About The Upstate Sound

The Black Flag Rises (Company Overview)

The Upstate Sound is more than a record label, more than a management company, more than a studio. It’s a movement—a black flag raised high in defiance of the old ways, a call for artists and entrepreneurs to become captains of their own ship.

Founded in 2020 and forged through relentless adaptation, The Upstate Sound began as a beat production company but quickly evolved into a full-scale creative powerhouse. Today, we operate across records, publishing, artist management, and studio services, providing the infrastructure and expertise to help artists, producers, and music executives take control of their careers.

We are builders of brands, architects of sound, and champions of independent artistry. We don’t wait for permission. We don’t follow trends—we create them. Our philosophy is simple: Empower. Elevate. Execute.

Through strategic partnerships, industry knowledge, and a battle-tested work ethic, we equip artists and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed—without selling their souls. Whether it’s crafting chart-worthy records, securing high-profile placements, or guiding the next generation of music industry leaders, we’re here to show the way forward, no matter how rough the waters.

Welcome to The Upstate Sound.
Raise your flag. 🏴‍☠️

Charting the Course (The Origin & Journey)

The spirit of The Upstate Sound began when I drew an arrow on my first acoustic Guild guitar shortly after moving from Upstate NY to Nashville, TN. My brother turned that arrow into a logo, a symbol of where I came from and what I stood for. When people think of New York, they think of The City. I wanted to represent Upstate. So, I took on the moniker Upstate.

But before the move, music wasn’t in my plan. The South wasn’t in my plan. Nashville wasn’t in my plan. If you wanted to do something big, you went to New York City. That was the mindset. Then, during a visit to my grandfather’s home in North Carolina, everything shifted. He was a guitarist and producer for The Judds, played with Johnny Cash and B.B. King, and he told me about the Nashville music scene—Belmont University, Music City USA. At the time, I was already songwriting and recording rappers in Western Massachusetts, so I took a leap. I applied to Belmont without ever visiting the school or the city. Packed up. Left.

Self-Reflection: A young man must venture into the unknown. A power move forces you to grow. It forces action.

During my first year in Nashville, I met someone who would become one of my best friends and co-producer. For years, we sharpened our skills in record production, mixing, and mastering. With the rise of Avicii, Diplo, and Skrillex, the idea of the producer as the artist took off, shaping our approach. We studied the Max Martin school of songwriting, diving deep into pop and EDM. When we hit a ceiling, we made our next power move: Los Angeles.

By late 2019, my friend had made it out to LA, and I was set to follow in March 2020. Then the world shut down.

That was the turning point.

My brother had moved to Nashville in late 2019, and we started focusing on the business side of music. The Upstate Sound LLC was officially founded in 2020 as a beat production company. BeatStars was rising in popularity, but I knew I couldn’t compete with a massive catalog alone. So, we partnered with local beat makers in Nashville, marketing their work under The Upstate Sound banner, helping them sell more than they could on their own. It worked—until March 2020 hit. Sales tanked overnight.

So we pivoted.

We launched the MC2MC Podcast, interviewing underground artists in Nashville. One guest unknowingly set our next course when he said: “Yo, we should sign this guy!” My gut reaction? We’re not a label. I don’t know how to do that. But then I thought: I can figure it out.

Over Christmas break, from 8 AM to 2 AM, I studied. 360 deals vs. licensing deals. Co-publishing vs. admin deals. The 20 different kinds of managers. Are labels just media companies? Why is Barstool Sports’ brand so big? Could a label be a brand? I dove headfirst into the business side of the industry.

By the start of 2021, we took massive action. We met with an entertainment lawyer—who had to bring in a second lawyer just to handle everything we were building. We formed three new LLCs and hired interns, all within two weeks. I didn’t know exactly what I was doing, but I threw myself into leadership positions, learning as I went.

Self-Reflection: Put yourself in uncomfortable situations. That’s where growth happens. As long as you take responsibility for your failures, you’ll sharpen your leadership skills.

More Self-Reflection: On January 28, 2019, I learned something that would shape my life: “I will never not know what to do or say in a time of crisis again.” That vow led me to discover who I am, who I want to be, and what my purpose is. It shaped my mindset. It forged my path. Books like The Obstacle Is the Way, Extreme Ownership, and Man’s Search for Meaning cemented this truth: We must become the man it takes to achieve an impossible dream.

Through the years, The Upstate Sound has evolved beyond just a label. It has become a black flag—a symbol of defiance, creativity, and independence.

A place where artists and entrepreneurs can become captains of their own ship.

A movement where leaders rise, and the next generation is inspired.

A crew that charts its own course—however difficult the waters may be.

The Upstate Crew

David M. Mysliwiec Jr.

