Big Amp - Label Consultant

No matter how bright of a national spotlight shines on Southern Hip-Hop culture, the state of Florida never quite seems to find its spot in that light. Still, despite the lack of national support, the Sunshine State's urban entertainment community has remained strong, thanks in no small part to pioneers who have not only found success in their own careers, but who also empower their communities by actively getting involved in the careers of those following in their footsteps. In North and Central Florida, no one represents that pioneering spirit more than Anthony "Big Amp" Parker.



Beginning his career as an arist in his late teens some fifteen years ago, Big Amp always kept his eye on the bigger picture. Known in those days for his commanding stage presence and energetic performances, he could have easily been distracted by the level of regional fame he attained in north Florida. Rather than get caught up in the hype, Amp paid close attention to those around him, learning the ins and outs of the business side of music. Upon ending his run as an artist, Big Amp began promoting concerts and records in his hometown, soon becoming the go-to-guy for any independent artist or label looking to create a presence in North Florida and South Georgia. With the arrival of Gainesville's first urban-format radio station, WONE-FM., Amp had an opportunity to receive an on-the-job education on the corporate side of the industry and the inner workings of the radio business, effectively learning what it takes to break a record. Armed with that knowledge, he became one of the first promoters to help a North Florida act reach high independent sales figures, by simultaneously creating a street, club and radio buzz with the single "Your Boyfriend," by the female duo Get Fresh Crew. At a time when local acts were happy if their music reached Jacksonville or Tallahassee, Big Amp helped them establish fan bases as far South as Tampa and Miami and even North into Georgia and Alabama. This success led to his first turn in artist management with the group 2 Smooth in the mid 1990s. Using his own experience as an artist, Amp helped the five-man crew create a stage show that became almost legendary with their fans, allowing 2 Smooth to tour from Alabama to Miami with great success. And in each city they hit, the group had an existing radio and club presence, creating heightened sales opportunities, and demostrating Amp's skills as a promoter.



After a two year run with 2 Smooth, Amp took a short hiatus from the music industry, focusing on other business ventures where he was equally as successful. When he stepped back on the scene in the late 90's, Big Amp had not lost a step! The "Distribution Guru," who had continued to promote events, outdid himself when he obtained an exclusive distribution deal with Camelot Music for the label PPI, Inc.-who had scored a regional hit with their single, "Do The Squirrel." With Big Amp's ties and connections within the distribution arena he was and still is able to bypass the middleman and get the records into retail while the song still has a buzz.



Independent artists and labels still continue to reach out to Big Amp for his expertise on everything from choreography to marketing, promotions to event coordination, he partnered with C. Wakeley to launch Earthwake Entertainment. This full service Marketing, Management and Production company has already experienced tremendous success with such clients as CTE recording artist Bloodraw, DJ Chuck T and the S.E.GA Boys throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. But as with any pioneer, part of Big Amp's vision is to elevate those who would follow in his footsteps. Through Earthwake Entertainment, he has set up the initiative to place smaller independent businesses, under the company's umbrella, thereby allowing them the benefit of learning from a seasoned vet. When Florida inevitably gets its time in the sun, you can ask any one in North and Central Florida and they'll let you know that Big Amp is an undeniable part of that journey.