Photo credit: Felony Rio
Cleveland’s music scene has never been short on individuality, and Felony Rio believes that diversity is part of what makes the city’s sound interesting. As an artist and entrepreneur from Cleveland, Ohio, his connection to the city has influenced the way he views its music community and the opportunities available within it. His experiences have also shaped his ambitions for his label and his perspective on what could improve across the local industry. The challenge for Felony Rio is not a lack of skill but rather the diversity of sounds emanating from the city. He shares, "I'm from Cleveland, Ohio, Dove Park up the way, and the music out here is challenging." He notes that while some musicians have sounds that are uniquely their own, others find inspiration in pre-existing styles. He continues, "You have more people who sound like themselves than people who are sounding like other people; it's fire." Despite describing the scene as challenging, he still recognizes the creativity and energy within Cleveland’s music community. The range of styles and approaches gives artists different ways to stand out while also creating a competitive environment. That combination, according to Felony Rio, is part of what makes Cleveland's music scene challenging and interesting.
Felony Rio’s ambitions extend far beyond building a career for himself—he wants to create something that can outlive his own time in the industry. His long-term vision centers on developing a label that can grow into a mainstream presence while establishing a foundation strong enough to remain relevant for generations. That vision is reflected in the larger goal he has set for his music career. “The main goal in my music career is to build my label upwards to a mainstream label and survive in the music industry for generations to come,” he states. Success to Felony Rio isn't just about personal recognition but building an organization that will have a lasting effect and provide opportunities for the artists that are a part of it. At the end of the day, it’s all about building something for the future. By focusing on the long term rather than short-term recognition, Felony Rio hopes to establish a legacy that continues to grow and make an impact within the music industry for years to come.
Felony Rio believes that building a stronger future for Cleveland's music scene begins with breaking down the barriers that prevent artists from getting opportunities. One of the most pressing issues he believes needs to be addressed is the presence of gatekeepers in the music industry. Felony Rio points to the barriers. "One thing I'd change about the music industry is probably gatekeepers," he says. He questions why Cleveland has not experienced its own major moment in the music industry, asking, “Why doesn't Cleveland have a music run? Who's locking us out?” He ultimately makes his position clear: “So, I say get the gatekeepers out of there.” His perspective reflects a belief that removing unnecessary barriers could open the door for more Cleveland artists to be recognized. Rather than viewing the city’s challenges as a lack of talent, Felony Rio sees opportunity in creating greater access for artists who are working to establish themselves. That desire for opportunity connects directly to the larger vision he has for his career. Felony Rio wants to build more than a personal music career; he wants to create a lasting platform, represent Cleveland, and challenge the obstacles he believes exist within the industry. His ambitions for both his label and his city are rooted in longevity, opportunity, and the creation of a legacy that can continue for generations.