Music

Kelvin “GP Radio” Santiago is Making an Impact and Letting the Wins Outshine

Kelvin “GP Radio” Santiago

They say it is difficult to find industry executives that are equated with integrity, sincerity, drive, and loyalty, but over the past 15 years Kelvin “GP Radio” Santiago has developed a reputation for just that. The Dominican rooted, New York-raised, Miami-based Santiago has amassed an amazing roster of clients and successful projects that have effectively distinguished the promoter and talent broker from his peers.

Growing up in Long Island listening to artists like Biggie, Snoop, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent was the beginning of his love for Hip Hop, eventually turning his music passion into becoming one of the most respected radio promoters in the urban market. He says, “Money comes and goes but relationships last forever.”

With some pretty notable accomplishments and a solid track record to his credit, Santiago is utilizing his experience to benefit an array of Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum artists. Now he’s hoping to forge a multi-faceted entertainment company that encompasses music management, production, and promotion. Whether he’s booking his clients on Power 105’s The Breakfast Club, Hot 97’s Ebro in the Morning, or rubbing shoulders with CEOs at Sirius XM and iheart Radio Santiago is constantly pushing the envelope and finding new ways to break records and expand his artist’s presence.

Santiago’s career in the music business began when he partnered with New York rapper and former high school classmate Mims for the 2007 smash hit “This Is Why I’m Hot.” The song charted number one on Billboard’s Hot 100, eventually went Platinum, then soared in the overseas market — and while Santiago’s vision as a young industry executive yielded almost immediate results, his influence in the radio and promotions world was just heating up.

“That first record I worked (Mims, Hot) generated $18 million dollars and went #1 on almost every chart you can think of. After that, they hired me on retainer at Universal then other labels started calling for me to work their records,” Santiago says of his earlier days. “The first time I went on the road with Mims and Method Man, I learned how to build relationships with DJs. I never thought it was a job but then it all just kind of fell in my lap.”

As far as definitions go, Santiago’s titles are flaunting. Director of radio, booking agent, artist manager, and overall conduit between DJs and the music. He’s responsible for breaking records and monitoring how they’re landing. When you’re working with artists who make major headlines, there are subsidiary roles that don’t fall under a technical repertoire. His client roster includes a behemoth of heavy hitters— Roc Nation’s DJ Bodega Flee, Afro-Latina singer/rapper Melii whose song “Icey” was used in Beyonce’s Ivy Park commercial and is often saluted by Cardi B and Rihanna. He also boasts clients including Rapper/Boxer Jake Paul who balances distinguishable music and athletic career as well as Roc Nation DJ “Bodega” Flee who boasts cosigns from 50 Cent and The Heavy Hitters. He has broken over 10 records for award-winning artist Tory Lanez between 2017 and 2021 including hits like “Talk To Me,” “Broke In a Minute” and “Jerry Sprunger.” Santiago also runs a three-tier label slash management marriage—Break Records, Next Level, and InAvAtor/Umbrella.

Though the industry has evolved, become digital, and essentially more impersonal, Santiago’s success strategy remains rooted in one thing—relationship building. From flyer distribution to simply showing up and having conversations with DJs, program directors, and streaming platform execs, he’s done it all. During the pandemic, his clients were still hitting major milestones and finding innovative and creative ways to stay relevant. Santiago came up with the idea and facilitated Tory Lanez sending more than one thousand drops to radio DJs personally, and Santiago has managed to keep his rotation steady.

“Even though Tory manages himself, I work every record he drops. I handle all of his bookings, and I help him run the label every day,” he states. “I have to fight for the artists sometimes when the public has negative opinions of them and try to convince these platforms to give the music a chance. I’m here for all of the highs and the lows.”

Through victories and controversy, to Santiago, it’s all a part of the process. He’s a full-time dad to his son, and some might say to the artists as well. He’s focused on the development of one of his most prominent artists, Melii. The Harlem bred vocalist’s latest release “Big Tipper” alongside Lil Wayne under Tory Lanez’s imprint Umbrella, made serious noise. He’s wrangling music for Jake Paul, tackling day-to-day for Tory’s label, and organizing three music festivals, post-pandemic. Juggling creative personalities that are behind the world’s most acclaimed and often notorious superstars can be arduous. For Santiago, it’s routine. But not always as easy as he makes it look. Still, it’s a task he prefers to shoulder alone.

“People always say I should get an assistant or some help,” he laughs. “But trust is a major factor. I’m the oldest one here and I feel responsible for making sure things get done right. If anything goes wrong at the hands of someone else, then that would be on me.”

Some of his highlights include facilitating Tory Lanez inclusion on Drake’s 2019 “Assassination Vacation” which sold out globally. “Tory and Drake had a really successful three-month overseas tour” he recalls. “Moments like those make all the work worth it. But to this day, I’m still learning. Still building relationships every day. It never stops.”

Santiago was vital in the early stages of R&B singer Jason Derulo’s career, as well as reggaeton artist J Álvarez and even financed Latin Trap artist Anuel’s first record ” Coronamos” featuring Lito Kirino which now boasts over 36 million views on Youtube.

So what’s next on the horizon for Santiago? “I would like to open a one-stop shop studio in Miami which will offer video editing, recording studios, green rooms but with a different vibe to each and every room.”

Santiago has earned the proper street credence and industry respect. Of all the accolades he has accrued, he wants to be acknowledged and respected for his dexterity in structuring a company that’s not based solely upon financial overkill and greed. For now, he’s making an impact and letting the wins outshine the non-glamorous side of the grind.

