We had the good fortune of connecting with Lance Avery Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lance, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When it comes to being an artist, it comes with risk. The biggest risk you can ever take is believing in yourself. That starts a chain reaction of finding out what makes you unique and loving yourself because of that. Most artists I know including myself have gone through a phase of self doubt. With the belief in yourself you still run into constant situations where it feels like you are waiting for an opportunity or validation and the truth is, it gets hard. Even with all of that, the risk comes when those obstacles come in front of you and by the grace of God you find that strength to say “no this is going to work out”. That reminder of trust that you have in your work and what you bring to the table is what keeps you going. At your lowest points you find the strength to keep believing in yourself and that’s the role risk plays in this field.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Anything that pretty much involves a creative process I am stoked for. On the acting side of things I love that feeling I get in a process when I go on that adventure of learning my character and the world they live in. I have always been a history nerd so I would like to say that’s part of the reason I love diving so deep into bringing a character to life. Then of course I freestyle rap and write hip-hop musicals. The beauty in storytelling itself is an art. When you are able to do it in these interesting cadences, it does something to the ear and brain that can’t quite be explained, but it feels good. Whenever I am writing or free styling it’s the connectivity which brings it together. Whether it’s the bar or two parts of a story coming together that’s what makes it so rewarding for me. With all of that it definitely isn’t a walk in the park though. There are lots of nights and days where I have to force myself to take a break so I don’t burn myself out. There are lots of days where the questions I’m asking don’t get answered. Sometimes it’s more than the art. Anybody who chooses this path as a career knows the frustrations and the everyday battles, but in my opinion it’s the most humbling experience ever. You learn to enjoy the journey including the wins and the losses. That’s what got me to where I am today. Finding a way to embrace everything that comes my way and to continue striving to be better. New obstacles are so common and are one of the main things that drive me because I want to overcome them. I want the world to know that whenever they see work that I do, that behind all of that is 100% love and dedication within it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I am going to do this for two cities because I have love for both. A lot of people don’t know, but I am originally from St. Louis Missouri so I think it’s fair that I share what I would do in Atlanta & St. Louis. If they were visiting Atlanta I feel like it’s a classic to go downtown even if it’s to walk around. The city at night is one of the prettiest things you can see in a busy town. I’d probably take them to see a show at the Alliance Theatre or even an exhibit at the High Museum . Atlanta is definitely one of the best cities to view art. I’ve seen some of the best theatre, to some of the best art, to even upcoming artists from the underground rap scene. Next would probably be Atlantic Station. Atlantic Station is definitely one of those spots. It’s almost like going to a mini city within a city. There’s something there for everybody. From the food to the restaurants, to the stores, and even the dessert spots. Ponce City Market is also a must. It’s like a big playground for adults. There are lots of stores, restaurants and attractions. Then depending on the friend I would have to take them back to my roots in the southern part of Atlanta. The Kiku Japanese Steak house in Camp Creek is a landmark. Everybody has had or been to a birthday celebration there at least once if you grew up around that area.

Now if this was St. Louis we would automatically start the day with some Imos Pizza. Imo’s Pizza is hands down the best pizza in the country and the toasted ravioli you can’t miss with that. Then catch a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium and kick it in the ballpark village. St. Louis is a baseball city and the only way to find that out is to go. The loop is one of my favorite places in St. Louis as you will see some of the best authentic art a person can create in the midwest. The vibes are immaculate and it just feels like artistic freedom. Music is always playing and it has this jukebox jazz vibe throughout the whole area. It’s truly an iconic spot. It’s also a good way to end the night.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
To start off my journey wouldn’t be anything if it wasn’t for the man above to help guide me. My parents and family played a crucial role in allowing me to grow up on a path where I was able to experience life and have great guidance. They allowed me to be as expressive in the art and storytelling that I create today. Michael Mario Good and Freddie Hendricks were two people who really helped me unlock that confidence within myself. Of course all my mentors, professors, and directors that I have encountered from high school to now in college sprinkling all the knowledge they know and doing all of that with love, that’s the key to it all.

Website: lanceaverybrown.carrd.co

Instagram: @LanceAveryBrown

Twitter: @LanceAveryBrown

Other: Tiktok: Lxnce2Times

Image Credits
@Caseygardnerford – Stage Pictures @Hollywoodheadhshots -Headshots

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