Driven Paper Launches 'NEXT' A Mixtape Mapping the Next Wave of Independent Talent

Linkcon Prezzy Demetrius, founder of Driven Paper, has reemerged in the entertainment world after a five-year hiatus, bringing with him the same drive that once powered his original record label, DPC Movements Records, now known as Driven Paper Chasers.

With an artist-first philosophy rooted in empowerment, community, and creativity, Driven Paper continues to redefine what independence can look like and today we interview Link about redefining success, Driven Paper’s comeback, advice for indie artists, and their new mixtape NEXT. You can listen here.

For anyone not familiar with you and Driven Paper, can you introduce yourself?

Driven Paper Next Level is committed to empowering independent artists to thrive in the industry.
Our services include exclusive opportunities such as major distribution through Sony Orchard, access to sit-down meetings with industry giants like Atlantic Records, Sony, Epic, Warner, Republic, Empire and more. We took on the tag line as the Empowerment House for Independent Artists because we make sure the new emerging artists will get access to the resources they need to elevate. Driven Paper Next Level continues to represent true independence — a hub where authenticity and ambition meet sound elevation. The other aspect of DPNL is the stage management services provided for a smooth festival experience without the hassle or hiccups. Event planning and festival coordination included.

You have a mixtape out today called NEXT. Tell us a little about that.

Since my return to the industry in late 2022, my focus has been on providing comprehensive solutions and global accessibility for emerging artists. Through partnerships with Sony Music and international festivals, I’m committed to helping the next generation bypass old hurdles.

“Next” showcases the global talent I’ve had the privilege to A&R across Montreal, Atlanta, and overseas. Special thanks to my collaborators Mike Mission and Merker Music for bringing this vision to life.

Can you take us back to the first spark of this project and explain what “next” meant to you when it began versus what it means now?

When I first got inspired to bring this idea to life, I was thinking more local artists to add to this compilation but then when I really looked at how far my reach was and the amount of artists who I dealt with from city to city and state to state in North America and overseas I started to think more globally and I’m glad I stuck to my vision of bringing together 46 tracks with over 50 artists. The concept is pretty fresh because who takes the time to put a data bank of talent together on a CD project from the travels to the industry moves that have been made.

Similarly, Driven Paper is returning to the scene after several years of a hiatus. Why is now the right time? And why is NEXT the right mixtape to do it with?

There’s never really a right time so to speak but there definitely have been so many changes in the entertainment scene it only makes sense to take advantage of the fact that the new generation of emerging artists are working smarter not harder, in the respect that they use social media and marketing strategies to help gain leverage and spread the word. We were away from the scene from 2017-2022, enough time to see the rise and fall to the rebirth of several music scenes with the energy of alliance and empowerment and upliftment. NEXT was a proper way to showcase the many talent-driven individuals I’ve had the pleasure to work with indirectly as well as directly. The project clearly gives the next wave of artists their own lane apart from the majors.

You brought major artists and independent artists from around the world onto this mixtape. Was there a specific experience in your career that made that kind of collaboration feel essential?

Honestly bringing all this talent together was fun and motivating. What was special was the fact that some of the artists have went through their own phases of elevation on their own. One of our artists had the pleasure of working with Waka Flaka and talents such as 23K Wavy recently signed to Vamp Life Records, among the many other talent involved. Working on many festivals and events in and out the country gave me a great inside on the who’s who everywhere we touched down and it just made sense to bring this project to life and represent the culture from a different standpoint.

You’ve managed artists, DJs, models, and creatives across different markets. Can you share a story that shaped your belief in building an artist-first ecosystem?

I started out putting together a big roster of artists coming from different musical backgrounds in one collective. When I thought of pooling a squad of talent together in a family like unit growing and glowing together it makes me think how we would all roll together where everyone supports everyone and things move accordingly with purpose when egos are put to the side. When I saw how effective the crew that was pulled together worked literally in harmony I was convinced that this type of blueprint mixed with custom signature merchandise and products to follow, it was understood what had to be done.

Given your experience over the years, what advice do you have for indie artists wanting to carve their own path?

Any artist looking to take their craft seriously needs to focus on the essentials. They need to put a team together to handle several aspects. Make sure you have a steady and effective studio engineer, good publicist, booking agent, graphic designer and videographer but let’s never leave out the marketing once a possible distribution deal is on the table.

Looking back at where you started and where Driven Paper is now, what does creativity and independence in music mean to you, and how does this project reflect that evolution?

I’m glad I never gave up on my multi tasking journey in the business. I’ve always been that guy who represented for the independent artists from the jump. I’ve always had the vision to bring together artists few key ingredients to the mix and really happy the way present day brought me from record label owner to an A&R dealing with Sony Music Distribution. That was my way of being able to help assist many deserving artists a chance to be tied to a major brand while reading the benefits. This project absolutely captures the journey through the eyes of an A&R. Raw Talent and stories from each experience and encounter makes Next a conversation piece going forward.

What’s next for you and Driven Paper?

Alwayssssss plenty to come. I’m currently working on organizing handfuls of events in Canada as well as outside! From local to major festivals and concerts to signature club staples and artist showcases. Besides that? Writing for a magazine in Jamaica, my signature shoes for men, my highly popular signature beard oil and my upcoming fragrance relaunched so look out for an array of things to come.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I’d like to add that I appreciate everyone who believed in my vision and helped add extra greatness to this body of work. It’s just the beginning to say the least. Stay tuned…New surprises on the way.

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