Ever wonder what really changes when a producer moves from a living room setup to a studio with a door, a sign, and a tax ID? We sit down with Kodi “Phunkiefoot” Owens to unpack the leap to Studio 22 and why that one decision reshapes how clients show up, how money flows, and how a whole city can take itself more seriously as a music market. It’s a grounded blueprint for indie artists and producers who want more than streams—they want structure, ownership, and a path that pays.

Kodi takes us through his journey from cassette tapes and a budget keyboard to running sessions that keep teens off the streets and point them toward records they actually own. We get real about why Arkansas often gets overlooked in hip hop: too many songs riding unlicensed beats and too little paperwork for labels to engage. The fix isn’t glamorous, but it’s powerful—original production, clean rights, consistent promotion, and a studio that people can actually find on a map. COVID-19 unexpectedly amplified that mission, bringing more eyes to social media and motivating artists to release, while Kodi doubled down on the back-end steps that turn views into revenue.

We also spotlight Pine Bluff’s musical backbone—from school bands to UAPB’s national showcases—and the community energy behind a Black Lives Matter project featuring local names, live sax, and messages aimed at the youth. Along the way, Kodi shares current collaborations, upcoming releases, and the mentors and peers pushing him to experiment and expand. If you’re building an indie career, this conversation gives you practical steps and a mindset shift: treat your art like a business, protect your rights, and make your city part of your strategy.

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