The internet critiques. I finish songs.
Professional hook writing and song development for independent artists — without the label gatekeeping.
25+ years. 28,000+ in-studio hours. Free on TikTok Live.
Bring your hook… & let's cook!
The internet critiques. I finish songs.
Professional hook writing and song development for independent artists — without the label gatekeeping.
25+ years. 28,000+ in-studio hours. Free on TikTok Live.
Bring your hook… & let's cook!
At 12 years old, I stepped onto the stage as the youngest member of one of Winnipeg's most respected rap groups. By 20, I had signed to a record label. By 25, I made a decision that would shape everything that followed — I went independent. At the time, independence wasn't a movement. It was simply a choice. A choice I made because the art always came first.
What followed were decades of experience that most people only read about. Hundreds of sessions — from basement studios to some of the most respected recording facilities in the world. More than 600 live performances spanning virtually every modern genre. Thousands of hours spent in the creative space between an artist's first idea and a finished record.
That position — always the midpoint, always the bridge — shaped everything about how he hears music and how he works with people. He never specialized in one lane, because he has genuinely lived in all of them. Hip-hop sessions. Pop sessions. R&B sessions. Artists discovering their sound for the first time. That breadth isn't just a résumé point — it's the reason he can walk into any session, with any artist, in any genre, and immediately understand where the record needs to go.
Every session begins the same way. Not just to the music — to the artist. Some arrive with a fully formed idea that just needs unlocking. Others arrive with nothing more than a feeling they haven't yet found words for. The first job isn't to speak. It's to hear what's actually there.
Every artist requires a different kind of listening. A different language. A different entry point into the creative. Some need to be pushed. Some need space. Some need to be reminded that the idea they're hesitant to say out loud might be the one that changes everything. The Hook Man reads all of it — not as a technique, but because he has spent a lifetime developing a genuine sensitivity to where an artist is.
Great records don't get made under pressure. And they definitely don't get made under ego. They get made when an artist feels safe enough to be vulnerable — safe enough to share the half-finished idea, try something that might not work, go somewhere new. Artists recognize authenticity immediately. Within minutes they know whether someone is there for the record, or there for themselves. The Hook Man has always been there for the record.
Up City was built because the room where an artist feels safe, supported, and truly heard has never been publicly accessible before. Historically, that level of songwriting infrastructure belonged almost exclusively to label artists — writing rooms, topliners, melodic architects — resources hidden behind gatekeepers, contracts, and systems designed to keep independent artists dependent. Up City changes that.
The name was first spoken by The Hook Man's late brother M.I.Z — a producer, singer, rapper, and songwriter, and the backbone of everything that came before. He planted the seed. The Hook Man is here to see it through.
Every independent artist deserves access to the same infrastructure that label artists have taken for granted for decades — real writing rooms, real melodic architects, real song-finishing support. Up City isn't a course. It isn't a community. It's a live, working ecosystem where songs get finished and artists leave knowing exactly how they got there.
The Hook Man is a professional songwriter, topliner, and melodic architect with over two decades in real rooms with real artists. Most writers bring their sound to your session. The Hook Man brings yours.
25+ years. 28,000+ studio hours. Hundreds of artists across every genre. The ability to meet each one exactly where they are — speak their language, build the right environment, and pull out the record that was already inside them.
Trust isn't manufactured. Artists sense when someone is genuine. That's the foundation everything here is built on. Your vision. Your sound. Just finished.
"This isn't where we map out your marketing plan. That work belongs to other experts. The music industry is built on one primary thing — the song — and songwriting is my expertise."— The Hook Man
Heavy bass. Sensual energy. A song about reclaiming your power — "I've been a fool for you, for too long." Primarily a female voice record, may work for male.
Every month one fully written, unreleased song from the private catalog goes to one artist who fits the record and is ready to bring it to life. No fee. No catch. One winner drawn live on TikTok.
Free to enter · Must be 18+ · One winner per month · See full
By submitting an entry to the Up City Hook Man Monthly Song Drop you agree to the following terms:
Eligibility
Submissions are open to artists 18 years of age or older. No purchase or payment is required to enter.
What the Song Includes
The song consists of lyrics, melody, and structure only. The demo beat/instrumental used in the reference recording is for reference purposes only, is not owned by Up City Hook Man, and is not included in the giveaway.
