Today we’d like to introduce you to Donald Shorts aka “Donnie Cash”.
Hi Donald, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began as an artist for a stint and then upon graduating from Texas Southern University with a degree in Entertainment Management and Strategic Marketing, I decided to pursue artist management in Austin, Texas. I felt Houston was an oversaturated market and Austin had the potential to be the next Hip- Hop market in Texas. So I set out to put my skills to the test. I had some family and connections there already and the rest was grit and determination.
How I got to where I am today is by helping develop some of the best talent coming out of Austin. Early on, I connected with a young photographer at the time by the name of Kade. From there, I helped him expand into videography as well as get in front of the camera as an artist. Since our connection, I’ve worked with Kade Fresco in securing features with artists like Lil Baby as well as video videography opportunities for Erica Banks, Lil Yachty, Yella Beezy, and more.
Kade was instrumental in connecting me with a Northeast Austin artist by the name of Quin NFN. He was a talented kid who could use a little development. I was able to connect him with producer DJ Chose and artist Lil Jairmy. Not long after, Quin went on to sign one of the largest deals out of Austin to date,
Since, I began working with another artist, Dubbo. Together with Dubbo, Kade, my partner Cady, and our in-house producer, The Birdhouse, we structured Double – O records a label partnership with Baby Grande. Currently, I serve as the president of the label and oversee all dealings for the label partnership.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth. There were personal and business struggles along the way. But I take an optimistic approach to life. Of course, there were and are curveballs, but I knew what I’d be up against in helping establish a market in a city that’s predominantly white. Rap still gets a bad rep at times, and here where the focus is on rock and indie, as a manager it’s been harder to do the little things like secure a space for an artist. And as it related to the artists I’ve worked with and managed, I’ve learned from every single one. Not everything has panned out as planned but it all served as a lesson to get me here and cut my teeth in this industry.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an entertainment manager and music executive for Double O records. I also manage artist/videographer Kade Fresco, artist Dubbo, and producer The Birdhouse.
I specialize in Artist Development. I’m known for using my skills, background, and connections to help package and present artists to labels as well as secure brand partnerships on their behalf. I’ve also consulted for Tour Management, Promotions, and event coordination on behalf of other management teams.
Aside from the artists I currently represent, I’ve worked with artist Lil Jairmy, Quinn NFN, producer June James, DJ Chose, Fat Pimp, Kirko Bangz, and more in various capacities.
What sets me apart is my diverse background. I can step in and direct a video for an artist, assist with treatments, executive produce, and even assist with stage presence and confidence. As a manager, my job is to put an artist or client in the best light to be successful and protect their brand. So I will fit in wherever there’s support needed.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory is watching my grandfather play his Saxophone. It really set the tone for musicality and instrumentation for me. And when I was ten and my mother was a single mother, there was a high schooler who would stop by after school to check on me and my brother. He began teaching us how to rap to keep us occupied and out of trouble. It was then that I really began to venture from my love of instruments to my love for rap and its culture. And I’d want to pursue a life immersed in it in some way.
Contact Info:
- Email: gdmg.booking@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cashthemogul/
