Today we’d like to introduce you to Eden Denton.
Eden, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started Anguish Family in 2018 as an underground, legally illegitimate fantasy music label called 616 Music LLC. Over the years, I have worked with over 100 artists worldwide, networking, promoting, writing and recording music, planning and hosting events, developing artistry, offering connections to photographers, videographers, exclusive locations to film, connections with likeminded artists, feeding people along the way and cleaning up garbage from the earth wherever humanly possible. We are a conscious collective aimed at the starving artist- we don’t think it should take money to make music. We provide artistic guidance and extend help to any who need us. We’re united in our mission to inspire, lift, and build. I still don’t have a business license, an LLC or DBA and I don’t make any money but I love what I do. We currently represent Fkid Ellie of Laos Lagos, Nigeria as well as many other artists from the USA- dominantly here in Michigan. We have ambassadors in Seattle, NY, FL, IL, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Traverse City and more. We’re currently planning a tour for 2025 and booking shows starting next month (July ‘23) in select cities. I’m currently shopping for warehouses so Anguish Family has a home base. We are called Anguish because life is full of suffering (says Buddha) but the sooner we accept that suffering the freer we become. Thank you.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a crazy journey! I’ve been flying by the seat of my pants literally the entire time. Being the boss means no one telling you what to do, and as the owner of Anguish Family, I wish I had a boss sometimes. Being a woman has been a huge struggle in the music industry as well. It feels like we have to work 5x as hard to earn 1/2 the respect of a man if we’re lucky. Also, people not answering their phones- holy s#%* rappers don’t answer their phones. Sometimes a conversation can take days or even weeks to complete and the waiting is always a drag. A lot of things are time sensitive with Anguish Family and things can change in an instant. Planning for success definitely has been a struggle, there always seems to be something that slips through the cracks. I’m a perfectionist and my own worst critic. But yeah sexism and essentially hyper-sexual king/objectification have to be the top issues I’ve faced in my music career. I still feel like I’m just getting started. Right now, not a lot of people know my name, I just have this gut feeling that someday that will change.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I sing, rap, produce, dance, and I’ve been studying business and working in sales for over 20 years. I am known for honesty, integrity, and passion. I am most proud of the artists I work with. What sets us apart from others is that we don’t operate based on monetary value or income. We don’t generate revenue but we are successful.
What are your plans for the future?
Definitely finding the perfect location to plant roots as Anguish Family, I want a space where my team can utilize an area to create and take care of themselves as well. There will be a place to shower, cook, multiple places to sleep, and common areas to collaborate and network.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @anguishnpo616
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnguishNPO
- SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/ApkWeDkQUHZXhwiU8