Winner's License
The selected winner receives a non-exclusive, perpetual license to record, release, distribute, perform, and monetize one master recording of the composition. This license does not expire.
What the Winner Must Provide
The winner is responsible for securing their own beat or instrumental production. Beat selection must remain within the intended musical range of the composition and requires written approval from Up City Hook Man prior to release.
Changes to the Composition
Any changes to lyrics, melody, structure, or topline require written approval from Up City Hook Man prior to release.
Ownership
Up City Hook Man retains 100% ownership of the underlying composition including lyrics, melody, structure, songwriting, and publishing rights. All derivative versions are retained including but not limited to acoustic versions, remixes, translations, alternate arrangements, and sync placements.
Excluded Rights
This license does not include brand partnerships, advertising usage, film or television sync placements, or the right to transfer or resell the composition. These rights require separate written approval and may involve additional compensation.
Exclusivity
Exclusive ownership options are available separately and may be negotiated directly with Up City Hook Man.
Songwriter Credit
Proper songwriter credit is required on all releases. Credit details including legal name and PRO registration information will be provided privately in a Winner Pack delivered to the selected winner only.
Winner Selection
Winners are selected at the sole discretion of Up City Hook Man based on vocal fit and artistic suitability. Submission does not guarantee selection. Entries roll forward monthly until a match is found.
Winner Announcement
Winners are announced live. Submission constitutes acceptance of these terms.
By submitting your entry you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions in full.
Foolish · R&B / Club — Aaliyah-Inspired
Heavy bass. Sensual energy. A song about reclaiming your power — "I've been a fool for you, for too long." Primarily a female voice record, may work for male.
Free to enter · Must be 18+ · One winner per month · See full
The Up City Hook Man Discord is where artists drop hooks, get feedback, catch live session announcements,
and connect with others who take their craft seriously. Free to join.
The internet critiques — we finish songs. Bring your hook, let's cook. Up City is a one-of-a-kind platform putting artists one click away from a professional songwriting session. With over 25 years of experience, The Hook Man is ready to work with any artist, any genre.
Artists strive their whole lives to get into rooms with professional songwriters who can help craft their vision. Now you have that same access. Your record stays your record in every way — it's just amplified. Up City is redefining artist development with a hands-on approach.
Meet me on TikTok Live, where I'll help you write, structure, and finish your next song — and I'll do it for free.
Every service is built around one goal — finishing your song at the highest structural level possible. All bookings are 18+. The Hook Man always retains songwriting credit and publishing rights. You get exclusive recording rights.
Live one-on-one session. Hook building, chorus rewrites, melody development, and co-creation from scratch. Book via Calendly — intake form follows automatically.
Book now 02 In-PersonIn-person at your secured studio. Same creative scope as virtual. No city travel fee. Professional workspace terms apply. Out-of-city travel billed in advance.
Book now 03 Async · 3–5 Business DaysSubmit your hook or chorus. Receive written and/or audio feedback, rewrites, and melody ideas within 3–5 business days. Rush option available. You retain 100% ownership of submitted material.
Submit now 04 Select Clients OnlyPremium service. Free consultation first. The Hook Man writes your complete original song — lyrics, melody, structure, reference vocal. Applications reviewed before approval. Deposit required to begin.
Email UsClick any Book Now card to open Calendly. Pick a time that works for you — an intake form will follow automatically. No deposit is required to reserve a virtual or in-studio session.
This is a songwriting session — not a marketing consultation, not a branding call, not a strategy meeting. We are here to make music. Come ready to create.
The Hook Man works at the structural level of a song — the hook, the chorus melody, the topline, the emotional arc, the lyric that sticks. That is the craft. Whether you arrive with a full concept or a blank page, the session is about building something real from the inside out.
You will not leave with a distribution plan. You will leave with a song — or the strongest version of one you have ever had. Bring your voice, your reference, your feeling, or just your presence. The rest is the work.
You receive exclusive rights to record, release, and monetize your master recording. The Hook Man retains songwriting credit and publishing rights on any composition developed in session — this is standard industry practice and will be outlined clearly before any work begins.
All of them. R&B, hip-hop, pop, country, gospel, rock, afrobeats — if it has a hook, The Hook Man can build it. The session adapts to your sound, not the other way around.
