We had the good fortune of connecting with Simon Howard (SiHow The Doctor) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Simon, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own indie record label, 1331 Recordz, with my Cofounder, Dardan Bela was really the result of a deep passion for music and a desire to create something meaningful and sustainable for artists. I’ve always believed that music is one of the most powerful forms of expression, and I wanted to build a platform that not only celebrated that creativity but also respected and empowered the people behind it.

A big part of my motivation came from my business partner and cofounder Dardan, from the beginning, we connected on our shared vision of an artist-centric approach, one that prioritizes authenticity, education, and long-term growth over quick hits and superficial success. Dardan’s commitment to the craft and his integrity in how he approaches both business and music was a huge source of inspiration for me.

We both saw the gaps in the industry, how emerging artists often lack the guidance and resources to truly develop, how education around the business side of music is often missing, and how the mainstream system can sometimes overlook talent that doesn’t fit a specific mold. So the label became our way of addressing those issues: offering not just a launchpad for music, but a space where artists are educated, supported, and treated as partners in their own careers.

For me, it was never just about starting a business. It was about building a community and creating change within an industry I deeply care about.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My music is an auditory extension of who I am, multifaceted, multidimensional, and rooted in authenticity. What sets me apart from others is my ability to effortlessly move between worlds. I can take listeners from raw social commentary on racism and capitalism to the vibrant energy of the club without ever compromising who I am or what I believe in. That balance, between message and vibe, depth and celebration is the heartbeat of my sound.

One of the things I’m most excited about right now is a new single I’m working on with Dardan Bela, the CEO and a fellow artist at 1331 Recordz. This track is nothing but good vibes, a certified banger that will have even folks who do not know how to dance on their feet. It’s a fun song that will make people move. Another thing I am very excited about at the moment is the amount of support I have received from family, friends, and fans for a competition I’m competing in to work with the legendary producer Timbaland. I’ve made it past 7 rounds and I am currently in the semifinals all thanks to their votes. The support I have received from family, friends, and fans has been remarkable. Who knows, by this time next year I could have a track out with Timbaland!

Getting to this point was not easy. I’ve had to overcome adversity, self-doubt, and the noise of people who did not believe in me. What’s kept me going is an unwavering belief in myself and a deep connection to my purpose. I’ve always listened to that internal voice telling me, “You can do this,” and I try to tune out the rest, even self doubt. I remind myself constantly of why I do what I do, whether that’s in education or music. I wanted to be the professor I never had, and I believe music (and education) is one of the most powerful tools for social change we have.

Along the way, I’ve learned a lot, especially the importance of building community. There’s an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” For a long time, I tried to do everything by myself in many aspects of my life, but I’ve come to realize the power of collaboration and the strength that comes from building with others.

I want the world to know that 1331 Recordz is more than just a record label—we’re a movement! We’re building something that uplifts artists, speaks truth to power, and brings people together through sound. We’re about more than music—we’re about purpose, passion, and pushing the culture forward.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Ocean Drive in South Beach, Havana Harry’s in Coral Cables for dinner, and of course I have to take them to 1331 Recordz studio for the vibes and music.

Day 2: Visit Little Havana, take a trip to Versailles, walk through Domino Park, Wynwood Walls for street art, photos, and cool galleries. In the evening hit the Dirty 5ive Freestyle cypher that happens every Tuesday night on the corner of 2nd Ave/24th Street. It’s where real Hip-Hop lives and then afterwards hit Savage labs for open mic Tuesday and late food.

Day 3: Chill at North Beach or Key Biscayne. Dinner somewhere in Brickell, and then Thank You Miami for Open Mic night.

Day 4: Explore the Perez Art Museum (PAMM), Grab some Haitian food at Chef Creole or Naomi’s Garden and end the night with live music at Lagniappe or Dante’s HiFi

Day 5: Taco Stand for Lunch Friday Night: Go to Space, if someone visits Miami it’s a place you need to go at least once.

Day 6: graffiti workshop at Museum of Graffiti. Evening: Saturday night – Red Rooster/Shrine for afrobeats night and vibes.

Day 7: Evening: day party AYO/ Stamped at Arlo Hotel Rooftop.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely. First and foremost, I want to shout out my family. Their support has been the foundation of everything, whether it be my academic pursuits or music. They believed in me long before this vision took shape, and that belief carried me through the toughest moments.

I also want to give a massive shoutout to the entire 1331 Recordz team. This label wouldn’t be what it is without the people behind it. Dardan, my business partner and creative brother, has been instrumental in shaping our vision. His passion, perspective, and leadership push us all to aim higher every day. Ken (Scoota) brings an energy and intuition that’s unmatched he’s the pulse of the culture we’re building. Omari, is a constant source of support and a motivator, Osaze is our tech assassin and person of sound judgment. And Marcel has often been the glue, always holding things down behind the scenes and willing to help.

With the right team, anything is possible and I’m beyond grateful to be building this with people who truly get it. This is just the beginning.

Website: https://1331recordz.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sihowthedoctor/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-howard-0639522a/

Twitter: https://x.com/SiHowTheDoctor

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sihowthedoctor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiHowTheDoctor

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNEt2KuerOX89ZDAb_sUJkw

Other: https://linktr.ee/SiHow

Image Credits
The Visual Samurai
Dre, Film Now Miami
Nicole Curtin, Digital Marketing Specialist | University of Miami College of Arts & Sciences

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