Meet John-Alan “milkdrop” Suter

Today we’d like to introduce you to John-Alan “milkdrop” Suter.

Hi John-Alan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
As a child, I was always enamored by the nuances of storytelling. I would write stories and poems about my life. Until I found hip hop, and then my love for telling stories transformed into songwriting.

As a teenager, I would record my original songs and acapella verses onto cassette tapes. my first official release in 2002 was a cassette tape, ‘Small Sips,’ that I mailed out all over America and Europe, to the online community I was a part of.

From there, I became a member of the renowned Kansas City hip-hop collective, The Soul Providers Crew, and released my debut EP, ‘The Entrance Exam’ with Reach in 2005 to high praises.

Since I’ve released 41 solo and collaborative projects and played over 500 live shows locally and throughout the region. Currently, I serve as a recording artist and Creative Director for the Lawrence, Kansas-based Datura Records.

When I’m not creating music, I work in tandem with our legendary CEO & flagship artist, Approach, to oversee all of the creative elements of the label – – everything from graphic design to digital and direct marketing.

What has always driven me is a passion to serve my community and a love for creating. Consistency, efficiency, and authentically adding value to our audience have always been at the core of any success I’ve had musically or otherwise.

The ability I’ve been blessed with to create my art is what continually inspires me to find new ways to impact people’s lives and my community.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The switch to the new streaming and digital era in the music industry has definitely been a welcome change but has come with some obstacles in finding new ways to reach our audience.

Adapting to the new now has been a challenge we are consistently finding new ways for our art to live in.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I wear many hats professionally, as a Creative. I’m most known for my music, as milkdrop, but have pivoted in the last few years to working more in design and digital marketing.

In that capacity: I specialize in graphic design, photography, branding, digital/direct marketing, and as a consultant for other creatives.

I’m most proud of the legacy I’m continuing to build, after 20 years in the music industry and the number of creatives that I’ve had a hand in advancing their abilities to impact their communities over the years.

What separates me… is my passion. You can’t reach the points of longevity without loving what you do.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’m currently preparing dual Fall music and merchandise release for Datura Records. Follow @daturarecordsllc on Instagram for more.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.datgang.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/milkisrhyming
• Twitter: Twitter.com/milkisrhyming
• Youtube: YouTube.com/daturarecordstv

Image Credits
Karah Maiava-Suter