We had the good fortune of connecting with ITSG3! and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi ITSG3!, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Detroit, Mi and I spent most of my childhood here. If you know anything about Detroit, it’s a city of hustlers and go-getters that also has a deep history in music.
I think more than anything, the biggest impact that the city has had on me is that hustler spirit. No matter what we’re determined to find a way. We don’t sit and feel sorry for ourselves, we don’t complain, we go out and get it. I’ve never made excuses or blamed anyone else for any shortcomings I just put my head down and grind it out until I get the results that I want. Us Detroiters don’t sit around waiting for a handout we go get it for ourselves.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
So, I wear a lot of hats. I’m an Artist, Songwriter, Producer and an Audio Engineer. There are other things that I do but that is where my priorities lie.
I got my start as an artist primarily and during my early studio sessions I was very skeptical about pricing and where the money as going in relation to my time and the quality of my recordings. I’d take my songs home and I knew they didn’t sound like songs on the radio, sonically, so I made the decision to actually learn how to mix and master records. I ended up attending and graduation from the Los Angeles Recording School with a degree in recording arts.
I wouldn’t say things were “hard” but I definitely can’t say it was easy. Challenging is a better word. Its the long nights and early mornings, all the hours spent perfecting something that people are going to judge in 3 to 5 minutes. There are going to be times where you think you’ve knocked it out the park and everyone else things its just ok or even worst they think its trash and then its back to the drawing board. To subject yourself to a form of rejection 99 times in hopes that that 100th time its loved, that’s challenging but its also thrilling and motivating.
It took me years to get to a place where I was not only comfortable with who I was as an artist but also comfortable with some people not liking me as an artist or just not liking my art. I think as creators we sometimes personalize the opinions of strangers who have no obligation to “like”your creation and it’ll eat at us sometimes, but I think if you can find a way to push past that and create freely and fearlessly you’ll be a lot happier with your art. That may be one of the most important lessons I’ve learned as an artist.
If I wanted the world to know anything about me as an artist or as a brand is that I’ve always stayed true to who I am. I think a lot of times, especially as musicians (not all, but some ) we tend to gravitate towards growing trends in music. That’s why you hear so many songs that are similar on the radio, everyone is chasing the “hit”. I can’t say that I’ve never been inspired by other artists or sounds that I hear but I never try to duplicate something that already exists. I always create and speak from the heart and my music reflects that, my brand reflects that.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So depending on the time of the year our plans would differ but lets say its early Fall (my favorite time of the year), still some nice weather, when you come to Detroit you have to hit downtown and feel the energy of the city. Feel the pulse in Campus Martius, and take a short walk to the river front and see our view of Canada across the Detroit River. Its not a trip to Detroit if you don’t get Coney (short or Coney Island)! My favorite spot for coney is Lafayette Coney Island in Downtown Detroit. That’s your quick lunch or late night, after the club meal. The main attractions are the coney dogs and the chili cheese fries.
Now after you’ve gotten a chance to just explore and enjoy the downtown area I have to take you to Rare Boutique just outside the city, that’s where you’ll find the best selection of custom jewelry and high end streetwear. Your Off-White, Heron Preston, Ksubi etc. and if you don’t find what you need there that’s ok because we’re heading over to the Le Don Collection store and if you walk out of either without a bag its not them, its you! Haha!
Ok, so we took you downtown, we got you lunch, we got you fresh and now it’s time to party. Lucky for you, you just spent some money at the Le Don Collection and happened to meet the meet the best vibe setter in the entire city, a good friend of mine, Mr. Lé Don himself. He’ll likely have an event for us to attend and he’ll make sure you experience the Detroit night life the right way and go home with a story to tell.
Since its Fall, that means the cider mills are open football is back and in my opinion it’s no better way to end the weekend than to hit the cider mill in the mornin just before going to a Lions game. There is NO energy like the energy you feel at a Lions game at Ford Field. After the game, its only right to cap the week off with a trip to Eastern market, see the J Dilla mural and we’ll have a tour of the Motown Museum scheduled so you can truly understand the importance and the impact that Detroit has in the music industry.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without question, I’d have to highlight my Mom. As cliche as it may be, my mom is by far the biggest supporter that I’ve ever had. When I was just finding my way as an artist back in high school, my mom was paying for me to go to the studio every Thursday for almost 2yrs until I was old enough to get a job and start paying for my own sessions. That helped me stay consistent, begin to perfect my craft and stay out of trouble in the streets.
Website: www.ITSG3.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsg3/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItsG3
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ITSG3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ItsG3
Image Credits
Jerry PHD Soluscon Lance Knight Sierra King