Arie Skye winner of the ‘No limits to what you can do tour’ Dallas auditions
One of the hottest events this year was the amazing Music Train “No Limit to what you can do Tour” auditions held in Dallas, TX earlier this year. More than one-hundered acts submitted through the initial process, however, the strict screening resulted in only 20 artists making the cut. The event was co-hosted by K104 (Dallas) radio personality Chris Cole.
The finalists showed their stuff for a panel of industry professionals like the legendary Steve Lobel, and of course The Hype Magazine was in the house as well and our Editor-in-Chief, Jerry Doby, joined other professionals from radio, production and engineering to lend their ears and pick the top performer of the day.
Music Train Director of A&R Louie Maldonado and his Dallas Team, pulled the production together immaculately and Music Train CEO Tony Futch, flew in from the east coast to be on hand and sit on the judging panel for the inaugural Dallas event.
But there could only be one as they say, and after a tie-breaking “rhyme-off”, Arie Skye emerged triumphant. Arie Skye’s performance led him to victory, earning him $1000.00 USD cash, a free placement in the Music Train Supporting Act Program; where he will go on to perform on a national touring show. He has also earned himself free studio time at Dallas’s premiere recording studio courtesy of Legacy Music Group.
We got to see and meet him, now we introduce to you, the Music Train Auditions (Dallas, TX 2015) winner, Arie Skye!!!
As you see yourself, who is Arie Skye?
Well I’ll start with the meaning of the name. Arie is short for Ariel, which in Hebrew means “Lion of God“. I really like the meaning of the name because I feel it’s extremely fitting to my current situation over the years. I was basically forced to become the man of the house at an early age. When my dad left us, it put us on a real difficult platform. So ever since then I’ve done whatever I can to help contribute to our family and still doing that to this day. Skye is just a constant reminder to myself that “the sky is the limit”. So I added the ‘e’ on the end to confirm the name and introduced my self to the game, yours truly.
What brought you to the entertainment industry and music specifically?
I’ve always loved music. I was actually heavy on R&B growing up. I didn’t really care too much for rap until I got to middle school. I really liked Bone Thugs N Harmony. I started rapping a little bit in high school, but I was off and on with it then and also thru college. Just having a little fun with it. It wasn’t until I reached sort of a down & out moment in the summer of 2009. I felt all I had was a pen and pad at that point. Then in 2011 after I moved back home from graduating college, I met 3 individuals who I now call my brothers. They really sparked the motive for me going all in with the music and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.
What and/or who influenced the sound you bring today?
As far as my sound, it would be music from the east coast and definitely music from the south. My 2 favorite areas of the world to listen to.
How did you discover Music Train and get involved with the auditions?
It was crazy, my assistant manager, where I work at now, actually went to high school with one of the representatives of Music Train, Louie Maldonado. He told me to reach out to Louie on Facebook and so I did. Next thing I know, Louie lets me know about the audition and I didn’t think twice about it.
What’s happened in your career that makes you feel this is the industry for you?
I participated in these weekly cyphers held by Erbane Galore Magazine (Erbane TV). In order to win, I had to receive the most votes after each cypher and for 4 weeks straight. Fortunately enough, I came out on top. One of the best feelings I ever felt. Thanks to the fans!
What was the biggest obstacle in getting to your current career phase?
I would say that this still is an obstacle for me, and that’s the lack of belief. I would be lying if I said I stay motivated all the time. It is something I struggle with here and there. I have a tendency to doubt myself and my music. That’s why I have love for the ones I call my brothers out here because they really help flush those thoughts out of my head.
What do you want people to get from your music?
I would want them to FEEL me. I feel have a pretty good range of styles in music. I want the people that are getting ready to hit the gym to be like, “let me put on that Arie Skye”. The people that are getting ready to go out to the club to be like, “let me put on that Arie Skye”. The people that have a lot of things on their mind and would rather be alone to be like, “let me put on some Arie Skye”. Also, for the woman overall to be like, “let me put on that Arie Skye”. That’s what I want
Tell us about your current project…
Well this next project I’m working on is titled “Clear Skies”. Completely different from my first mixtape I dropped on Datpiff, “Prayers vs. Wishes”. The reason I say that is because my first mixtape was really motivated by my frustrations and it was me really going in on a lot of up-tempo type beats. Now Clear Skies is going to be the exact opposite. I’m calmer now in the mind and that is what I feel it should all be about. I don’t really know when I want to drop it. I just know I want to take my time with this one. I want the perfect sound for every song.
What do you feel has been your greatest life achievement so far?
December 24, 2011… My daughter was born. Period.
If you could collaborate with one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Honestly, it would have to be Drake. Music has really become a form of communication, especially with me. I feel it’s the easiest way to express myself. which is also something that Drake is known for and definitely not afraid of doing. I admire any artist, who has the courage to express themselves, whether it makes them vulnerable or not.
If you had to pick one song of yours, that really explains YOU, what would it be?
Hmm, I did a remix to that DJ Drama song “My Moment” off of my first mixtape featuring a good friend of mine, Jermaine. I feel that song really describes me the best.
Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” moment…
Oh boy! I’ll keep it appropriate though haha. From what I can remember, it was night back in college. Me and my teammates were on our way to the club and were definitely drinking on the way there. We got pulled over by a state trooper and when he walked over to my side he asked me had we been drinking? I said “yep!” I reached down under the seat and actually showed him the bottle that was halfway gone! You could just tell I was drunk. Shockingly, he let us go with a warning! I have no clue to this day how we got out of that one haha. It was crazy…
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Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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