All bookings are for artists 18 years of age or older. Sessions are conducted in a professional environment and are subject to a standard songwriting collaboration agreement. The Hook Man reserves the right to decline any project. Deposits on Full Song Commissions are non-refundable once work has begun. Hook Polish submissions remain confidential and your material is never shared.
Have a question before booking, a collaboration idea, or ready to take the next step? Reach out directly — every serious inquiry gets a response.
Every service is built around one goal — finishing your song at the highest structural level possible. All bookings are 18+. The Hook Man always retains songwriting credit and publishing rights. You get exclusive recording rights.
Up City is the first platform of its kind — a live song-finishing ecosystem that gives independent artists access to professional-level songwriting without label gatekeeping.
"Artist development is a thing of the past. I can't know what I've never been shown."
Here at Up City the knowledge you gain lasts a lifetime — real craft, passed down in real sessions, not a course you forget by next week.
"I can make the beat. I can write a verse. But my hooks never hit the way I want them to."
Hooks are a specific craft. Up City works at the structural level — the emotional angle, the topline, the part that refuses to leave your head.
"Every studio I find either costs a fortune or doesn't actually help me finish anything."
No gatekeeping. No label budget required. Up City gives independent artists access to professional-level songwriting on their terms.
Every month one fully written, unreleased song from the private catalog goes to one artist who's ready to bring it to life. No fee. No catch. Winner announced live.
Twice a week The Hook Man goes live and finishes hooks with artists in real time. No ownership claims. No credit obligations. Any age, any genre — pure access.
The Hook Lab Discord is where artists drop hooks, get real feedback, catch live session alerts, and connect with others who take the craft seriously. Free to join.
We build artists — and we guard the trust they place in every word we say.
Everything starts with the artists we serve — their craft, their growth, and their interests lead every conversation we have.
We thoroughly review every product and service before it reaches our community, so anything we share has earned its place.
If we put something in front of our audience, it's because we believe in it ourselves — no filler, no favors, no exceptions.
We hold a standard and protect the trust placed in us, and the partners worth aligning with recognize that right away.
How a real partnership shows up — woven into the work, never bolted on as an ad.
Your product shows up the way it would in any real studio — used because it belongs there, during live hook-finishing and songwriting sessions, not read off a script.
Featured alongside the monthly release and giveaway, when the community is most engaged and paying closest attention to what we put our name on.
Branded challenges that give artists something to make — a reason to engage with your product through their own craft, not just watch an ad about it.
Honest, story-driven content across long and short form — the same voice our audience already trusts, applied to something we genuinely stand behind.
Production software and DAWs, audio gear, music platforms, education for musicians, and lifestyle brands that respect the culture. If it earns a place in a real creative workflow, it earns a place with us.
Grant writers, marketing and PR teams, and talent-management or A&R agencies actively looking for real, working talent. If you offer a service that genuinely moves an independent artist's career forward, there's a place for you here too.
Four ways to plug in — from a single live session to full-ecosystem alignment.
Brand integrated organically into TikTok live hook-finishing sessions — mentioned and demonstrated in the context of active songwriting. Highest-authenticity placement.
Brand featured in the monthly song-drop announcement content, reaching the full audience at the peak engagement moment of the month.
Full integration across all content, community activations, and song releases. Multi-month commitment — highest visibility and brand association.
Product featured organically in content and sessions. Best for software, hardware, and creative tools that are part of the natural workflow.
Our community isn't an audience to advertise at — it's a room full of working creators who take our word seriously. That relationship is the whole point, and it's what we protect.
Independent vocalists, emerging artists, producers, and beat makers who are actively building real careers — people making things, not just scrolling past them.
When we point our community toward something, they listen — because we've never given them a reason not to. That responsibility is exactly why we're so careful with it.
The trust placed in us by our following took time to build and can be spent in an instant. We treat every partnership as something that either honors that trust or risks it.
The right partners understand they're being welcomed into a relationship, not buying access to it — and they show up with the same care for the people on the other side.
Share your brand and what you believe in. Every partnership is reviewed individually — we reply within 3–5 business days.
General terms governing your use of this website. By using this site you confirm that you have read and agree to these terms.
All paid services and giveaway submissions on this platform require the user to be 18 years of age or older.
Free TikTok live sessions are open to all ages. No ownership claims, credit obligations, or legal restrictions apply to free live session participation.
