Meet Alec Messer

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alec Messer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alec, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Growing up in a household marked by the stark contrast between an overly religious parent on one side and the challenges posed by addiction on the other, I’ve encountered my fair share of mental health obstacles. During my formative years, I lacked the necessary coping mechanisms and positive habits to navigate these challenges effectively. However, music emerged as my lifeline and a form of therapy that helped me persist despite the turbulence.

Music became my sanctuary, offering a means of self-expression that I desperately needed. As a child, I spent hours engrossed in video games, often as a means of escaping the complexities of the real world. Remarkably, this video game habit eventually played a pivotal role in shaping my music career. I approached music production software with the same dedication and strategic thinking as a video game, and that was to be in the top 10%.

With time, I’ve come to recognize the profound significance of mental health. Whenever the suffocating fog of depression looms or a relentlessly negative mindset threatens to overtake me, I’ve learned that taking decisive action is the only way forward. When the path forward remains unclear, I’ve turned inward, relying on practices like journaling, meditation, and self-reflection to illuminate the course of action I need to take. It’s in these moments of introspection and deliberate effort that I’ve found the resilience to persist and thrive despite the challenges that once defined my life.

Life is hard.. you can’t get through it on your own. Surrounding yourself with likeminded people you trust can also play a huge part in your mental health.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Greetings, I’m Alec Messer, but in the vibrant world of Electronic Dance Music, I’m better known as “Mr. WildFire.” My creations are a fusion of bass-heavy beats that defy easy categorization, spanning the realms of experimental, dubstep, trap, future bass, and beyond. What sets my journey apart in this industry is the unconventional path I’ve taken.

Unlike many of my peers who were raised in households steeped in musical traditions, I didn’t inherit a legacy of melodies. In fact, I was told by my own father that “Messer’s are tone deaf,” a sentiment that seemed to relegate music to a realm beyond my reach.

As I delved into the stories of fellow artists, I noticed a common thread: prodigious talents honed from an early age. They often recounted tales of being gifted their first piano at age 3, mastering multiple instruments by age 9, and forging a lifelong bond with music. My journey, however, deviates from this narrative.

I’m here to convey a different story, one that speaks to the timeless truth that passion knows no age limit. Regardless of your background or the perceived gap between you and others on a similar path, your dreams are always attainable. My love affair with electronic dance music ignited when I was 19, an age some might consider “late” in this industry. I had almost no knowledge of the music realm, yet I was determined. From that moment forward, I embarked on an unwavering quest to realize my artistic vision.

In this tale of late-blooming passion, I hope to inspire others to pursue their own creative aspirations, no matter where they stand on life’s timeline or what their heritage may dictate. My journey is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and the boundless potential that awaits those who dare to chase their dreams.

I have a new track coming out 09/22 as well as another label release at the end of October. I have another label release that we have yet to plan a release date. I hope you can take your time out of your day to give them at least one listen. You may visit my website www.mrwildfireofficial.com to find merch and more information.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
When considering the three most pivotal attributes, competencies, and domains of knowledge that have profoundly influenced my journey, I would prioritize the following:

1. Adaptability and Technological Proficiency: In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, my capacity to adapt and acquire new skills as technology advances has been paramount. Remaining agile and proficient in an ever-changing technological boom has enabled me to stay at the forefront of my field.

2. Effective Socialization and Networking: The ability to forge meaningful connections and network effectively has proven to be another cornerstone of my journey. Building relationships within my industry and beyond has not only expanded my horizons but has also unlocked valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth.

3. Embracing Innovation and Unconventional Approaches: A vital facet of my success has been my willingness to step outside of traditional boundaries and embrace innovation. Fearlessly venturing into uncharted territory and exploring novel concepts has allowed me to break new ground and contribute to my field in distinctive ways.

I decided to pursue a degree in Computer Science and Information Systems through formal education, which definitely helped. But on the social side of things, my journey began when I volunteered at a nightclub, working the front counter. That experience played a crucial role in kickstarting my social network and paved the way for my future endeavors.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
In my perspective, the decision to either specialize in one’s strengths or pursue a more well-rounded skill set depends on context and individual aspirations. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as both approaches have their advantages.

Focusing exclusively on one’s strengths can lead to mastery and recognition within a specific field. This specialization allows individuals to stand out as experts, which has been my own experience. By dedicating considerable effort to my strengths, I achieved notable success in my field.

However, a singular focus on strengths should be balanced with an awareness of one’s weaknesses. Neglecting areas of weakness can create vulnerabilities and limit adaptability. I once encountered this when I solely emphasized my strengths, and it became apparent that certain situations demanded a broader skill set. This experience underscored the importance of balance.

I firmly believe that humans often embody the adage, ‘Jack of All Trades, Master of None.’ Mastery requires a dedication that transcends plateaus where progress appears to stall. Many individuals tend to pivot to new skills when they reach this point, resulting in a ‘master of none’ outcome. Those who persist through these plateaus, who keep pushing, and continue to pursue improvement even in the face of slow progress, are the ones poised to make a genuine difference in their field.

In conclusion, while the ideal approach may vary based on individual goals and the requirements of a profession, I advocate for a balanced strategy. Invest in your strengths to attain mastery and recognition, but do not neglect your weaker areas entirely. Addressing those weaknesses can enhance your adaptability and versatility, making you a more resilient and multifaceted professional. This pragmatic blend of nurturing strengths while pushing through skill plateaus ensures long-term success and resilience in an ever-changing professional landscape.

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