Three University of Memphis students are helping the local music scene and one another with their new company, Fat Kid Productions.
"It's a lot more than just a promotion company," said Dawn Apang, a senior at The U of M and Fat Kid. "It comes from a real love of music and musicians."
Fat Kid Production is trying to keep musicians from being taken advantage of by the more predatory companies in the music industry, said Phillip Leach, a senior psychology major and founder of Fat Kid Productions.
"We want them to learn how to take care of themselves," Apang said.
Fat Kid has already held a Hurricane Katrina benefit that raised $900 to help people displaced by the storm.
"I have big hopes for it," Leach said. "I want Fat Kid to do everything that it is capable of doing, and we can do a lot of things."
The company has a few artists they are working with now, but they plan on expanding in the future.
"We are hoping to bring more attention to Memphis because it has been overlooked for years," Leach said.
Fat Kid has already recruited a few student interns from Memphis College of Art and Mississippi State University, but they are looking for more people to work with from the area, Apang said. Submissions can be sent to info@fatkids.com.
"They have been really patient and flexible," said Charlie Shawn, a U of M student and guitarist/singer for The Silent Parade. "I was really surprised by how professional they were."
Fat Kid is planning on working with the Music and Entertainment Student Association (MEISA) next semester, but the official dates haven't been confirmed yet.
"We have these people that really know what they're doing," said Lucia Kaminsky, a senior music business major and member of Fat Kid.
"There are a lot of local musicians that don't know where to go. I think it will be a great asset for the local community."
Fat Kid is trying to stick with publicity, doing press kits and promos, for now, but they plan on branching out in the future, Kaminsky said.
"I've written for an online music magazine for a few years. It is good to be on the other side of the business," Kaminsky said.
"We are young and active in the music industry, and we can help bands from being taken advantage of."
