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Mission 


At Sportn' Life Music Group, our mission is to empower, elevate, and educate talented individuals to help them reach their full potential. We aim to stimulate creativity and innovation and maintain excellence in each project we undertake. We believe in promoting diversity and curating a varied roster that spans multiple genres, providing our artists with the necessary resources, support, and opportunities to thrive in their respective fields. Our goal is to offer a robust platform for our artists to unleash their creative visions fully. We provide strategic mentorship, profound insights, and collaborative problem-solving to help our clients conceptualize, produce, and deliver art that has a lasting impact on audiences and tangible outcomes. By forging meaningful connections between talent and opportunities, we strive to drive innovation, creativity, and success. Our core mission involves championing talent, nurturing growth, and shaping the future of the entertainment and arts industry.

About

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DeVon Manier is the visionary behind the Sportn’ Life Music Group, a distinguished boutique talent management and consulting agency rooted in Seattle. With a rich history in the music industry, Manier honed his skills as the driving force behind the independent Hip Hop label, Sportn’ Life Records, from 2002 to 2013. During this pivotal era, he orchestrated the release of numerous records, forged strategic partnerships with major labels, and gained invaluable insights into the inner workings of the music business.

With an innate ability to navigate the industry's complexities, Manier is deeply committed to nurturing the careers of the artists he represents. His passion lies in guiding them toward realizing their artistic visions, achieving their goals, and safeguarding their interests while imparting essential business knowledge.

 

Currently, he manages esteemed acts such as the Seattle-based punk-blues trio, The Black Tones, and the Soulful Shoegaze veterans, The Veldt, hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina. His notable past clients are Fly Moon Royalty, D. Black (now known as Nissim Black), Fatal Lucciauno, and Spac3man. With a steadfast dedication to his craft and an unwavering commitment to the success of his clients, DeVon Manier continues to be a driving force in shaping the future of the music industry.

Gene Stout, Seattle PI

“Manier's buoyant enthusiasm reflects the regional pride”

Kevin Kapp, Seattle Weekly

“Artistic movements don’t exist without people like Sportn’ Life’s DeVon Manier”

206 UP

“To understand the scope of our city’s hip hop heritage, you must at least partially go through   DeVon Manier.” 

Charles Mudede, The Stranger

“…his great taste in music, his connections, his intelligent way of thinking about life and Seattle.”

206 UP

“Manier co-founded the venerable hip hop label Sportn’ Life Records back in 2002 which has grown to be the region’s most successful independent purveyor of local rap and R&B.”

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Recipient of the 2010 Martin Luther King County Mayor’s Award for Excellence In Hip Hop – For Entrepreneurial Leadership

 

PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

 

  • Panelist, King County Covid-19 Relief Fund For Independent Live Music Venues ,2020

 

  • VP, Make Music Seattle Planning Committee, 2015-2018 

 

  • Task Force Member, Bumbershoot, 2015-2017

 

  • Advisory Board Member, Edmonds Community College-Music & Audio Production Program, 2014 –2017

 

  • Charter Commissioner, Seattle Music Commission , 2010-2016

 

  • Industry Panelist , EMP’s Sound Off, 2011 & 2016 

 

  • Planning Committee Member, The Recording Academy Pacific NW Chapter - “The Business of Hip Hop, R&B and Soul Music” Summit, 2013

 

  • Advisory Board Member, The Vera Project, 2011-2013

 

  • Board Of Advisors, Bumbershoot, 2011-2012

 

  • Planning Committee, SX-Seattle, 2010-2013

 

  • Talent Booker, Georgetown Music Festival, 2010

                             

  • Panelist, Seattle City Artist Project, 2009

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