Today we’d like to introduce you to Kai (Kwonder) Wanzer and Seven Bailey.
New Jersey-born LA living. KWonder is a co-creator known for her keen eye. She is an innovator and her style is sure to add her Jersey frame of mind to The Mahogany Door podcast. It’s important to Kwonder that the podcast has it’s a finger on the pulse of all things hip hop and the brand continues to push the culture forward progressively. KWonder has over 15 years of experience in music, tech and marketing sectors combined.
Having started her music career with the legendary music label Slip n Slide Records based out of Miami, FL where she was also the personal assistant to the owner Ted Lucas. She gained valuable knowledge that she later took to LA. After moving to LA in 2008, she found herself working in the tech industry for mogul Mark Cuban. Now, KWonder herself is the owner of Montego, a software company that focuses on event management. Her passion for prison reform through experience is something she also highlights and discusses throughout the podcast. Kwonder’s passion to understand & experience dope people with dope conversations is her first true love.
Seven Bailey has over 20 years of music industry experience and is best known as a producer for his work with several major artists in the early 2000s. As a musician, he has played and toured with some of the top artists in the music industry. As a producer, engineer, and musician, he has been a part of Emmy Award-winning and Grammy-nominated projects. As an artist manager and management consultant, he has over ten years of experience building and developing artists’ careers. In academia, Bailey holds a Master of Arts in Music Industry Administration (CSUN) and a bachelor’s degree in Recording (California State University, Dominguez Hills).
Currently, he teaches various music industry and production classes at CSUN, CSUDH and Compton College. In the world of business, he is the CEO and president of Omnes Records and Little White Lotus Studios. Bailey’s credits in the music industry include Kirk Franklin, Talib Kweli, Cranberries, Murder Inc., Ja Rule, Ashanti, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Rock The Bells, J Ross Paralli, Andrae Alexander, Allee Willis, Rihanna, American Idol, The Game, Ernie Fields, Rickey Minor, Cuba: The Forgotten Revolution, Clive Davis, DJ Battlecat, The Platinum House.
Great, 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?
Seven – When it comes running a label and recording studio it’s been a challenge for sure! In the sense of timing, availability of resources not having more experience or the right team. Now, as far as the podcast it has been a little different because of preparation, content flow and putting together the right show.
Kwonder – There are a lot of obstacles to starting a new podcast. For one, getting support from people to listen is a slow challenge but rewarding after all. Another challenge like Seven said, is putting the right show together and finding our workflow to creating dope shows.
Please tell us about The Mahogany Door Podcast.
Seven – As a black business owner of several studios, it comes down to service that is truly needed for my clients. Having them want to return and enjoy the experience. Now, as far as the podcast our unique background and similar skill sets. Both of us being witty and able to take a punch and its bot personal.
Kwonder – The Mahagonay Door Podcast is a musical focused show, that also features other great things like entrepreneur, health & fitness, activism, and more. Everything based around how music pulls us all together, no matter where you are or what you do in life.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Seven – Sense of humor for sure! Also a real understanding of the big picture, basically it’s not personal its just business.
Kwonder – I love to talk to people! I enjoy learning new things about the world and the humans on it. Listening is a major key and always remembering to laugh.
Pricing:
- Podcast $200 for 1hr recording time and includes edit
- Musical recording $250 hr only a min of 2 hr block, 5hr block is $350
- Listen to The Mahogany Door Podcast free on the Anchor
Contact Info:
- Website: Themahoganydoorpodcast.com
- Phone: Studio # 323-747-2453
- Email: Themahoganydoorpodcast@gmail.com
- Instagram: Themahoganydoorpodcast
Image Credit:
Terrisha Kearse aka TK
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