Today we’d like to introduce you to Deuces Cunningham.
Hi Deuces, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Absolutely, so I started doing music as a kid in middle school. Growing up passing my older brother’s rap CDs in the cafeteria, and watching how the game goes through his experience over time allowed me to capture what works and what doesn’t work. Being a fan of all music and my surroundings, from family to friends gave me the opportunity to listen to a vast amount of different genres and styles, and I gradually became my own entity as an artist.
Started rapping and freestyling in high school and then throughout college being known as the guy around campus and Cincinnati who was good at it, naturally put me in good positions.
Eventually, I started taking it completely seriously at the age of 22, but dealt with minor and major setbacks with family and finances.. so My road was not easy.
As I pushed forward I realized that I held enough charisma and grit to reside in opportunities some would not be able to get which I used to my advantage which overtime I used it as a crutch to allow myself to be known and to utilize as a key figure to gaining access to better funding opportunities as an independent artist.
I love creating, being creative, and producing innovative ideas into tangible things! I’m inspired by so much that no matter what the inspiration might be… I become ambitious to take a leap of faith toward it and somehow find myself successful through it.
Such as self-producing music, having a successful hip-hop Improv Band, and being a stadium host, and of course my consistency in becoming better at writing, and performing music.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No. My road to success has definitely not been easy. As an independent artist, it’s always an uphill battle for success, with little to no real support. Besides that being a factor – Supporting my family problems and financial burdens have always been a struggle— not having enough resources or knowledge knowing how to use my resources to my advantage, and time.
But time is a struggle for all of us sometimes huh?
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Oh Absolutely! I am an active musician, recording artist, creative producer, writer & director, sports stadium host, jingle singer and songwriter, and a playwriter/actor.
At best I am Creative, and I specialize in music. I am known for all of the things I have stated above as I currently hold jobs and careers in such as—-
• Jingle singer and songwriter for the Super Viral #safeguardsplash commercial on TikTok and all streaming services and radios- over 800+ million views!
• jingle singer and songwriter for The Ball aluminum cup commercial on national TV.
• stadium host for the Cincinnati Reds
• Creative Producer & director for Cincinnati Public Radio/NPR
• Play-writer for PlayHouse In The Park Theatre
• independent Actor & Actor for Playhouse In The Park
• lead vocalist, frontman, and creator of The Golden Theory HipHop band (found from Americas Got Talent, and VANS music competition)
And more.
I am most proud of my ability as an artist/entertainer and versatile. I placed my brand as an artist to be accessible through different outlets and that alone has allowed me to stand apart from the rest…
Because of this, my creative flow will continue to break barriers and the status quo, and will without a doubt expand as I get better!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and are any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Absolutely- naturally hygiene is critical to our survival as a society. Supporting each other and being considerate of our neighbors was a huge eye-opener for the world and I hope we continue to push in a positive direction.
What I also learned and realize is how important it is to pursue your dreams, and have multiple outlets for communicating.
During the Covid crisis, I had the opportunity of writing and perform a Super Viral jingle commercial for Safeguard Soap backed by P&G (Procter & Gamble) on TikTok, social media platforms, and radio stations! Hit over 800 million views, was in newspapers, articles, and also on GoodMorning America.
This made me realize that communication and being accessible as an artist can really change the direction of your future and career tremendously, which I am forever thankful for.
Pricing:
- Jingle writing- $2000+ depending on the project!
- Live Performance- $1000+ depending on event
- Songwriting- $500 with royalty and publishing rights
- Event Hosting/ In-Game- $100 an hour
- Creative writing/ Creative Production & Directing- $2500
- Open to negotiate
Contact Info:
- Website: http://deuces-ii.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aightdeuces/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.cunningham.39982/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV5kBuJc1vPLbTQ5snaEufQ/featured
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Deuces
