Toby Oniyitan Discusses Stomp Down’s Rise and Building an Independent Legacy

In the fiercely competitive music industry where major labels often dominate, independent ventures like Stomp Down stand out. Co-founded by Toby Oniyitan and Ezra Averill, Stomp Down is making waves in the Texas music scene. Oniyitan, a first-generation Nigerian entrepreneur, transitioned from aspiring lawyer to music mogul, driven by a vision that’s fueling Stomp Down’s success.

Toby Oniyitan’s journey began like many first-generation immigrants, feeling the pressure to pursue a stable, traditional career. “I always assumed I would be a lawyer,” he recalls, “but by my senior year of high school, I realized that whatever I wanted to do needed to be in a creative world. The thought of law school made my head hurt.” This realization led him to embrace his passion for music, starting with managing his college friends who were budding rappers. “I was terrible at first,” he admits, “but I was passionate, and I wanted to get better so I could help my friends.”

What started as a passion for managing friends evolved into a larger vision when Oniyitan recognized the potential in partnering with artists rather than just managing them. Thus, Stomp Down was born—symbolizing the seriousness and commitment needed to succeed in the music industry.

“Stomp Down comes from a Houston term that means being serious or willing to go hard for whatever it is you’re passionate about, and that meant the world to me,” Oniyitan explains.

The key to Stomp Down’s success lies in its ability to identify and nurture talent. Oniyitan’s approach is rooted in a deep appreciation for self-awareness. “I care about how talented an artist is and how knowledgeable they are about their talent,” he says. For Oniyitan, an artist who understands and can articulate their strengths is someone who truly loves their craft. This self-awareness forms the foundation of an artist’s growth, influencing everything from their image to their efficiency.

Texas, with its rich cultural music scene, has played a crucial role in shaping Stomp Down’s identity. “Historically, we have one of the most cultural music scenes in rap, and it was all done by independent labels,” he notes. The independent grind, once seen as less glamorous, is highly valued by Oniyitan. “I love the freedom being independent brings an artist. The rewards are greater because you see everything through from end to end.”

Supporting Black artists and voices is central to Stomp Down’s mission. Oniyitan dreams of building a roster of Black artists whose wealth rivals that of rock stars from past eras. “I want kids 20 years from now to look up their net worth and see nine figures,” he says passionately. He believes that the best way for the music industry to support Black artists is through education—teaching them about money and smart investments to secure generational wealth.

At Stomp Down, creativity reigns supreme. The label prides itself on being deeply involved in the creative process while allowing artists the freedom to lead. “We love everything about the creative process,” Oniyitan says. “We offer ways to improve, but we never try to force things in a direction that’s not natural to the artist.”

This collaborative approach is evident in their work with artists like Monaleo, who has recently seen significant success. “Leo is extremely hands-on with her music and her business. She trusts our opinions, and we spend a lot of time ideating together,” Oniyitan shares. Their creative exchanges are filled with inspiration, often drawing from a wide range of influences—from Destiny’s Child performances to gospel music.

Of course, challenges are part and parcel of running an independent label. Oniyitan acknowledges the pressure of being solely responsible for the label’s success. “There’s no scapegoat; it’s all on me as the CEO,” he says. This responsibility demands a high level of attention to detail and a strategic approach to hiring. “I have to make good decisions in who I hire because my employees wear several hats—we’re doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes.”

The music industry has evolved since Oniyitan first started, especially for independent labels. “When I started, the independent grind wasn’t glamorous, but it was a grind,” he reflects. Despite the challenges, he chose to remain independent, valuing the freedom it afforded him. With the rise of artist-friendly deals and the proliferation of independent labels, his decision now seems prescient. He advises others looking to start their own labels to emphasize self-sufficiency and find a balance between independence and partnering with major companies.

Looking to the future, Stomp Down is expanding its footprint with new ventures, including a distribution arm and a recording studio in Houston. “We want artists to have the best quality experience right here in Houston,” Oniyitan says. This new space will allow artists to record, create content, and distribute their music—all under one roof.

The journey of Stomp Down is a testament to the power of passion, self-awareness, and perseverance. From his early days managing friends as a college student to leading an independent label making waves in the Texas music scene, Oniyitan’s story is one of resilience and vision. As Stomp Down continues to grow, its commitment to supporting Black artists and creating a lasting legacy remains unwavering. His journey offers valuable insights for aspiring label owners: know your strengths, embrace the grind, and never lose sight of your creative vision.

Source: Particle News