We had the good fortune of connecting with Theron “T-RON” Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Theron “T-RON”, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think I was afraid to take risks early on because I was afraid to fail just like anyone else. I realized that risks are inevitable and we all have to take them at different points in our lives. It’s always scary to put yourself out there, but that’s how we grow as people. I’ve fallen on my face a few times, but I’ve learned from those experiences and became a stronger because of it. Failure absolutely sucks – it’s uncomfortable, embarrassing and unforgiving. Unfortunately it’s something we all will have to encounter in some form or fashion at different seasons of our lives. It’s how you handle your failures that will either keep you stuck where you are, or propel you to that next level. I think taking risks were necessary for my growth and for my self-awareness. I took what I perceived to be at the time “well calculated risk” and still inadvertently suffered the consequences afterwards. It landed me flat broke at age 23 and again at 25. I thought it was over. I endured the greatest pitfall of my life twice! What it taught me was who I really am, who my real friends were, and where I wanted to be in life going forward. Even at my lowest I stayed committed, determined and learned how resilient I really was.
A quote that really resonates with me ”It’s not what you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you are not” by Denis Waitley.
I know that might sound obvious, but it’s something we all need to be reminded of from time to time. There’s one risk that I try to avoid at all costs all the time. It is the risk of doing nothing at all. Life in itself is risky, moving to a new city is risky. Investing in the stock market is risky. Even crossing the street is risky! Thats why we look both ways before crossing the street and take steps to minimize the risk when it’s possible. I had to develop how to minimize my risks. I had to let go of the fear of failure. Overtime I’ve learned to be way more calculated and way more prepared going into things. At the very least I owe it to myself and my ancestors before me to never give up and to never stop trying. If you don’t try, how would you ever know how far you can go?
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In addition to my entrepreneurial background, and being a clinical specialist, I am also a music producer with a number of other creative businesses around it. I purchased a home back in 2016 and had a vision to make it a creative space and music studio. My business’ name is So Angelic which led me to name the creative space the “So Angelic House”. There are multiple divisions within the So Angelic brand. To name a few:
-So Angelic House- A Creative Space & Music Studio where artist are able to book the private recording studio without others interrupting their sessions. (We’ve all been there) It’s really for serious artists that like to be tucked away to really lock in on their craft.
-So Angelic Partners- This is the Digital Marketing arm of the business. There’s a lot of artist that have great music but what’s a great song if people don’t know it exists? The great thing about where we are today in the music industry is that an artist could live in a city like Charlotte and have millions of fans in Paris or Russia without ever leaving their bedroom, thanks to the internet. We offer a few digital traction campaigns that enable artists to find their audience and grow with them just like a label, but without one.
-So Airbnb- An additional living space created so people can stay short term while working on projects or just for a weekend getaway.
-So Angelic Sounds- Is the Music production company. Here we license music and partner with artist in releasing their music. Artists have said my production style and vocal arrangement is similar to that of Drake’s producer “40” and “Pharrell”. I do prefer to work with artists in person vs just email a track because the studio is where I can bring out the best out of artists. However i’m currently working with a new online beat platform where people could purchase some of my “Sounds” aka instrumentals on online and producers & artist can connect with each other all in once platform.
Since creating the So Angelic House multiple creatives have booked my space for music videos, content creation, podcasts and live intimate shows. I am proud to say that So Angelic House has been used to create full albums and soundtracks for multiple artists & films. As a music producer my job is to help give artists structure and bring their ideas to life, in addition to helping artists discover their own sound and tell their story in a unique way. I’m also passionate about educating artists about the music business side such as Song registration ,Royalties, Distribution, roll-outs, brand awareness & digital strategies to help them grow organically without having a major label. What sets me apart in what I do is my authenticity and unique outlook of life. In the beginning it was definitely a tug of war between my passion and having financial security. As time went on I found a way to let them all live side by side in harmony.