All content on this website — including but not limited to copy, logos, brand assets, audio, and visual elements — is the property of Up City Hook Man and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without written permission.
All services offered through this website are subject to their individual terms and conditions as listed on the booking and services pages. By engaging any paid service you agree to the applicable terms.
This website may contain links to third-party platforms including but not limited to TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Discord, and Calendly. Up City Hook Man is not responsible for the content or practices of any third-party platform.
Up City Hook Man makes reasonable efforts to ensure all information on this website is accurate and current. However, no guarantees are made regarding the completeness or accuracy of any information provided.
Up City Hook Man reserves the right to update these terms at any time. Continued use of the platform following any update constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
These terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta, Canada. Any disputes arising from use of this platform shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Alberta.
For any questions regarding these terms please use the contact form on this website or email [email protected].
By booking a session with Up City Hook Man you agree to the following terms.
All paid sessions are open to artists 18 years of age or older. No exceptions.
Up City Hook Man offers Virtual Hook Sessions, In-Studio Sessions, and Hook Polish (Async). Each session type has its own delivery format as described on the booking page.
Full payment is required at the time of booking. All payments are non-refundable once the session is confirmed.
Rescheduling is permitted with a minimum of 24 hours notice prior to the scheduled session time. Requests made within 24 hours may be declined and the session forfeited without refund.
All bookings are non-refundable. If Up City Hook Man is unable to attend a confirmed session, a full reschedule will be offered at no additional cost.
Any lyrics, melodies, hooks, or compositions created or developed during a session remain the intellectual property of Up City Hook Man unless otherwise agreed in writing prior to the session.
Upon completion the client receives a non-exclusive license to record, release, distribute, perform, and monetize one master recording of the material created.
Up City Hook Man retains 100% ownership of the underlying composition including lyrics, melody, structure, songwriting, publishing, and all derivative versions (acoustic versions, remixes, translations, alternate arrangements, and sync placements).
No beat or instrumental is included in any session. The client is responsible for securing their own production. Beat selection requires written approval prior to release to preserve future licensing integrity.
The session license does not include brand partnerships, advertising usage, film or television sync placements, or the right to transfer or resell the composition. These rights require separate written approval and may involve additional compensation.
The client is responsible for securing and funding the studio location. No travel fee applies within the city; out-of-city or international travel requires the client to cover all transportation and accommodation costs, confirmed in writing prior to booking.
Sessions must be conducted in a professional environment. No drugs or alcohol are permitted. No unapproved guests are permitted. Up City Hook Man reserves the right to end any session immediately if the environment becomes unsafe, unprofessional, or disrespectful — no refund will be issued. No recording of sessions by the client is permitted without prior written approval.
The client must provide all materials in a clear, accessible format at submission. Delivery window is 3–5 business days from receipt of complete materials. A rush option (24–48 hours) is available for an additional fee. No refunds once work has begun.
Up City Hook Man makes no guarantee of commercial success, streaming performance, chart placement, or any specific outcome resulting from session work.
By completing your booking you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms in full.
By submitting a commission application and placing a deposit you agree to the following terms.
Full Song Commission services are available to artists 18 years of age or older. All applications are reviewed individually. Submission does not guarantee acceptance.
A free consultation is required before any commission work begins, allowing Up City Hook Man to assess the project, the artist's vision, and whether the commission is a suitable fit.
A non-refundable deposit is required to secure the commission and begin work. The remaining balance is due upon delivery of the final draft. No files are released prior to full payment.
Up City Hook Man delivers a fully written original song including lyrics, melody, structure, and a reference vocal recording.
On receiving the first concept the client may choose one of two directions:
No further redirections are included beyond the one included redirection. Additional redirections may be available for a fee at the discretion of Up City Hook Man.
Upon completion and full payment the client receives an exclusive license to record, release, distribute, perform, and monetize one master recording of the commissioned composition. Up City Hook Man retains 100% ownership of the underlying composition and all derivative versions.
No beat or instrumental is included. The client secures their own production. Beat selection must remain within the intended musical range and requires written approval prior to release.
The commission license does not include brand partnerships, advertising usage, film or television sync placements, or transfer/resale rights. These require separate written approval and may involve additional compensation.
Proper songwriter credit is required on all releases of commissioned material. Legal credit name and PRO registration details are provided privately upon delivery of the final draft.
By placing your deposit you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms in full.
