Meet TRANSCENDENCE

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

Hi TRANSCENDENCE, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I have learned that being authentic despite societal expectations or stereotypes in any given situation is the key to success. Qualities that highlight the quirks that make me unique are what make me stand out. Being vulnerable is one of the greatest assets I can possess. I believe sharing my truth, regardless of how uncomfortable it may be at times, is always necessary. As cliché as the expression “be who you needed when you were younger” is, it’s true. I must show up for myself, advocate for my needs, champion my progress and be my biggest supporter. Committing to this practice allows me to embody undeniable energy when I walk into any place and take up space. Only then does the style of what I wear compliment the confidence I carry. With all of these elements combined, it matters more about who I am in the room.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m TRANSCENDENCE – A self-taught spiritual lyricist, spoken word poet and conscious rapper who is determined to authenticate the representation of neuroqueer individuals as an independent artist.

‘TRANSCENDENCE’ is a nod to my identity as well as my spiritual connection of faith in God and the divine Universe. I create to influence inspiration and imagination with a soul mission to spread love, life, and light.

When I am not immersed in my art, you can find my passion in conversation amongst community and fellowship, creating connection and establishing a foundation of change I plan to instill and build towards a better future now.

I have a self-titled EP available on all streaming platforms as well as a new single on the way. Stay tuned!

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

One helpful skill that’s impacted my journey is that I’ve always been a hands-on learner. Although I’m self-taught in a lot of areas, I do believe in asking questions, seeking advice, being open to constructive feedback and shadowing under an experienced mentor.

Another thing I’ve learned is allowing collaborative effort and contribution. Any art form is precious and sharing it can be intimidating. As much as I love to do it all, I know it is worth bringing art to life with others who hold the same passion and can add their own gifts to the piece.

Finally, have fun! Yes, it can be important to take your craft seriously but also give yourself room to play. There have been a handful of times where I have focused on the finished product and what was at stake. Some of those factors include budget, time, and resources. I would remind myself of why I started in the first place. Just enjoy the process of making something for the sake of it.

My advice for those early in their journey is to enjoy the ride. This includes setbacks! It’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t go as “planned.” Use it as fuel to keep going. Be open to ask for help and receive support. A big tip I cannot stress enough is to outsource. There is a pool of talent everywhere and whatever you cannot do, someone else can. We all have different gifts we can share. That is the magic of the exchange. Lastly, trust. Trust yourself, trust your higher power, and trust the process.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

One challenge I face as an artist is acknowledging myself as a business. Speaking from my experience, unfortunately artists are not taught to view ourselves this way. I have spent years honing my skills as a writer and lyricist, learning how to play various instruments, listening to all genres of music to discover my sound, and making music as a form of expression. Aside from being a love of personal interest, it has always been my lifeline, passion and destined purpose.

Since I cannot imagine my life without music, I decided to pursue it as a career. To make a living off of what I create is a perk of what I get to do. However, I was not prepared for what this path entails. The financial aspect of this field is a small percentage of the entire equation. There are so many factors to consider and building from the ground up is only the beginning.

I’ve always been ambitious, and I love a challenge. To overcome this idea, I have taken online courses in music production, business studies, marketing, how to sell my product(s)/services, beats and licensing, strategizing, networking and much more. I read books or watch content specifically made by independent artists who are up and coming or already established. I study their careers, discography, and social media. I do my best to understand how they navigate the same obstacles or challenges I face and listen to advice they share to their fanbase and other creatives. I also intentionally seek out other indie artists so that we can uplift one another, develop and promote our individual projects and connect over similar experiences.

Eventually I changed my vocabulary to model the type of standard I wish to set. How I define my brand ultimately sets the tone. Everything is with intention and meticulously crafted.

Overall, my “business” as an artist is solely to develop relationships. The connections I foster are what make this opportunity thrive.

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