Fighting Okra Records (F.O.R.), a student run record label from the Delta Music Institute (DMI) at Delta State University, will showcase its first CD project, “Okra Medley, Volume 1: Fighting Okra Fusion” during a release party at 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 16. in Studio A of the DMI, housed in the Whitfield building on the campus.
With Fighting Okra Records being in its first semester, student staff members assembled a compilation CD for their first release. “Okra Medley, Volume 1: Fighting Okra Fusion” contains 17 original songs from current DMI students and alumni representing a wide range of genres including Gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop, rock and country. Songs on the CD were chosen after multiple screenings by the student A&R department, and were selected on the basis of lyrical content and recording quality. With sponsorship from community supporters including Larry Vaughn, Attorney at Law, The Bean Counter, and 21st Century Cleaners, Fighting Okra Records was able to successfully achieve their initial goals for manufacturing their project.
Kimberly Mitchell, a Delta State graduate from Columbus stated, “I am honored to be one of the fortunate few whose track has been chosen to appear on Fighting Okra Record’s first CD. The Delta Music Institute has provided me with so much, and I believe the least I can do is sincerely thank them for guiding me in my musical journey.”
Joanna Sabine, a current DMI student who is also a part of the F.O.R staff, is a featured artist on the CD. She commented, “I feel really honored to have been selected to be on the CD. The group of people I work with are all talented musicians themselves and to know that they chose my music as good enough to be included on the CD, it’s just wonderful.”
DMI Director Tricia Walker has served as the faculty advisor for the young label during their first semester. “The lessons the students learn by having this be a real-world project are invaluable. I’m proud of what they’ve put together on this CD.”
The public is invited to come out and celebrate Fighting Okra Records and the release of the label’s first CD.
For more information about Fighting Okra Records, please contact the DMI at (662) 846-4579 or visit www.fightingokrarecords.com.
