Dakota Howe is the owner and operator of Texota Music Management, based in Houston, Texas. Although based in Houston, Texota operates largely in the south and central regions of the state. Today, we’re here to shine a little light on the background and inner workings of Texota Music Management and the man that runs it!

How did Texota get started, and what inspired them to go into artist management? Dakota said, “TMM started off the desire to break into the industry in a professional manner. Fueled by the quote, ‘you get what you put in,’ I used this approach as a means to express how serious I wanted to be perceived as. I am no vocalist and lack any skills pertaining to playing instruments, but I absolutely love music, and I feel that artist management is the best way that I can make an impact in the music industry.”

How would Dakota describe his company’s overall philosophy or approach to working with artists? He said, “Texota was created on the love for all things music, and its overall philosophy is to be an artist’s dream best friend. When collaborating with artists, it’s for the long run, and everything is done with a purpose.”

Who were some of Dakota’s early inspirations or mentors in the music business? “One of my early mentors in the music business was, and still is, Rico Gonzalez, frontman for the band Kin Faux. Having known Rico for going on three years, I’ve learned a great deal of knowledge from simply watching him from afar, and being in the same rooms as him only helped further my drive and knowledge on the industry. Upon the birth of TMM, he was supportive of the dream, and to this day still is.”

What types of artists do Texota typically work with, and what do they look for when signing new talent? Dakota said, “My clientele consists of younger, college-aged artists striving to make a break in music. As of right now, my roster is rather small, but what I look for when considering new talent is drive, availability, and honesty with themselves and their abilities.”

What’s been one of Dakota’s most memorable experiences working with an artist so far? He said, “One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had working with an artist thus far is hearing a song I wrote live in front of my family and friends. It is one of my favorite songs to date that I have ever written, and paired with the warmness of the venue and acoustic setting made it all the more memorable.”

Have there been any major turning points or milestones for Texota? Yes, Dakota said, “Having Dawson Baker open for Kin Faux was a major milestone for the company. It was a full circle moment, being that the first artist I’ve ever worked with got to open for my mentor and long-time friend. It was a night of great music, insight, and building a real bridge between an up-and-coming artist and a developed band, something I am excited to see transpire in the future.”

What’s something about running a management company that people might not realize? Dakota said, “One thing people may not realize about running a management company is that you want to do right by yourself, but you also have to do right by the artist. The company has its goals and functions, but the artist has their own goals and styles, and working together means having to bend at times to ensure that both sides are pleased.”

What does Texota hope artists feel when they partner with their company? Dakota said, “I hope that when artists partner with Texota, they feel a sense of purpose. The music industry is like a second home to me, and I want my partners to feel the same way when we collaborate.”

How does Dakota define success, both for his artists and for his company as a whole? He said, “There are various measures of success when it comes to Texota Music Management and the artists collaborating with the company. More so than simply making a buck, we take pride in getting to play in venues we haven’t, performing with new artists and bands in a headlining or opening capacity, and improving on skills related to anything and everything music. Expanding industry connections is one of the most rewarding aspects as well, as it truly affects all of the things listed above, and almost always in a positive manner.”

How does Texota balance the business side of things with the creative side of music? Dakota said, “Balancing the business side of things and the creative side of music can be challenging at times, but it is possible. Creating graphics for shows and in songwriting is where I allow my creative side to present itself more than anywhere else; during shows or meeting with artists is where I stay on the professional side, but both can crossover when the timing is right.”

What’s one piece of advice Dakota would give to an independent artist looking for management? He said, “A piece of advice I would give to an independent artist looking for management is to not bite at the first opportunity, but rather ensure that you find someone who is truly the right fit to work with. Whether it’s their business knowledge, personability, industry connections, or achievements, dive into what you really want out of management and determine whether or not they can help you achieve your goals.”

In Dakota’s opinion, what role does a management company play in shaping an artist’s career beyond just booking shows? He said, “In my belief, beyond booking shows, a management company can shape an artist’s career in the relationships they build with other personnel in the industry. The name of the game is knowing people, and in doing so can create endless opportunities in growing an artist’s brand, exposure, abilities, and knowledge to all that they pertain to the artist respectively, all of which are invaluable in order to be successful.”

Are there any exciting projects, partnerships, or artists Texota is currently working with that they can talk about? Dakota said, “Revisiting the show with Kin Faux, they expressed a potential partnership with Dawson Baker in regard to him opening shows for them in the future. While this is still in the early stages, these kinds of conversations between artists I work with and the industry relations I have is something I have pushed relentlessly towards and hope to continue having.”

Where can you learn more about Texota Music Management and follow along with the company and its artists journey? You can follow along with the journey by following on Instagram (@texotamm) and checking in on the website, texotamm.wixsite.com/kota. We look forward to expanding our brand and hope to see you at our shows!