Meet Teyland Avery of 616 Records

Today we’d like to introduce you to Teyland Avery.  

Hi Teyland, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a heart for music. It started with watching my great-grandfather play guitar and the saxophone. I then later grew a love for hip-hop from catching my uncle watching MTV and BET. I got to see people who looked like me on tv making music about what it’s like to live in a similar life and neighborhood as my own. When I was 12, I was able to develop my own lyrics, and I consistently would write raps. Rapping was always a hobby until my junior year in college. I thought I would take it seriously and study the music business. Returning from college back to GR, I wanted to be a part of the local hip-hop scene. I soon noticed there was a huge divide within the GR hip-hop scene. I created 616 Records to remedy that and provide a solution to have unity within the city’s hip-hop scene. 616 Records music consists of rappers Xander Taylor, Teyland, and R&B singer Shane Edwards. Along with my music team, we have a team that helps provide services for other artists. Jordan Hussey provides brand management and graphic art, Roland Allaire and Keevon Davisburney provide marketing. Isaiah Phillips provides engineering and beat production; Cameron Brown is our DJ, and Miles Xander Taylor provides videography and photography. We have also had showcases and shows like the “Home Run Tour” and the “Catch the Vibe” show at ArtPrize. We have released EPs such as Shane Edwards “Black Heart,” Teyland’s “Redux,” and Xander Taylor’s “Jukebox.” We plan on plenty more releases and shows in the future! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been the easiest for us. We have had people quit, try and get rich quick, and people not understand that this profession takes time. I’ve found it hard to juggle my professional and personal life while also balancing the record label. As well as learning, not only is music an art, there is a business side that needs to be mastered. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
I have always had a heart for music. It started with watching my great-grandfather play guitar and the saxophone. I then later grew a love for hip-hop from catching my uncle watching MTV and BET. I got to see people who looked like me on tv making music about what it’s like to live in a similar life and neighborhood as my own. When I was 12, I was able to develop my own lyrics, and I consistently would write raps. Rapping was always a hobby until my junior year in college. I thought I would take it seriously and study the music business. Returning from college back to GR, I wanted to be part of the local hip-hop scene. I soon noticed there was a huge divide within the GR hip-hop scene. I created 616 Records to remedy that and provide a solution to have unity within the city’s hip-hop scene. 616 Records music consists of rappers Xander Taylor, Teyland, and R&B singer Shane Edwards. Along with my music team, we have a team that helps provide services for other artists. Jordan Hussey provides brand management and graphic art, Roland Allaire and Keevon Davisburney provide marketing. Isaiah Phillips provides engineering and beat production; Cameron Brown is our DJ, and Miles Xander Taylor provides videography and photography. We have also had showcases and shows like the “Home Run Tour” and the “Catch the Vibe” show at ArtPrize. We have released EPs such as Shane Edwards “Black Heart,” Teyland’s “Redux,” and Xander Taylor’s “Jukebox.” We plan on plenty more releases and shows in the future! 

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see Grand Rapids being a staple location for hip-hop; we have an insane amount talent! The only missing item is unity and support of one another. Since the start of 616 Records and our showcases, I have been noticing other showcases and shows where artists are collaborating and building each other up. I truly believe in the next 5 years, Grand Rapids will be its own little hip-hop hub. Another big shift I can see happening, with music being so easy to create, there’s going to be more focus on local music, opposed to large industry artists. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/official616records?fbclid=PAAaZ9Z3nmQbnRtP4h0VnPIbHtj9l8giEbOS2QNitZIfQa3bbhX7nYSdD0JSA
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/official616records?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Official616Records?mibextid=LQQJ4d 

Image Credits
Jordan Hussey