Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Oli. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Shannon Oliver was born on a military base in Havelock, NC. Son to Diane and Joseph Oliver, originally from The Bronx, NY. Growing up on the beaches of Eastern NC, he’s always been involved and interested in music and music creation and inspired by his bigger brother. Who he’s always looked at and respected as one of the best emcee’s/lyricist he’s heard. That’s what started his journey into having the dream of wanting to be an established hiphop artist in the game. He began writing lyrics and developing his rhyme scheme and direction at 13, with major influences from Eminem, Nas, Big L, AZ, Jay Z, and more, thats where his style started to mature. By 17, he was involved in daily rap battles at high school and online forums. By age 18, he and his closest friends developed a rap group called “Wolf Gang,” starting out doing shows locally. Their exposure quickly grew to major cities like Raleigh, Greenville, Chapel Hill, Wilmington, Atlantic beach, and Havelock, and they also did many radio shows and interviews in said cities. After joining the military at age 19, he took a brief hiatus from doing shows during his time in Arizona and many hours on youtube. He took an interest in the production side of the business, hoping to produce and mix and master his tracks without the need of anybody. This happened shortly after graduating from his pilot training. He moved to Florida and started production. At Age 20, he took a deployment job with a contracting company and brought his music gear overseas. He then linked up and collaborated with tone P on his first major placement with Artist Nick Grant on the song “96 Bulls”. After that, he knew production was what he wanted to do. Still releasing songs randomly, he’s worked with hundreds of artists in all genres, including mixing and mastering. At age 25, he started his record label XII Productions, consisting of a few artists and producers who are currently working with major artists. As of October 2022, he has signed an Artist Development deal with Bentley Records as an artist and producer.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
Nothing is ever smooth in life. I’ve learned that there’s no such thing as handouts at all, especially in this industry. I’ve also learned this is a cutthroat industry, and at some points during the journey, you need to expect the worst to encounter the better. I’ve had beats stolen by major producers and artists, and I’ve had people promise work then disappear when it’s time to execute. It’s tough, but one thing always remains certain: to keep pushing forward. If it’s a dream, chase it, and don’t let anybody discourage you.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a songwriter, audio engineer, music producer, hip-hop artist, photo/videographer, and label owner. I’m known for being incredibly diverse production-wise. If you need a boom-bap beat, I can do that; trap? I can do that as well; R&B? Too easy. I’m most proud that I can survive off a skill based solely on creativity; being multifaceted sets me apart from others. But it’s also a gift and a curse. One day soon, I plan on picking at least a few things to master and sticking to those, but I can’t complain. They say to have seven streams of income as an entrepreneur.
Networking and finding a mentor can positively impact one’s life and career. Any advice?
With the age of youtube, you can learn anything on youtube if you’re disciplined enough to stick to it. I never needed a real mentor for music. I had people I looked up to and admired their work but never a mentor. Networking is the key, just put yourself out there, post your content, comment, DM, Email, and text whoever you want to work with because you never know. They might respond ;).
Pricing:
- Beats: 20$-125$, exclusives negotiable
- Mixing and Mastering : 150$
- Photo and Video : Email me
- Collaborations: Email me
Contact Info:
- Website: https://solo.to/shannonoli
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonoli/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonolii/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/shannonoli
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/shannonoli
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/XIIproduction/
