Meet Quez Cantrell | Artist, Song Writer, Web Designer

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

Hi Quez, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Nashville, TN, more specifically East Nashville or “Out East”. I’ve lived in different neighborhoods Out East. James Casey or South 8th as it’s called is where my parents mostly grew up, and we also spent time living there in our early years. I grew up mostly in the Inglewood community as a teen and also the Lischey Ave. area. My family at large mostly comes from Hendersonville and Goodlettsville.

I lived pretty all around Nashville, so I have an extensive network based on the roots of this city. Many of the friends and family I have from playing sports growing up, grew into other things like music and websites. The impact it had made me deeply involved with the community in any way I could be of service, I just chose music as my vessel to express myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an Artist and Song Writer. I’ve been writing since I was a kid, but only took the art of making music serious in the last 3 years. I felt I had a unique story to tell about my experience coming of age in Nashville. The Black community at large has a unique story in this city that hasn’t been taught to us at scale. Nashville is “County Music USA”, but that’s a misleading title that has been commercialized to the masses. In reality, it’s “Music City USA”, and has been built on the voices and talents of Black People.

I felt my ability to tell stories in song writing form would help shed light on these types of stories. I felt it could also write the story of our years here and our own culture we’ve created in this city. Writing about the city turned into writing more about my own story. In writing, I was able to let people know more about myself and my own story. Along the way, I’ve learned that I actually have something of value to add to the culture, and that we all do in our own way. Finding your purpose and your voice is liberating . I don’t feel life really begins until you do find that spark inside yourself.

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’d introduce them to the city with the Famous Nashville Hot Chicken, more than likely Prince’s since it’s the original. I’d probably take them on a “Use-To-Be” tour. Show them where all the original landmarks we deemed important use to be. Really try to paint a picture of our history in this city and it’s importance. When they’ve had enough of the History Lesson, lol, I’d take them to some dope spots around the city. I’m not much of a club person, so I’d be terrible there. But I’d take them to the PSV Store (Holla at T), Music City Vintage, Slim and Husky’s on Buchanan, NMAAM (African American Music Museum), a Sounds Game (or Titans in Season), hit up a Live show. Something along those lines.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Family who pushes me to keep doing what I love everyday. That family extends to the Nashville community. The Love and Support has always been felt, and will always be reciprocated.

Website: www.QuezCan.com

Instagram: 338755918

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MOE_tivatedQuez?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPgoK3sGB5CP_vTwTDOthw

Image Credits
Dre Shipp – @Alexander_Vanderpool21 Devin Grimes – @DPGDigital1