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Album Review

Eric Schroeder drops a riveting dare into his emotionally charged new album “Cat’s Game”

Eric Schroeder, a distinguished innovator within the indie rock-pop sphere, born and raised in San Diego, has unveiled his ambitious latest album, “Cat’s Game,” a masterful project that deftly explores intricate emotional landscapes. Comprising ten meticulously woven tracks, traverse through landscapes of confessional intimacy, introspection, and sonic defiance that revitalizes classic rock ‘n’ roll aesthetics. Recorded at Mant Sounds under the expert production of Rob Schnapf and engineered by Matt Scheussler, this striking new album premieres today and signifies a potential shift in the contemporary rock narrative.

As a pivotal player within San Diego’s eclectic music scene, Eric Schroeder adeptly navigates the dynamics of chaos and clarity, and “Cat’s Game” showcases his most sophisticated orchestration to date. Collaborating with a tight-knit ensemble featuring Matt Scheussler (bass), Jake Richter (drums), and Aidan Finn (keys), Schroeder breathes life into every lyric, wrapping each composition in swirling authenticity and unfiltered emotional gravity.

Commencing with the soaring rock gem “High And Low,” listeners are immediately plunged into the heart of Eric’s introspective lyricism, capturing a spectrum of euphoria tinged with unintentionality, where moments of sorrow transmute into uplifting sentiments. The follow-up single “Emily” floats a unique form of bittersweet poetry, allowing audiences to resonate with a profound longing through emotive acoustics and nostalgic melodies. Furthermore, the slow-burning “Don’t Wanna Let You Go” effectively merges vulnerability with assertive musical grit in one unforgettable, gut-punching anthem.

Tracks like “As I Sit Here In My Car” and “I’ve Got Problems” demonstrate Schroeder’s exceptional proficiency in turning everyday occurrences into deeply relatable stories, marrying lyrical poetry with infectious grooves and cinematic soundscapes. Meanwhile, “Leave Me Sleeping” arises as a notable highlight, functioning as a haunting lullaby drenched in longing and lucid dreamlike clarity, further underscoring his capacity to encapsulate solitude in a captivating sonic framework.

Mid-album highlights, such as “My Big Brother,” “Slipstream,” and “Summer In The Psych Ward,” explores the chaotic interior of memory and identity, enhancing the psychological dimensions of Schroeder’s artistry. Finally, the closing track, “The Road To Recovery,” presents an achingly beautiful exhale, a tender, tremulous resolution to a defiant, emotionally rich album.

“Cat’s Game” is a crucial addition to any rock enthusiast playlist, reminding us of the enduring significance of music in contemporary culture. The album is an immersive manifesto of emotional honesty, dynamic storytelling, and fearless creativity. Eric Schroeder doesn’t just participate in this artistic endeavor; he is rewriting the rules with his enchanting vocal delivery. His rare gift for transmuting vulnerability into visceral musical encounters cements his reputation as a mesmerizing songwriter, a burgeoning force in today’s evolving music landscape, poised to make a significant impact.

For more information about Eric Schroeder, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Eric Schroeder’s Album “Cat’s Game“ on Spotify.
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Music

BLACKPINK’s Lisa Signs Major Solo Deal with Universal

Lalisa Manobal, better known as Lisa of BLACKPINK, is making waves in her career by signing a solo deal with RCA Records, a well-known label under Sony Music Entertainment. This is a significant step for her, highlighting her independence as an artist and showing a trend in the K-pop industry where artists seek more creative control and a wider international audience. Lisa is the first member of BLACKPINK to partner with a different label for her solo projects, setting her apart from her bandmates.

This new agreement is about Lisa taking charge of her music. One of the standout features of this deal is that she will own the rights to her recordings, a rare opportunity in the music industry, especially in K-pop, where artists often have strict contracts. With her own company, LLOUD, Lisa will manage her solo music, giving her artistic freedom and financial control.

By collaborating with RCA Records, Lisa gains access to a large global network that includes production resources and marketing support. This is about changing how K-pop artists can reach audiences worldwide. Lisa aims to succeed not just in South Korea but also in places like North America and Europe.

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From a branding perspective, this decision also makes sense. Lisa has built a reputation as a fashion icon and talented performer, attracting millions of fans through her performances and style collaborations. Now, with LLOUD and RCA, she can create music and an image that resonates with international listeners while staying connected to her roots. This flexibility is important in today’s fast-paced entertainment landscape, where artists are cultural influencers.

Lisa’s solo deal has sparked discussions about the future of BLACKPINK as a group and the individual paths its members might take. While they are still managed by YG Entertainment, Lisa’s step into a solo career opens the door for her bandmates to explore their own opportunities without completely stepping away from the group. This creates a new model where artists can balance group activities with solo projects.

From an industry standpoint, Lisa’s contract reflects a shift in power distribution between record labels and artists. As digital platforms allow musicians to build their own fan bases, traditional record labels need to provide better, more flexible contracts to keep top talent like Lisa. Her decision to maintain ownership of her music is a powerful statement about valuing creativity and the long-term benefits of protecting her work.

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Fans are eagerly awaiting what Lisa will do next. Her solo music so far has shown her range, blending hip-hop, pop, and R&B. With full creative control, listeners can expect music that truly represents her style and growth as an artist. The excitement for her upcoming projects is palpable, not only because of her popularity but because she now has the resources to create something special.

Lisa’s signing with RCA Records is a key moment in the evolution of pop culture. It symbolizes the emergence of a new type of K-pop artist who is not just a performer but also a savvy businesswoman and a global brand. As she steps into this new phase with LLOUD and RCA, everyone is curious to see how she will push the boundaries of music and identity. Lisa is no longer just a member of a famous girl group, she is a powerful solo artist in her own right.