9th Ward Production & Promotions
Indie artists, built from the ground up.
Houston-based, New Orleans in the DNA. We produce, manage, and promote independent artists who have the talent and the work ethic to go the distance.
Our Story
9th Ward started in Houston in 2010, when co-founder Jay Davis moved to the city and set out to build a production company. The first artists he found were people carrying New Orleans with them — musicians who had landed in Houston after Katrina and were still making the sound of home. That's where the name comes from, and it's never left the work.
In 2012 Jay met Shakara Weston, a Houston native with the ear and the drive to match. Together they built the group Somethin' 4 The Fellas (S4TF) — Jay producing, Shakara the first member. That partnership became the foundation of what 9th Ward is now.
In 2015 we grew from a production company into a full independent label. Since then we've helped indie artists turn raw talent into finished records, real audiences, and paying opportunities. We're still based in Houston, TX, and our roster runs from Houston to New Orleans to the Bronx and beyond — every artist on it shares the same thing: they show up, they put in the work, and they mean it.
In 2025 we took the mission further. Together with the 144K Collective, we launched ImUsed.ai — the first ethical AI music platform. Where most AI tools treat artists as training data, ImUsed protects them: every song built from an artist's Musical DNA earns them an auditable 10–20% royalty share and full co-producer credit, with public attribution and PRO registration on every commercial release. Same principle we've stood on since 2010: protect the art, pay the artist, and build without compromise.
2010
Production company founded in Houston by Jay Davis.
2012
Shakara Weston joins as co-founder; S4TF is formed.
2015
9th Ward becomes a full independent record label.
2025
ImUsed.ai launches with the 144K Collective — the first ethical AI music platform.
What We Do
We handle the three things that make or break an independent career.
Production
Beats, recording, mixing, and mastering. We help artists get a record that sounds like it belongs next to anything on the charts. [Add your in-house producers, studio, or notable credits here.]
Management
The strategy and the business side most artists don't have time for. Release planning, branding, bookings, and the long game of building a career instead of chasing one moment.
Promotion
Getting the music in front of the people who matter. Playlists, press, and social campaigns, plus the grassroots push that actually moves streams and fills rooms.
How We Work
We're selective on purpose. We take on artists we believe in and give them real attention, not a spot on a list. That means honest feedback, a clear plan, and a team that answers when you call.
If you're an indie artist who's serious about the work, we want to hear you.
Work With Us
Two ways in. If you want to be managed or featured on the roster, send us your music through the submission page. If you're looking for production, management, or promotion, tell us what you need through Contact and we'll take it from there.
Based in Houston, TX · 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 5600, Houston, TX 77056