Song License Terms — the full formal license that applies when you receive a song from Up City Hook Man.
By receiving this song you are granted a non-exclusive, perpetual license to record, release, distribute, perform, and monetize one master recording of the composition. This license applies only to the lyrics, melody, and song structure.
The instrumental/beat used in the reference demo is not included — you are responsible for securing your own beat or production.
Up City Hook Man retains 100% ownership of the underlying composition — lyrics, melody, structure, and songwriting/publishing — and all derivative versions including but not limited to acoustic versions, remixes, translations, alternate arrangements, and sync placements.
Any changes to lyrics, melody, structure, or topline must be approved in writing prior to release. Beat selection must remain within the intended musical range and requires approval to preserve future licensing integrity.
Exclusive ownership options may be negotiated separately.
Legal songwriter credit information (including legal name and PRO details) is provided only to selected winners or clients in a private Winner Pack or post-session delivery. By accepting this song you agree to proper crediting as provided in the Winner Pack.
By accepting this song or completing your booking you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms in full.
By submitting an entry to the Up City Hook Man Monthly Song Drop you agree to the following terms.
Submissions are open to artists 18 years of age or older. No purchase or payment is required to enter.
The song consists of lyrics, melody, and structure only. The demo beat/instrumental used in the reference recording is for reference purposes only, is not owned by Up City Hook Man, and is not included in the giveaway.
The selected winner receives a non-exclusive, perpetual license to record, release, distribute, perform, and monetize one master recording of the composition. This license does not expire.
The winner is responsible for securing their own beat or instrumental production. Beat selection must remain within the intended musical range and requires written approval prior to release.
Up City Hook Man retains 100% ownership of the underlying composition including lyrics, melody, structure, songwriting, and publishing rights, and all derivative versions.
This license does not include brand partnerships, advertising usage, film or television sync placements, or transfer/resale rights. These require separate written approval and may involve additional compensation.
Winners are selected at the sole discretion of Up City Hook Man based on vocal fit and artistic suitability. Submission does not guarantee selection. Entries roll forward monthly until a match is found.
Winners are announced live. Submission constitutes acceptance of these terms. By submitting your entry you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms in full.
Up City Hook Man ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your rights. By using our website, services, or entering the Monthly Song Drop, you agree to these practices.
Operated by Up City Hook Man · Effective & Last Updated dates set on publication.
Up City Hook Man is a professional songwriting and song-finishing platform led by The Hook Man, based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Our services include free TikTok Live hook-finishing sessions, virtual and in-studio songwriting sessions, Hook Polish (async song feedback), Full Song Commissions, and the Monthly Song Drop — a free monthly song giveaway program.
Our primary website is upcityhookman.com. We also operate through third-party platforms including Calendly (booking), Discord (community/Hook Lab), TikTok (live sessions and draws), and Instagram (content distribution).
For privacy inquiries, contact us at [email protected].
We collect information three ways: directly from you, automatically as you browse, and via third-party platforms.
We use your information only for legitimate business purposes — and we never sell it.
We may share information only in limited circumstances:
As a Canadian business we follow PIPEDA and applicable provincial law, and recognize the GDPR for EEA/UK individuals.
Our services are for individuals 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18; all bookings, entries, and community participation require 18+ confirmation. If we learn we've collected information from a minor, we delete it promptly.
To exercise any right, contact [email protected]. We respond within 30 days (up to 60 in complex cases, with notice).
We keep your information only as long as needed, and protect it with reasonable safeguards.
When information is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to securely delete or de-identify it.
We take reasonable, appropriate steps to protect your information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction — including secure email practices, controlled file access, and reputable third-party platforms with their own security standards.
In the event of a breach posing a risk of significant harm, we will notify affected individuals and the relevant authority in accordance with PIPEDA and other applicable law.
Third-party platforms, international transfers, updates, and the law that governs this policy.
Our website and services reference or link to third-party platforms including Calendly (booking), Discord (Hook Lab), TikTok (live sessions and draws), Instagram (content), and Google Drive / Dropbox (file sharing). These operate under their own independent privacy policies; we are not responsible for their practices and encourage you to review them.
Up City Hook Man is operated from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. If you access our services from outside Canada, your information will be processed and stored in Canada, which may have different data-protection standards than your home country. By using our services you consent to this transfer; where required (e.g., GDPR) we implement appropriate safeguards for cross-border transfers.
