The Indie Unplugged Interviews

How He Navigated the Music Industry Shifts to Build a Powerful Entertainment Brand


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In this episode of The Indie Unplugged, host B. Vaughan sits down with Angel Soto, CEO of Benton Entertainment and a cornerstone of Tampa’s music scene. From spinning records as a DJ in the early '90s to launching Benton Records in 2001, Angel shares how his love for music evolved into building a vital hub for DJs, artists, and producers across the region. As the digital era reshaped the industry, he navigated the difficult closure of his record store and emerged stronger by founding Benton Entertainment in 2014—now home to over 400 titles and more than 40 artists and songwriters.

The conversation offers a deep dive into Angel’s roots, including his early exposure to radio through his godfather in Colombia, and his passion for connecting creatives through events like the Tampa Music Conference. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning from vinyl to digital and the lessons learned along the way. Angel’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of music professionals. Tune in for a powerful look at how passion and reinvention can sustain a lifelong impact in the music industry.

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The Indie Unplugged InterviewsBy A Deep Dive Into The Indie Music Journey