Meet Collin Maing of FIRE HITS in Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Collin Maing.

Collin, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was lucky to come from a hardworking family. My father taught me how to work with my hands and my mother instilled a great deal of ambition in me. They were both artistic so there were necessary tools at my disposal lying around my household to fuel the imagination of my younger self. I based my art style off my dad’s old paintings and color palettes from the late 90’s and would explore the art and publishing programs on my mom’s Windows 98 PC.

By Middle school going into high school, I was developing my web design skills on outdated art programs and trying to make random clothing company’s and sell them. Putting myself out there creatively as much as possible with many failed attempts trying to find my style.

I was highly influenced by classic and current hip-hop and I got into writing around the end of high school. I started writing concepts and raps here and there for fun. I recited the lyrics of my favorite artists and would freestyle at home, and eventually it turned into my only reason to go out. Starting freestyle ciphers at parties just for the feedback. I would goof around most the time with spurts of “taking it seriously”. I was more focused on making street-wear companies and creating “art for sale”.

Then I discovered the world of recording and audio, got a microphone and interface starter kit from a local music store and got to tinkering. I became fascinated with audio and music while finding my voice. Then I combined my art and publishing skills with my love of music to form a business around both.

Has it been a smooth road?
I can say no because I got in my way a fair amount. Despite personal life issues and circumstances, there were times I wasn’t taking things seriously. Not knowing my worth and not valuing my time and wasting it with the wrong people. Also having many occasions of being a perfectionist and then taking criticism to heart. Not fully thinking things out and not thinking critically in some situations were major.

Tell us more about your work.
My record label is something I created out of necessity, due to all the financial and legal intricacies that come along with wanting to distribute music on digital streaming platforms. Doing everything myself like most independent artists, I had to build a home to house my art and I’m proud to say I discovered ways to potentially do the same for others in the future. Priding myself on empathy, having a heart and a strong will to “do the right thing” is the core of my life and business. I take everyone and everything into consideration and I believe that’s what makes me and my company different.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see indie music and independent art/artists being more organized and creative. Depending on the location the advances in technology and access to it should ensure independents new, helpful and innovative ways of presentation and promotion that were once thought to be inconceivable.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.firehitsrecords.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/collinmaing
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/CollinMaingAZ
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/collinmaing
• Other: www.firehitsrecords.com/collinmaingspotify

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