My music journey started after moving to Mcdonough, Georgia from New York City as a freshman in High school I stumbled along a music site that was just a fun way to program sounds & drums using software. I had no prior music training or skill so for me it was just an entertaining program at the time. I never thought It would be something I could get paid for. I moved back to New York and my cousin Jamie who was a DJ at the time overheard a beat I created the previous night. From there, he introduced me to the owner of a studio he knew, and the rest was history! I began interning days later. Binghi (the studio owner) became a mentor and taught me everything he knew about audio, mixing, mastering and recording. I did hundreds of sessions sometimes recording all weekend, learning as much as I could. I soon began managing the daily operations of the studio. One night I met an A&R and played a few tracks for him. I not only had beats, but full songs as well. An hour later I was sitting at Def Jam! *Mic Drop*
Unfortunately unforeseen circumstances resulted in the studio I was working at to close down suddenly. It left me absolutely gutted and I decided that I would then bet on myself. I cashed out my 401K and opened my 1st Music Studio shortly after. My 1st break soon followed – a remix for a song called “Yeah 3X” by Chris Brown. Later that year I was signed to a music publishing company. When I arrived I remembered seeing writers and producers have huge plaques of their achievements on the wall, however they were not in the best place financially. I recall the moment that I realized I knew nothing about the business and wanted more than just Plaques. I had to really think about what I wanted my future to look like. I decided to take charge of my own destiny, and I wanted to do music according to my own terms. Later that year my decisions would pay off, with the opportunity to go on a multi city tour that included Germany & Panama.
Fast forward to where I am now, I understand the business of music. I’ve collaborated with artist like The RZA, Stunna 4 Vegas , K-Ci from(K-Ci & JoJo) & Anthony Hamilton. My music compositions have be synced in major Films, Movies, Netflix, ESPN, Video Games on XBOX & Playstation and even used by The NBA. Collectively my work has millions of streams and most recently the Super Bowl LVI used one of my songs in their Adidas commercial with the new Charlotte’s FC soccer Team. I know what you’re thinking….How am I maintaining a medical career, music career plus managing a business at the same time? Hahaha. To be honest life doesn’t get easier, you just get stronger.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, I’m originally from New York City, but I have lived in Charlotte NC for 6 years now.
Living in Charlotte there are some spots I would definitely recommend you try!
You have to hit FlowerChild, located in South End for a little grub for sure! If you like good eats, healthy fresh food, they have exactly what you need!
When it comes to a spot for a few games and a couple of drinks you have to hit up Puttery. It’s near South Blvd and has a great atmosphere.
For dessert, make sure you hit Insomnia cookies, there’s a few locations across the city, and also be sure to check out Crave dessert bar. It gives me a NYC vibe!
Last but not least if you’re an Artist or Musician, book an appointment at the So Angelic House. It’s a private studio & creative space I designed. It has an artistic vibe and the atmosphere will surely inspire your inner creativity!
For serious Artists looking to stay and work on full projects or Ep’s or just anyone just interested in what charlotte has to offer – the So Angelic House also offers an available AirBnb on the property that is conveniently located near downtown Charlotte.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to Shout Out my Mom & Dad. They never gave up on the “American Dream”, and brought my brother and I to America from Trinidad & Tobago. Without their relentless pursuit for a better life, who knows where I’d be today.
I’d also like to shoutout my older brother Brenton for pushing me to never stop learning! His advice helped me move to charlotte and positioned me to where I am today.
I’d like to shout out my Aunt Carol that allowed me to crash on her couch for 3 1/2 years while I chased my dreams and opened my 1st business. Without her support I wouldn’t have been able to take suck a risk.
I’d like to thank my mentor Nigel “Binghi” Williams. He taught me everything I know when it comes to Audio, and the music business. He gave me the opportunity to learn from him & gave me the tools to be self sufficient.
I’d like to shout out my Uncle Ian, for bringing the So Angelic House to life by helping me build a place that would not only channel my creativity, but allow others to channel there’s too.
I’d like to thank my homie Bryant for helping bring his knowledge to So Angelic and teaching me everything I know about digital marketing.
As a final note, I’d like to thank my girlfriend, Kelly. She has added tremendous value to the vision of So Angelic, and has always been my number-one supporter, whether it is personal or professional. Without her, it would be impossible!
To all my family and friends that have supported me in any way.
Thank You!
WE NOT DONE YET!
Website: Wearesoangelic.com
Instagram: @TronMusiq
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theronlewis101/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoVr-7KhYy3o9zK5DKF3rJw
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Kelly Hollis