Etienne J. Porter
Producer Etienne J. Porter considers himself a 90’s child just beginning to explore life and develop an appetite for music of all genres, from Handel’s “Messiah,” to “Back on the Block” by Quincy Jones and releases by artists such as Michael Jackson, Guy, Salt and Pepper, Walter Hawkins and Hezekiah Walker.
Born in 1979, an affinity for the arts occurred naturally with father Bishop Henry L. Porter, pastor of the Westcoast Center writing songs, playing several instruments and performing. His mother, the late Cynthia Porter was an actor and singer. Etienne learned how to play drums at church, then studied music and jazz percussion in college. PJ Morton of Maroon 5, Frank McComb, Melba Moore, and the Westcoast Black Theater Troupe are a few of the entertainers he has accompanied. Sarasota is his hometown and the headquarters of Drummerboy Entertainment and Recording Studio. His mission is to ensure that aspiring artists, singers, dancers and actors have a launch pad that catapults their careers to a larger platform.
“I view the world differently than those who grew up at a time before me. I’ve never experienced someone telling me I couldn’t go somewhere. If I was denied entrance anywhere, it was because I wasn’t dressed appropriately but not based on skin tone.” Etienne sees one Sarasota, not a divided city. “It’s just as much about outreach. Sarasota must reach into Newtown and at the same time Newtown has to reach outside of itself.”
