by Catie Egan
Members of Unispan Records, Hofstra University’s student-run record label, spend months researching artists before offering a record deal. After many meetings of pitching, tracking and listening to these artists, one in particular caught their eye: Rian Wyld, who would eventually go on to be Unispan’s third signed recording artist.
Wyld is a female hip-hop artist whose talents extend to singing, rapping, songwriting and producing. Her first single under Unispan, titled “Becoming,” was released earlier this month on Friday, Oct. 4. Written by Wyld, the song focuses on the tribulations she faced as she realized she was going to be a mother at the time of her record deal signing.
“I almost passed up on the opportunity to be Unispan’s next signed artist,” Wyld said, “because I was having my own doubts. One of those doubts was telling me to just focus on my pregnancy and put my dreams on hold. However, I received so much support and encouragement from the label, who 100% accepted me and my son.”
Wyld knew this needed to be her first single to address the doubts others were planting in her mind. “People were making me think it was impossible to be a young mother and still have a successful music career,” Wyld said.
The music video for Wyld’s “Becoming” has reached nearly 1,000 views so far, and her social media accounts have surpassed 7,000 followers. By partnering with beauty product services, engaging with fans and posting new content, Wyld has learned how to make her presence known online.
Student members of Unispan all take part in the promotional and creative aspects of Wyld’s artistry as well. The label is made up of 20 student members, all of whom are passionate about extending their knowledge of the music industry.
The label was founded by Sharon Goldsmith, vice dean at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Development at Hofstra, who spent over a decade in the music industry working as the director of Human Resources and Finance at rapper 50 Cent’s record label, G-Unit. Goldsmith mentors students and schedules industry professionals to present to students about various aspects of the music business. Speakers include Riggs Morales (vice president of A&R at Atlantic Records) and Pat Viala (Grammy Award-winning recording producer/engineer.)
Students have taken Wyld’s single release as an opportunity to showcase their own talents. “Working with Rian Wyld and the whole Unispan Team has been awesome and really eye opening. It’s definitely allowed me to hone my design and creative skills, since we’re expected to be putting in work outside of our meetings for things like listening parties, and shooting footage of our artists at festivals and music videos,” said Chris Hunter, a junior video/TV production and business major and member of the Unispan creative team.
“Being able to do what I love with such a talented artist is such a cool experience. Rian’s message is something that I relate to, so her lyricism hits home with me. I can’t wait to share the rest of her project with the world,” said Francesca Collado, a junior public relations major and member of the new media team at Unispan.