The Couture Tape Co-Operative

Maurice Clark - Addiction Promo (Album Coming in January!)

Rapidian Article on Girl's Education in Africa Benefit Show!!!

Maurice Clark at Billy’s Lounge (Video)

One Be Lo, 5 Ela, Maurice Clark and more at Billy’s Lounge #liveloud

Maurice Clark at Billy’s Lounge

Maurice Clark and Venson at the Westside Inn

Shot in Grand Rapids, MI!!!!!!!!! 

BLACK OPERA

I light of recent events I realized I’ve been too nice to people. Too trusting in the belief that if I do something to help out my peers, that they will do the same. I have always looked out for my crew, giving away beats that I really should sell, putting people on shows when I know they aren’t going to bring out anyone else that I don’t already know, letting people stay at my house for days at a time because they have nowhere to go, rent free. I don’t do it because I feel sorry for their misfortunes, I do it because once upon a time someone did that for me.

But unlike them I was never complacent. I never take charity without the realization that one day I’ll pay that debt back. I still owe my older brother $250… he never asks for it and doesn’t have to. Now that I’m on my own two, I’ll pay him back. EVERYTHING I have I’ve worked for. Almost two years ago my mac was stolen, no insurance. From the outside world people thought the music stopped but it didn’t. I wrote songs the old fashioned way, an analog electric piano, saxophone, and a four track recorder. I sharpened my skills. And from that most of the songs for the Justis Tene Project: Packing were made (http://justistene.bandcamp.com/releases). I hustled, I got money, got a macbook, got a new keyboard, and came back stronger than ever.

I moved into a new house to try to not have to worry about people trying to take what I worked for. Well since moving I’ve had stuff stolen from me little by little. Not stuff that inhibits me from doing what I do, but stuff that I was attached to. A vintage mic that didn’t work but that I was going to fix up and repair (minor hobby of mine), a pair of headphones (over ten years old beat up and not really expensive, but I trained my ear to mix with them), a bowl (don’t smoke that much anymore, but this was blown by a friend of mine), and the four track recorder that I used when I had nothing. These small things meant a lot more than the $$$$$ they were worth.

I also realized that MUSICALLY no one has helped me out. Every artist that I have worked with in the past has always looked to me for creativeness. “Dante make me a beat”, “Dante can you write a hook for this?”. I know myself so all the songs I make are going to be for myself. I don’t have the time or the patience to help people find themselves. This may just be me being mad over the things that I lost but I feel maybe I needed to lose those things to realize what my next move is. NOT GIVING ANYMORE CHARITY TO PEOPLE WHO TAKE IT FOR GRANTED

Don’t knock on my door if you aren’t ready to maneuver as an artist.

I look forward to working more with the artists that are ready: Venson, Maurice Clark, Rob B, Sol Infinite, Stori Brooks, Suport, Sizz, Dean Martian, Mister Squid and AB. #GRandSon coming soon…

DANTE COPE x DEAN MARTIAN

This Drops on Friday the 12th!!!!!! Songs from this mix will be played during our CTC Summer Art Showcase Reception which features Georgia Taylor, Danielle Dix, Trav Waylaa, Venson, and Maurice Clark. Its a free show with free food. It starts at 7pm ends at Midnight!!!!

The Couture Tape Co-Operative is hosting an Art Showcase at the DAAC from August 8th through August 19th. The Showcase features the works of Georgia Taylor and Danielle Dix.

On Friday August 12th there will be a reception at the DAAC. Live music by Maurice Clark, Venson, and Trav Waylaa. Food and drinks will be served. This is a FREE event.