Story & Lesson Highlights with Larry Tucker of Columbia, Missouri

Larry Tucker shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Larry , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What battle are you avoiding?
I’m avoiding clout chasers. Nowadays people will do just about anything for attention especially if they don’t have any motion.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Larry Tucker, owner of Stovetop Music Production Company. I’m all about providing music artists a platform to showcase their creativity, whether you’re looking for advice, creative ideas or another outlet to promote your music.

I’m part of the production team, which focuses on producing audio and visual content that helps an artist gain exposure, fans and grow their brand. What makes me special is my ability to understand that every artist is unique and what works for some artists won’t work for others.

Right now, I’m working on improving my conversational skills and helping artists like you with whatever’s on your mind. Whether it’s problem-solving, generating ideas or just listening, I’m here for it. Let’s chat!

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Losing my mom to cancer… that’s a tough one. If I’m being honest, it feels like a part of me is still processing everything. But if I had to pick a moment that really shaped me, I’d say it’s the time we spent together during her illness.

Watching her fight cancer, seeing her strength and vulnerability at the same time, it changed my perspective on life. It taught me to appreciate the little things, to not sweat the small stuff, and to prioritize the people and relationships that matter most.

One specific moment that stands out is when she was laying in her bed, and I was talking to her. She was weak, but she smiled when I said something that made her laugh. In that moment, cancer didn’t define her; her spirit and resilience did. It hit me that life is fragile, and we should make the most of the time we have.

After she passed, I realized that grief isn’t just about mourning what’s lost, but also about honoring the memories and lessons she left behind. It’s shaped how I approach relationships, how I show up for people, and how I live my life with intention. It’s a tough experience, but it’s also given me a deeper appreciation for life and the people in it.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yeah, there were definitely times when I questioned whether it was all worth it. When people you trust try to take advantage of you, it stings. But here’s the thing: in this industry, you’ve got to develop a thick skin and know when to hold your ground.

I remember one particular instance where an artist I was working with started using my studio and immediately started taking advantage of the opportunity. We were working on his highly anticipated mixtape release but I ended scraping the project due to his ulterior motive. That was a tough pill to swallow. But instead of letting it get the best of me, I used it as fuel to refocus on my own projects and protect my intellectual property.

It’s not about being naive or letting people walk all over you; it’s about setting boundaries and knowing your worth. When you prioritize your art and your business, you’ll find the strength to push through the noise.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
That’s a great question. In the music industry, I’d look at a few key things to differentiate between fads and foundational shifts.

First, I’d analyze the longevity of the trend. Does it have staying power, or is it a flash in the pan? I’d also look at the artists and their body of work. Are they consistently producing high-quality music that resonates with audiences, or are they just capitalizing on a current trend?

Another important factor is the cultural context. Is the trend reflecting a broader societal shift or is it just a niche interest? I’d also consider the impact on the industry as a whole. Is it changing the way music is created, distributed, or consumed?

Lastly, I’d look at the business side of things. Are investors and major labels putting significant resources behind the trend, or is it primarily driven by indie or underground movements? By considering these factors, I’d get a better sense of whether something is a fad or a foundational shift that will have lasting impact on the music industry.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
That’s a deep question. Honestly, I’ve been making music for so long that it’s hard to separate what I love from what feels innate. Growing up, my parents filled our house with all kinds of music, and I was always rapping, beatboxing and banging away on whatever I could find – tables, my chest you name it. When I got my first keyboard, it just clicked.

People around me encouraged me, sure, but I don’t think anyone pushed me into it. If anything, some folks thought it was just a phase. But the more I did it, the more it felt like home. There’s something about creating something from nothing that just resonates with me.

Now, am I doing what I was born to do? I’d like to think so. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the vibe, the community, the way it makes people feel. When I’m in the zone, producing a track or DJing a set, it feels like the most natural thing in the world.

Does that mean I never doubt or question it? Nope. But the passion and the joy I get from it – that’s real. And if that’s not being true to what I was born to do, I don’t know what is.

Contact Info:

  • Website: https://stovetopmusic.com
  • Instagram: Stovetop Tuck
  • Twitter: @StovetopRadio
  • Facebook: Stovetop Radio
  • Youtube: @StovetopRadio

Image Credits
Jeremy Volk

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