Meet Nard Allen | Artist. Singer-Songwriter. Musician. Producer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nard Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nard, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have never actually been a person that followed rules well. More than anything, I eventually grew tired of making sure other were pleased with my life decisions overall. In work, life, creativity, aesthetics, mentality, etc. I just got tired so, I looked at what I was doing on the side, which was something that I loved more than anything, and told myself that I’d rather do that everyday and figure out how to be successful at that, than working/slaving and still unhappy with my life. After my band, UnClassifiedBand ended, I branded the name as an LLC providing so much to my community and abroad.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Eryka Badu said it best… “I’m an Artist and I’m…” You know the rest. lol! This statement really embodies the very thoughts I have when it comes to any idea that comes to and from my mind. As a detailed person, it takes me a minute to get something to place of “DONE”. Something can always be better and that is what separated and still separates me and what I do from other creatives and artists. Anything I work on, I give my all to and that makes me proud. I can remember the days that I prayed to be exactly where I am because you never know what God is preparing for you next. Every NOW is a setup for the NEXT and that makes me anxious but still very excited at the same time. I have been homeless, without food, without money, sleeping on a friend’s sofa, etc. Through everything that I have ever been through, God still made sure I was singing, playing my guitar, serving and showing up every single time. I never knew that you were supposed to still chase your dreams even when your life doesn’t add up to what you see but, I learned that everything that comes is a test from God to build you for what you prayed for. It’s a test to see if you mean what you say. It was not easy but I am so very glad I continued to move forward in the middle of all my doubts and pains. I stayed connected to God through every season… or maybe I should say, HE stayed connected to me. He always made sure I knew he was taking care of me the whole time. Overcoming challenges is about standing firm on your beliefs no matter what comes to test it. Lessons that come through those tuff times stick with you for life and help you understand why you started in the first place. I’ve learned so much through being a hundred percent creative. Everything starts with you, don’t compare your journey, its all about how you handle yourself in EVERY situation, always stop and enjoy your times of rest, reflect often, REHEARSE & PRACTICE as much as possible and ALWAYS be a STUDENT!

I want the world to know that no matter where you come from, God wrote your story. Nothing catches him by surprise. We are created creations with infinite amounts of creativity and purpose to create infinite creations that spark other creatives to do the same. Thats what my purpose is in this life. to SPARK, INSPIRE and to OPEN the DOOR for the next generation. I am a point of reference. I represent the Weirdos, MuTants, the X-Men, the UnClassified!

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?
There are so many places to go and so many things to see when coming into Baltimore. Let me put it more in a schedule kind of way…

Day 1 – FOOD!! – We are stopping at EVERY place I can think of in Canton. Places like &Pizza, Blue Moon, Nacho Mammas, Home Slyce and a few other places in the area just to taste.

Day 2 – Drinks!! There are places like R- House in the city of Baltimore that have live music and a bar and its just a great time especially in the summer.

Day 3 – Going to Monuments! I have a fascination for sculptures and the time they were built.
Day 4 – Walter’s Art Museum! That place is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places I have ever been. It inspires you to grow and open your mind.
Day 5 – Karaoke! One of my favorite places is to go to Supano’s on Water St. Deb is the BEST hostess ever!
Day 6 – The STUDIO! I would have to, of course, get the vibes going at the studio. Play some music and just vibe out because of course my best friend is a music head!
Day 7 – I would close out the week by going to the harbor and riding some scooters, getting ice cream, visiting the science center, watch the boats on the water and then going on top of federal hill to watch the sun go down. That view is unmatched!

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?
I talk about my friends a LOT. I do so because they are a major part of why I am where I am today. They were there with me through the darkest of days and they stayed with me through it even when I felt unloveable and pushed them away. They are the most beautiful beings on this planet and I’m so grateful to each and every one of them for loving me. To my 2.0/MuTanT little brothers & sisters… Y’all are special and chosen. Know that you have my heart ALWAYS.

Website: https://theopenact.com/2022/nard-allen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nard.allen/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nard_Allen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nard.AllenTV

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrP_kfd9fu0uRP2NKKGFivw