We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or services. Material changes update the "Last Updated" date. Continued use following changes constitutes acceptance; where required by law we obtain fresh consent for significant changes.
This policy is governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta and the federal laws of Canada, including PIPEDA and Alberta's PIPA. Any disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Alberta, Canada.
The Hook Man has always been a visionary — unafraid to grow with the times, to evolve, to move — which is why his sound is as relevant now as it has ever been, and will continue to be long into the future. When asked what he sees for the future of AI, this was his response:
"Art dies when it becomes stagnant. It dies when the person behind it gets comfortable, gets stuck, refuses to move. That has never been me. When writing was invented, paint did not disappear. When photography arrived, painters did not pack up and go home. Every new tool that has ever entered a creative space has been met with fear by some and embraced by those who understood what it actually was — an extension, not a replacement. AI is no different. The craft does not disappear. The songwriter does not become irrelevant. The hours, the instinct, the taste — none of it goes anywhere. What changes is the ceiling of what is possible. And those who have spent their lives inside the craft are the ones best positioned to decide what to do with that.
It is up to us as musicians to steer it in the right direction. Which is why I am introducing the Ethical AI Standard — offering full transparency regarding AI and its specific use on this platform. The integration of AI into the music industry is happening whether we like it or not. We strongly believe that is a good thing. The difference is in the hands it ends up in."
Artificial intelligence isn't the enemy of artistry. Used with intention, it opens doors that simply didn't exist before. There are songs sitting in vaults right now — perfectly written, fully realized in the mind of their creator — that the world may never hear because the technology to present them properly didn't exist yet. AI changes that. It allows an artist to demonstrate a song's full potential before it ever reaches the right voice, closing the gap between a rough idea and a finished vision — as demonstrated here at Up City — giving a songwriter the ability to show rather than just tell. The key word is tool. A hammer doesn't build a house — the person holding it does. AI in the hands of someone who has spent decades inside the craft is a completely different thing than AI in the hands of someone who arrived yesterday.
Understanding the craft still matters most. Thousands of hours in the studio cannot be equaled — not by any algorithm, not by any model, not by anything that has never felt the weight of a session that didn't work or the rush of one that did. In fact, it is us — the artists, the writers, the ones who spent their lives inside the craft — who the AI itself was trained on. The experience we input is what will be used to further it and make it even better. It was modeled after us. It is only right that we are the ones who get to use it to our advantage.
The attention never shifts from the core fact that no algorithm can replicate 28,000 hours in the studio. It cannot teach you to work with artists across genres, or develop a talent in the recording booth. Those things come from presence, instinct, and years of living inside the craft. Which is why when you book a TikTok Live session, a virtual session, or step into the studio with The Hook Man — there is no AI in that room. That cannot be replicated. It never will be.
Every song starts with me. Written by a real person, to be sung by a real person. The lyrics, the melody, the structure, the feeling — all of it comes from inside the craft, and songwriting for people is the business I've been in for over 20 years. That's not about to change now. What changes is my enhanced ability to present it.
Where AI comes in is the final step. Once a demo is finished, AI gives me the ability to present that same song in a voice and style that feels more familiar and suited to the kind of artist it was written for — so they can hear themselves in it right away. The song doesn't change. The writing doesn't change. It simply helps the right artist picture the song as their own. That is the only way AI is used on this platform, and we believe in being completely transparent about it.
At Up City transparency isn't a policy checkbox — it's a foundation. The overwhelming majority of demos here are sung by The Hook Man himself. Every song begins as a complete, finished, quality demo — fully written and performed by him, worthy of submitting to anyone. AI never writes a song and never creates one. On occasion, a finished demo is run through AI for a single reason: to let you hear that same complete song in a different voice — closer to the artist it was written for — so you can imagine it as your own. The words, the melody, the structure never change. Only the voice does.
The lyrics are real. The structure is real. The melody is real — written personally and fully by The Hook Man, some over a decade ago. For any commissioned work, there is no AI involved — what you receive is a live, human-written song built from scratch by the brain and experience of The Hook Man. Our commitment is simple: whatever the industry becomes, the soul at the center of this platform stays human. We believe AI belongs in the hands of people who have spent their lives inside the craft — not as a replacement for it, but as a way to finally show the world what was always already there.