Artist, educator and father, Substantial serves the cultural and his community in and outside of the booth. He took out some time to share his thoughts on artistic responsibility and his future goals.
What inspired you to use your experiences as an artist to help other navigate through the industry?
I genuinely want people do well. Whether it’s my folks or a random youngin’ asking how they can make smarter moves. I just try to teach as many folks how to fish as possible because it’s enough out here for all of us to eat.
How has you experience as an educator shaped your messaging to aspiring talent?
As an educator, it makes me constantly work to be a much more responsible artist. I see our influence as artists first hand daily. Good and bad. I can’t pretend that it’s all on the listener. We contribute to their lives for better or for worse and not every listener is able to discern entertainment and embellishment from truth.
Share your thoughts on how the music industry has changed over the last decade. Do you feel artists need to be more socially responsible?
The music industry has made it easier than ever to directly engage your audience and function successfully as an independent artist. It just requires some research, consistency and patience.
I definitely feel that artists need to be more socially responsible. We absolutely should speakup on today’s issues and use our platform to advocate on behalf of those who don’t have a voice. Sometimes that also means knowing when to step back and let those who’ve done the research and work have the floor as well. Not every issue needs your commentary if you haven’t educated yourself on the matter.
Chuck D of Public Enemy referred to you as “One of the great MCs of our time.” How did that make you feel?
It was a huge honor. It was great to be acknowledged by someone I admire and respect in this business. Best part was my eldest daughter being there with me to witness it.
You and your wife formed a consulting firm, Substantial Art & Music, LLC (SAM). What are some of the services you offer?
We offer consulting services to artists, as well as provide assistance with social media marketing, graphic and web design, grant writing, crowdfunding and our Indie 101 workshops for DIY artists around the country.
What can we expect from you in the immediate future?
My most recent project Recompositions is out now. I have a few upcoming show dates in July at Blerdcon and Otakon in DC followed by a performance in LA on August 1st. http://iamsubstantial.com/events I’m also producing a project called Bridges for an up-and-coming rapper named W3alth and, I recently licensed music to a TV show on Amazon Prime called Georgia Box Office, so you can expect my music to be featured in future episodes. Lastly, we’ll be sharing information of our upcoming workshops for S.A.M. very soon.
Do you have any advice you’d like to offer aspiring creatives?
Stay driven, study your craft as well as the business and always remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. R.I.P. Nipsey Hussle.
– BE’N ORIGINAL
