Meet Ronnie Quest

We were lucky to catch up with Ronnie Quest recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ronnie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

The key to being effective when you’re the only person in the room that looks like you is knowing yourself and where you’re coming from. As a black man in America, whether consciously or not, almost every other group feels like they have leg up on me in someway. That’s why it’s important to know myself. It doesn’t matter what people think if I know. People can assume my background – but I know where I’m coming from. People can assume I lack qualifications – but I know my qualifications. People can assume they’re smarter than me – but I know that I’m just as competitive, if not more competitive, than anyone else in the room. Imposter syndrome can only exist if I myself am unsure of the fact that I deserve to be there.
I think the only thing more powerful than knowing myself is knowing where I’m coming from. None of my ancestors were ever treated fairly, and never stopped any of them. I know when I step into new rooms no matter what obstacles I may encounter – those obstacles are not as insurmountable as the obstacles those before me overcame for me to be there in the first place. From struggles of the Jamaican Maroons to the struggles of my family immigrating to America, I come from generations of people who demanded better from the world and from themselves. Who am I to break the chain, to turn down the mandate?
People say knowledge is power, but in this case, I’d say knowledge is empowerment. At the end of the day, most superiority complexes are based on delusions left over from colonial thought and failed confederacies. Don’t let the Western world make you forget who you are and what you were put here to do. If you feel unsure, get sure. That self-assuredness will be your greatest tool. Convincing a room you deserve be there starts with convincing yourself.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My whole life I’ve been involved in music. I wrote my first song in elementary school, started DJing in high school, I have a degree in music and the music industry from USC’s Thornton School of Music, where I graduated with honors. I release my own music and have been involved in the creative endeavors of many others. I’ve managed artists, engineered for artists, produced for artists, written songs for artists, done PR for artists. I even had a brief stint in A&R and music journalism.
Currently I am a member of the production group known as CNHL301, living between Jamaica and Los Angeles. At this point in my career I am focused on songwriting and storytelling. I tell my own stories through music and writing. I help other people tell their stories as well. One project I’m currently engaged in is incorporating some of the traditional African/indigenous rhythms and songwriting techniques of Jamaica (Kumina, Kromanti, Revival, Taino music, etc) into modern genres like reggae and dancehall. Through this project, I’ve met a lot of great people and learned a lot about my culture.
My long-term goals are to continue improving as a songwriter and executive producer, to ensure I have all the relevant skills to help people bring their stories to life.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I think the three most important skills you could have as an entertainer or creative are networking, stubbornness, and consistency. I remember asking a very accomplished songwriter how do I make it. He told me, “You just keep doing it until eventually everyone knows you and everyone else quits.” Some people get their first Grammy when they’re 16, some people get their first placement when they’re 40. It’s not as much about creating luck as much as it is about sticking around long enough and knowing enough people to get lucky.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always looking for new artist, songwriters, and producers to work with or to connect with new opportunities. One great thing about being part of a production group is I don’t have to be able to do everything myself. So even if I can’t personally help you, I know someone who can. In general: if you’re an artist who’s looking for production or songwriting, especially if you make Pop, R&B/Hip Hop, Reggae/Dancehall/Reggaeton, Afrobeat/Afropop, or House, we would love to collaborate. If you were looking for help adding the final touches to an album EP, we would love to collaborate. If you are looking to get involved in the Caribbean music space, we love to collaborate. If you are looking for theme music or someone to score your commercials, TV shows, or films, we would love to collaborate.
You can hear some of our work here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/63aYBfvsPFZ7IuubPvgY8J?si=6f8ddc21e7b246f3
You can connect with me at RonnieQuestMusic@gmail.com or on instagram @RonnieQuest

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