WHY WE STARTED?
Growing up between New York and Washington D.C, all Komari “K-Rucka” Bailey ever wanted to do was travel and become a successful music producer. As a child, he knew that he was meant for more than just reciting others arrangements. After signing up for a music production course in high school, he later discovered that this class would be one of the sparks of inspiration and motivation to pursue music as a professional career path. After budget cuts led to the cancellation of this course, Komari was left to spearhead his own career in music.
Prior to graduating, he had the opportunity to travel abroad with the help of EF Tours; an educational international travel company for students. Through his traveling experiences, his ambition multiplied as he was introduced to a completely unfamiliar variety of instruments, sounds and dances. But, there was still a need for direction and guidance after he graduated despite his exposure to those new experiences. He began to feel the restlessness and unyielding pressure from his parents, peers and teachers to attend a 4-year institution. Komari knew that wasn’t his life’s path and needed to figure out an outlet.
At the age of 28, Komari has made an entire career from embarking on multiple professional music tours as well as producing and engineering critically-acclaimed albums. In his 10-year industry tenure, his idea of pioneering a youth-based fully funded music and travel program is at the top of his priority list and realized how helpful this would have been for him as a youth trying to figure out his plan post high school graduation.
“I know there are high school kids out there who were just like me and who need an outlet to be creative and travel. Komari says of the program. ‘I know there are kids who don’t know where or how to start. Although I beat every single odd that I was up against, I wish I had more direction and understanding of my craft and how to make money earlier on in my career.” Although Komari is privy to other programs and initiatives to serve the musically-inclined youth, he believes there is a lack of structure and information in underprivileged educational institutions that provides thorough knowledge and experiences throughout the various mediums whiten the music landscape. This entails music production, record sales/streaming, starting a record label, financial considerations, etc.
“If HUMBLE can help kids understand the basics of the music as an art and business, gain an understanding of how prestigious honors work such as the Grammy’s and strive to become young, well-traveled music entrepreneurs before they graduate high school, then my job is complete.” - Komari Bailey
Prior to graduating, he had the opportunity to travel abroad with the help of EF Tours; an educational international travel company for students. Through his traveling experiences, his ambition multiplied as he was introduced to a completely unfamiliar variety of instruments, sounds and dances. But, there was still a need for direction and guidance after he graduated despite his exposure to those new experiences. He began to feel the restlessness and unyielding pressure from his parents, peers and teachers to attend a 4-year institution. Komari knew that wasn’t his life’s path and needed to figure out an outlet.
At the age of 28, Komari has made an entire career from embarking on multiple professional music tours as well as producing and engineering critically-acclaimed albums. In his 10-year industry tenure, his idea of pioneering a youth-based fully funded music and travel program is at the top of his priority list and realized how helpful this would have been for him as a youth trying to figure out his plan post high school graduation.
“I know there are high school kids out there who were just like me and who need an outlet to be creative and travel. Komari says of the program. ‘I know there are kids who don’t know where or how to start. Although I beat every single odd that I was up against, I wish I had more direction and understanding of my craft and how to make money earlier on in my career.” Although Komari is privy to other programs and initiatives to serve the musically-inclined youth, he believes there is a lack of structure and information in underprivileged educational institutions that provides thorough knowledge and experiences throughout the various mediums whiten the music landscape. This entails music production, record sales/streaming, starting a record label, financial considerations, etc.
“If HUMBLE can help kids understand the basics of the music as an art and business, gain an understanding of how prestigious honors work such as the Grammy’s and strive to become young, well-traveled music entrepreneurs before they graduate high school, then my job is complete.” - Komari Bailey
