Introducing Mantra Music - The Documentary
Introducing Mantra Music - The world’s first record label exclusively for care experienced artists. Mantra Music CIC is the world’s first record label exclusively for care-experienced artists founded by successful care-experienced artist Ric Flo. Ric Flo who was formerly one third of UK Rap Collective Jungle Brown is the founder of the record label. He has supported the likes of De La Soul, The Pharcyde and Big Daddy Kane. And performed at prestigious festivals such as Glastonbury, BoomTown and Lovebox to name a few. Being care experienced himself he saw there was a lack of representation and inspiration for care leavers within the public eye. And the catalyst for his music career was asking the question “If Hip-hop is the voice of the voiceless, why have I never heard from the perspective of someone who has been in foster care?”. Recent films like The Last Tree by Shola Amoo, Handle With Care By Jimmy Akingbola and the viral John Lewis Christmas Advert are great for highlighting the voices of the voiceless on big platforms but where are these stories in the music industry? Off the back of Ric Flo recording his first rap project about his experience in foster care, he witnessed how music can be a powerful tool to connect to young people who are underrepresented in music and media. This curiosity not only inspired his music but drove him to running songwriting workshops across the UK for young people within the care sector. Creating a music label to support the next generation of talent was the next logical step for Ric which was made possible with the support of Youth Music Charity & Paul Hamyln Foundation. The fantastic mini-documentary directed by Carlos Torres introduces 4 care-experienced artists who signed to Mantra Music in January. It highlights their perspective of being care-experienced, their talent for music and the reason why their voices and projects like Mantra can’t be ignored. Dialectic Dee is a 24 year old spoken word artist and Sickle Cell Advocate from London, who aims to use the performing arts for more than just entertainment purposes but rather as a tool to positively impact change. YD The Lone Wolf is a Drill Artist from East London whos has an incredible work ethic and has an infectious album almost ready to grace your ears. Utelka born and raised in and around Birmingham, vocalist and songwriter Utelka is emerging quickly onto the dance and alternative soul music scenes. Performing in an array of venues from Birmingham to New York, including performing at Coventry Pride, Utelka has tailored her unique voice and style to steadily increase her fanbase. Xoul is the young singer-rapper and writer from London UK who brings a new wave of versatility to modern music. Combining his unique tone and intricate lyrics with the essence of RnB, Indie, Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop, he produces sentimental and thought provoking material. After long thought and preparation, xoul has introduced his sound to the world. This auspicious talent is one to watch. - Artists: @dialecticdee @utelkajohnson @ydthelonewolf @kingxoul Project Manager: @ricflomusic @mantramusic_uk Director: @carlostorrespictures AC: @tupaccarroll Still Photographer: @piispanenossi MUA Photo Session: @paigemichelmakeup Thanks to @clemencebartram @tailwindgroup @ucas_online who shared with us the footage of the commercial acted by Xoul at 06:37 @balticldn @premisesstudios @towerhamletsnow @arcolatheatre for the recording/rehearsal sessions. @richmixlondon and @newriverstudios for the spaces. And big thank you to @paulhamlynfoundation @youthmusic_charity for supporting our project!