CEO / Founder
President of Records & Publishing

Dillon J. Mysliwiec

CMO / Founder
President of Management

Terrence Adiko

President of Studios

Nathanael “N8” Williams

A&R Manager
(West Coast Operations)

Karah Sherwin

A&R Coordinator

Taireque-J’Maine “TJ” Robinson

A&R Manager
(UK Operations)

Vonn Gallucci

A&R, Event Manager

Ashley Cozzolino

A&R, Sync Coordinator

Wayne Ruffin

A&R, Christian Group

Travis Bull

Studio Manager

Legacy Members

Jason “ohtom” Miller

Former Creative Director

Carlton “Sup3r8” Marshall

Former Head of A&R

Behind The Sound

Josh Bull

Angel Investor

The Code We Live By (Company Values & Philosophy)

Our guiding principles are outlined in The Upstate Codex: Hard & Fast—a doctrine of discipline, creativity, and action.

We move with integrity.

We communicate with clarity.

We embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.

We lead so that others may follow.

We create a legacy that lasts beyond our time.

Who We Sail With (Who We Serve)

A ship is only as strong as its crew. At The Upstate Sound, we don’t just work with artists, producers, and managers—we build leaders. We bet on those who bet on themselves. We partner with those who are ready to take the wheel, chart their own course, and embrace the storm.

We Work With:

• Artists – Visionaries who want more than a one-hit wonder. Artists who refuse to blend into the noise. Those who understand that music isn’t just about making songs—it’s about building worlds.
• Producers & Writers – The architects of sound. The ones who know that the right beat, the right melody, or the right lyric can shift culture. If you’re about making music that sticks, we’re about making sure you get heard.
• Managers & Music Executives – Future moguls. Those who aren’t waiting for permission to take over the industry. If you’re serious about your artist’s career—or your own—we’ll make sure you have the map, the crew, and the firepower to navigate the music business.

But let’s be clear—this isn’t for the faint of heart. We work with those willing to invest in their vision. Those willing to learn the ropes, stand their ground, and make waves. The industry is ruthless, but so are we. If you’re ready to own your future, we’re ready to hand you the keys to the ship.

What We Believe:

• We provide value without expectation. Because that’s how you build trust.
• We lift each other up. This business isn’t a zero-sum game. When one of us wins, we all win.
• We create the future, not follow trends. The moment you start chasing, you’ve already lost.

If this sounds like the kind of crew you belong to—welcome aboard. 🏴‍☠️

Our Treasure Chest

Talk is cheap. Anyone can say they’re making waves. We let our work do the talking.

🏆 Grammy-Winning Producer
Our publishing subsidiary secured a Grammy win through Konscience Beatz, one of our Nashville-based producers.

🎵 Major Playlist Placements
Our artists and producers have landed on some of the most competitive and influential Spotify playlists, including:

• New Music Friday
• All New Rock
• Fresh Finds Pop
• All New Pop
• …and more. (Insert case study here)

🏈 NFL Placement
Our music has powered NFL broadcasts, bringing our sound to millions.

💰 Industry-Leading Deals
We’ve negotiated, structured, and executed deals across publishing, licensing, and artist management. We don’t just play the game—we study it, master it, and redefine it.

🔥 Strategic Growth & Brand Building
We’ve built brands, not just artists. The music industry is flooded with talent, but talent alone doesn’t win. Branding, strategy, and execution do. That’s why we’ve helped artists create not just music, but movements.

Why This Matters:

Success in this industry isn’t just about talent—it’s about leverage. We understand how to turn momentum into longevity. The Upstate Sound isn’t just a place where artists make music. It’s a place where artists become legends.

And we’re just getting started.

If you’re ready to be part of something bigger—let’s build. 🚢🔥

Life on Deck (Company Culture)

Ohcha!!!! 🏴‍☠️

The Upstate Sound is built on two things: relentless ambition and an unshakable crew.

Step inside, and you’ll find an odd blend of goofiness and intensity—a culture where laughter and hard work collide. We don’t do half-measures. We don’t waste time with excuses. Everyone here is held to a high standard, and if you’re part of the crew, you’re expected to own your role and bring your best every day.

But this isn’t a place where people get left behind. We push each other forward. If you fall, we’re there to pick you up. If you win, we celebrate. We believe in personal accountability, constant growth, and creating an environment where both artists and executives sharpen their skills.

At its core, our culture is about building leaders—whether you’re behind the mic, behind the boards, or behind the brand.

What You Can Expect on Deck:
🔥 A No-BS Attitude – We’re here to build legacies, not play games.
📣 A Voice at the Table – Whether you’re an artist, producer, intern, or exec, your ideas matter.
💪 Growth or Nothing – If you’re not getting better, you’re getting left behind.
🚢 A Crew That Moves as One – When one of us levels up, we all do.

This isn’t just a company. It’s a black flag crew.
If that resonates with you, then welcome aboard.

Join the Crew

🚀 Ready to Work With Us?

Whether you’re an artist looking to build your sound, a producer searching for the right team, or an executive ready to push boundaries—we want to hear from you.

This industry rewards those who take action. If you’re serious about making an impact, reach out.

⚓ Contact us here and let’s build something legendary.

🏴‍☠️ Raise your flag. Make your mark. Leave a legacy.