'Doe' produces at new level

By Pamela Glason Thornton
Staff Writer
Urban Edition

An album gives an artist an arena to make their voice known. Preparing an album calls for more than writing, being in the studio and recording music that connects with people of all ages. For Dorian Sutton and his father, Marty, who produce musical tracks together, the business is “golden.” They are part of Gold Gate Entertainment Group. Dorian, who is known as “Doe,” is finishing up his first album.
The youth define, add direction to the business and are mentored by Marty, the senior member who supervises music production and business operations. “My father has been mentoring me and a few other people,” said
Dorian. Members of a family of entrepreneurs, as children, the Suttons learned about all aspects of business directly – by doing it before they graduated high school.
The name “Gold Gate Entertainment Group” was established by Marty and Dorian Sutton in 2004. “The name was chosen because the gates of heaven are made of solid gold,” said Marty Sutton.
“ There’s a better gateway, a way to get to where you are going in life. A group of us came up with the perspective and we all elaborated on it with our music,” said Dorian. As a rap artist, he sings about the issues and problems of life.
“ Business is about more than just jumping out there and doing things. I’ve tried to educate him on the music business first,” said Marty, the elder Sutton.
The father-and-son team work together to reach the younger audience. “I mostly give Dorian technical engineering support. I tell him, you’ve got to study, study and study. We’ll lay down a track, and I’ll say, ‘That sounds good,’ or ‘We don’t need that.’ That’s my role,” said Marty.
“ My music is high energy and unique. You don’t have to act like everyone on TV. You can be yourself,” said Dorian. A graduate of Pickerington High School, the younger Sutton brings his perspective about issues out through his music.
“ Gettin’ Dough,” the title track, a motivational song, speaks of the importance of staying away from drugs and violence and keeping actions legal. “When I was putting that album together, I wanted one song that would summarize the feel of the entire album. It tells how you are still in your own world,” said Dorian Sutton. The track talks about what gives people motivation for the things they do.
Having a sense of focus, direction and a unique sound are important characteristics for artists. “You’ve got to know where you are going and be sure that you do not clone another style,” said Marty who is over 40 and is considered “Old School” by teenagers and young adults. Marty regularly offers guidance to younger artists who want to get into the music business. “Entering the business, we are always trying to stay away from the people who are trying to snake you for what you are worth. My father helped me with that,” said Dorian.
As experienced entrepreneurs, the Suttons warn everyone within the population – youth and adults alike – that individuals called “snakes” want to use people who have talent and wait nearby to take advantage of or drain the talents of others. Being successful is a matter of “Looking before you leap because snakes are in the grass. I wear the sunglasses I do so I can see them coming and they can’t see me,” said Dorian.

Aiming to take the focus off of drugs and violence, Dorian produces music that stresses the importance of keeping things on the positive side. “It won’t guarantee everything will happen, but it will happen in more positive ways than negative,” said Dorian.
His mother, Jan Haynesworth, follows Dorian’s musical endeavors via his Internet website. She finds that it is a quick way to keep up with what he is doing and to learn about what her son likes.
Dorian’s grandparents support the creativity even though they are generations removed from the sound. His grandparents Juanita (Collins) Haynesworth and Nona and Calvin Sutton appreciate the fact that his songs, although they are rap that is geared toward the young adult audience, have positive messages.
“ My mom goes on the internet and checks my website. She is always behind me. We have to help each other and keep the positive thing together. If we do that as a group, not too much can happen. All of us have to keep Gettin’ Dough!,” said Dorian.
Currently a business management and political science student at Columbus State Community College, Dorian advises young people to “Be about your business starting early. Times are changing and things are getting rougher.” He plans to attend law school after Columbus State.
In addition to music production, Dorian wants to venture into acting. His credits include “The Wiz” during high school and miscellaneous roles for sports-related productions. “Next, I want to be in a movie and eventually produce some other artists to become successful,” said Dorian. In the process of making music videos for songs on his upcoming album, Dorian is getting his feet wet in the acting arena and enjoys performing for several organizations. It is a win-win. “He will make a good actor some day,” said Marty.
Dorian has performed concerts at Columbus-area recreation centers. In August, he performed at Milo-Grogan Recreation Center and went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he has done various promotional events.
In 2002, Dorian did a test demo album, “Q-1-O Slicker Than Water.” It featured his uncles and according to Marty, was “just playing around.”
Dorian’s first release, “Gettin’ Dough” is dedicated to Todd, Marty’s brother who was actively involved in the music production company and became a victim of cancer in 2005. The album will be out February 2007

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