PRODUCER SPOTLIGHT: TRAKGIRL

Shakari Boles, who writes and produces music under the stage-name TRAKGIRL, grew up surrounded by music in the DMV area. She started making music at a young age, and got into production after purchasing her first beat machine in her early teens.

TRAKGIRL first broke into the music scene in her sophomore year of college, when she produced a track on Omarion’s debut album Care Package. Since then, she has gone on to produce for Luke James, King Chip, and Jhene Aiko, to name a few. Her work has also included collaboration and partnership with other female producers, such as Crystal Caines, FKA Twigs, and Bjork.

Well aware of the challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries, TRAKGIRL emphasizes her goal of acting as a mentor and role model to other women producers. “It’s important that we give back as we move forward,” she says. In addition to giving talks and production clinics, she has recently launched PAY US TODAY; a clothing line that raises awareness of fair and equal pay for music producers and creatives.

TRAKGIRL speaks about uniting women in music while repping a PAY US TODAY t-shirt

Her advice to producers trying to find their place in the industry? “Focus on your craft. Work towards getting better and the rest will follow,” she tells The Source. “The music should always come first.”

Keep up with TRAKGIRL on Instagram and Twitter, and check out her music on Soundcloud.

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