Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to RONIN. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi RONIN, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I have known my purpose for a long time, but felt contentious trying to fulfill it from other influences. I was never the type of person to make moves in favor of others, but I think the overwhelming perspectives definitely changed the path I was on to get where I am now.
I think a better way to describe it is how I was able to rediscover my purpose and that came after a long fight through depression and severe mental health battles. Without the appropriate resources, I was really at war with myself when it came to believing I belonged here. It came to a point where autopilot was no longer sufficient, and when I hit my breaking point it was such a visceral feeling that brought me back to reality within a split second. By then, I decided I wasn’t willing to part ways with the world until I believed I was doing everything I could to give back.
I hold my cards close, but the people in my life pretty much are my everything and I feel I’d be doing them an injustice by not playing this out because they know and I know that the finish line is at the very top. From here on out I’m all in and I’m not stopping until I get there.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an artist. I see the world in a radically different way than the people around me. My ability to perceive people, nature, and the energy within my environment feels like a 6th sense. My music is an expression of that.
I find my artistic style to be an abstract of dark pop and alternative r&b. There are more obvious influences melodically within my sound, but my writing invites people into the world of RONIN. I call it “The Dojo.” The Dojo represents my inner and outward expression. It’s my perception of the human experience, and my music invites the world to see themselves from my lens.
I am releasing my second single WALLS on July 16, 2025. It dives right into one of the worst days of my life – covering the topic of isolation and the consequences of allowing pain to buildup without an outlet. We live with masks, walls, and disguises to protect others around us from our pain, but when you don’t find a way to filter them out you end up like me nearly losing myself completely. My hope is the song gives a refreshing perspective on the challenges of such a polar topic such as mental health, giving those who struggle a way to express their pain or to channel it and feel the unique relief that comes from hearing a sad song when you feel sad. My hope is they find healing like I did.
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?
I have always been very deeply perceptive. I think it gave me discernment for all of the right interactions to make it this far, and being aware of it only made me better at navigating my career.
Knowing how to ‘perform’ (not just sing), carried me heavily into my path to being a full time artist. I got put on the stage when I was 8 years old, so having that confidence and learning how to have stage presence made me ready for the opportunities when they came.
Above all else, my self-belief is the one reason I’m still doing this. There isn’t a person on the planet who could make me question what I’m doing. I have never doubted my ability to create music, it was always a matter of is this meant for me. Now that I know that for certain, no one can stop me from pursuing it.
If I could give any advice to those earlier in their journey, it’s to start. Not restricted to musicians, but to all creatives you are all artists. The only thing holding you back from creating art is you. Create every single day and don’t get lost in being a perfectionist. Perfectionism is the one trait that will ruin your chances at being successful.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I used to be focused on being well-rounded. I became my own producer, writer, mix engineer, mastering engineer, creative director, photographer, videographer, editor, etc. I did everything and it not only was exhausting and unsustainable, but the quality of the work remained subpar to what I’m up to now.
If you constantly focus on being well rounded trying to DIY your way into success, then you will sacrifice the quality of your art. The biggest artists all have massive teams around them through every stage of the creative process, and yet none of that takes away from their art. No one at the top would be who they are without their team.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ffm.bio/ronintoadin
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ronintoadin
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@roninentertainment
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@ronintoadin
Image Credits
Arts Untitled Chrissy Nowlin Photo
