Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with SL Redd of Phoenix

We’re looking forward to introducing you to SL Redd. Check out our conversation below.

SL, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think people are struggling with taking risks. Everyday, things are conforming…..and what worked before may not work today. While the traditional approach to starting a business may have worked in previous generations, the approach may be different now and a little more risky. I advised people to trust in their own process when taking those risks. The worst thing you can do is start thinking of what could fail or go wrong. The truth is, those are lessons that must be learned to get to the big win. Shoot your shot and rebound when you miss.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is SL Redd, creator of indie music label MI Hustle Entertainment LLC. MI Hustle brings hours of engaging content to the social media and music streaming platforms for it’s audience to enjoy at any time. What makes us unique is our sound and rebel approach. I do not try to conform to or mimic anything else out there. I want for a first-time listener to come across my content and think “Never heard anything like this before, let me check out more content from this creator”.
MI Hustle was created in 2015 in Detroit, MI. In the beginning, we were writing, recording and performing locally. That has since expanded to ad/short-film production, beat productions and social media skits. I created this label as a way to release content independently on my own terms without having to get approval from critical executives first. I wanted to build my own connections with creators that may not have been discovered yet or just need someone to give them motivation to get started putting their own works out there. Currently, I am looking to connect with west coast businesses or independents seeking music for their artist, film production or in need of a catchy tune for their small business.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
The earliest memory was when I discovered my production abilities. Being in a recording environment and orchestrating everything from the composition to the delivery of a production made me feel powerful, That satisfaction is motivating and has pushed me to try new things as well.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of starting over has often kept me from moving forward at one time. After relocating to Phoenix, I was worried that I’d lose my initial audience or would have trouble gaining traction here. I was able to find local events to perform at and mixers to attend to network, however. It made the transition a bit easier because I was able to stay active. I was performing a bit less, but still gaining connections and releasing content. Slowing down was OK, but quitting was never an option.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Being yourself. What you see as “popular” or “trending” is just that….a trend. Trends come and go, you’ll never be able to keep up with everything trending. When you are your authentic self, you can set the trend and attract the audience that it compels. It’s easier to consistently be yourself than to consistently try to keep up with what is trending.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Planting seeds. I would have to say that there are some songs or content that may not go viral until years from now, but those are just seeds planted. Once they are discovered, the rest of the catalogue will be discovered and all the content to come.

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Image Credits
Image are all property of SL Redd

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