In Episode 7 of the Flip Side Music Podcast, host Matty Flip sits down with T.M., a Las Vegas-based military veteran, entrepreneur, and genre-blending artist, to unpack his unconventional path to the music industry. From hosting underground shows to funding exclusive collaborations through cryptocurrency, T.M.’s story is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and hustle. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from my conversation with “The Man” himself
1. From Battlefields to Beats: TM’s Unlikely Beginnings
Born in Mississippi and spending a lot of time growing up near Atlanta, T.M.’s journey began far from the glitz of Las Vegas. After serving in Iraq, he returned home only to embark on a spontaneous cross-country drive that landed him in Vegas—a city he’s called home ever since. His transition from military life to music wasn’t immediate; TM initially carved out a niche as a promoter, organizing everything from punk rock shows to EDM festivals. “I’ve thrown concerts here for 15 years,” he shares, highlighting his deep roots in Vegas’s live music scene.
2. Crypto, Contracts, and Creative Freedom
T.M.’s early adoption of cryptocurrency proved pivotal for him. Investing in Bitcoin as far back as 2010, he leveraged his crypto portfolio to fund his music career without selling any of his assets. “I took loans against my portfolio to buy these exclusive verses,” he explains, referencing collaborations with heavyweights like Post Malone, Jack Harlow, and Pop Smoke. These exclusive features—costing tens of thousands of dollars—were strategic investments. “I believe in myself and my artistry,” T.M. says, emphasizing his confidence in recouping costs through streaming, album sales and sync opportunities.
3. Building Loose Cannon & Partnering with Wild Dogs Entertainment
As the founder of Loose Cannon Records, T.M. has navigated the highs and lows of independent artistry. After years of inconsistent releases (due to parenting and production delays), he signed a three-single deal with Wild Dogs Entertainment, a New York label helmed by syndicated radio DJ J Spins. This partnership grants T.M. access to nationwide radio promotion while allowing him to uplift artists under his own imprint.
4. The Realities of Music Licensing and Industry Hustle
The conversation dives into the gritty details of music licensing. T.M. and Matty Flip stress the importance of understanding contracts, especially when securing features. While non-exclusive verse leases (like a Lil Wayne collaboration Matty’s artist used) can boost streams, T.M. prioritizes exclusivity: “I own those verses here and forever.” Both warn against mislabeling tracks or mishandling licenses, which can derail campaigns and damage relationships.
5. “You Pay at Every Step”: TM’s Advice for Emerging Artists
T.M. doesn’t sugarcoat the industry’s challenges. “There’s no free marketing,” he states bluntly. From blog features to playlist placements, every opportunity requires investment. His advice? Build genuine connections and respect others’ time. Having booked acts like Kill the Noise and Riff Raff, TM credits his rapport with agents and artists for opening doors: “Don’t waste people’s time—especially at higher levels.”
6. What’s Next for T.M.?
With three major releases planned through Wild Dogs Entertainment, T.M. is poised for a breakout 2025. His single WHOA! dropped March 7th and will be followed up by a Lil Wayne collaboration timed around Carter 6’s June release. He’s also focused on bridging gaps between his eclectic past (punk, EDM) and hip-hop’s mainstream future.
Follow T.M. on all platforms!👇
Catch the full episode of the Flip Side Music Podcast to hear T.M.’s insights firsthand, and follow his journey on Spotify and social media @T.M.Live on all platforms.
Stay tuned for more deep dives into the music industry’s unsung heroes on the Flipside Music Podcast—where the music meets business.
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