Crowd Nine

Captured by Mitchell Royel for MySpace—now playing Boy Like You by Ke$ha (YouTube it)

When I first entered the studio to work on what would become Crowd Nine, I understood the magnitude of the opportunity before me. Collaborating with the legendary, beloved beat-maker Eric Jackson on production represented a significant milestone in my artistic trajectory. The beat and overall production emerged from a creative partnership between myself and another studio located in the Bible Belt, bringing together diverse perspectives and technical expertise.

The initial reception proved interesting from a strategic standpoint. Early listeners drew comparisons to Ke$ha, referencing the emerging artist who was beginning to make waves in the industry. My inner circle noted these parallels, and while the comparison was unexpected, it provided valuable insight into how my sound was being positioned in the contemporary music landscape.

The marketing materials we developed generated additional industry buzz. A recent promotional photograph elicited comparisons to Lady Gaga’s iconic Fame Monster era aesthetic. While this particular image was not directly inspired by that campaign, I appreciated the reference point. It demonstrated that our visual branding was resonating with audiences in meaningful ways, creating associations with established artists who have successfully navigated similar market positions.

Following the initial uncertainty, momentum began to build. The single gained traction across multiple platforms, and audience engagement metrics exceeded preliminary projections. This validation of our creative direction has been professionally gratifying.

As I reflect on this debut release, I recognize that this represents merely the first phase of a larger strategic rollout. There is substantial content in development, and I am committed to maintaining this trajectory. The infrastructure is in place, the team is aligned, and the vision is clear.

This is just the beginning.

—Mitchell Royel