m not happy at all. I’m thinking man all these people said to get my degrees and get a good job and you’ll be happy.

I was actually declining. My brother Reggie took me to see art Dolla Sign one weekend he was opening for G Eazy. Dom Kennedy, Ty Dolla sign I accredit to getting me through things that are too long and too dark for this article, so I hold a high respect for them, but when I went to the show I had a feeling come over me.

It was the same feeling I got in the 8th grade. That feeling, if I should be on that stage or people, should be hearing what I have to say through this music. That following I remember like it was yesterday.

Down to my last $1200 I’m miserable I text my now wife and I just tell her it’s time for me to make this leap. Without hesitation, she said yes and the rest was history.

Fast forward to today, I have traveled to Illinois, California, Washington, and the surrounding sounds of AZ off my passion and love for music.

I have never record my personal songs in a studio. I self-taught with guidance myself engineering skills. I am self-taught myself to hold melodies and understand arrangements.

I have also opened for the likes of Dj and Migos while hosting and performing at some of the hottest events AZ.

I would say music has always been in my heart I’ve rapped since I can remember it wasn’t until I had a solid foundation I had people who believe like I believe and a better understanding of myself I didn’t fully commit. I’m committed now and it has opened so many doors. (i.e., this interview). I’m looking forward to what’s next for me.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There’s have been good moments but the road is not smooth at all by any means. I’d say the best thing to do is to own and do as much as you can without any help or a middle man.

The biggest thing in this industry is that people will take your money if you allow them to and they won’t feel bad about it. The values and moral of some oil up the water a little bit.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Au (Au Music) – what should we know?
In and the founder and CEO of FAN enterprise LLC. Double acts as my personal record label and media services.

The most notable accomplishments thus far are:
Au (Au Music)
FAN Talk (podcast)

We provided audio recording and photography services, but main focus is the Au brand.

What’s your outlook for the industry over the next 5-10 years?
In the next few years I know I see success, and when I say success, I don’t mean money I mean freedom. Freedom for my mom my dad my family and freedom to dictate my Monday. (Don’t let that go over your head as Casanova 2X would say).

The west region will know who Au and if all goes well the nation then world.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 6232625041
• Email: aumusic89@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aumusic89/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AUmusic89
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/aumusic89
• Other: https://soundcloud.com/aumusic89/sets/chinedu

Image Credit:
Young Lenzup

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