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

Hi West, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Well I started out in the creative arts at the age of 5 as a classical pianist. My interest in music didn’t peak until my late teens when I discovered jazz. During college I was approached by a television show to produce music and travel as musical director. That was the period of my life when I discovered that expressing my creative side brought me more joy than anything else. Ultimately that was the inspiration for choosing to pursue the creative arts as a career.

What should our readers know about your business?
West Unlimited is my company. It’s a full service production and entertainment company. We specialize in all things music. We offer LIVE show production for events ranging from 100 to 50,000 people. Our skilled musical directors and roster of musicians perform with the best artist in the world. We take an artist’s vision and bring it to life from conception of a show to programming, rehearsals, and the final product fans see on stage. Our agency division books talent for festivals, music venues, and private events (corporate galas, etc). As consultants, we work to develop and mold artists with studio production, branding, and other tools to take their careers to the next level.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m an outdoors type of guy. So I would suggest starting the day at Piedmont Park or Stone Mountain Park with a nice picnic or walk in the park.

Downtown Atlanta is a melting pot for restaurants and a great time! I love seafood so I would suggest The Optimist restaurant.

The best music venue in the city is St James LIVE. I host a LIVE show there Every Single Thursday (shameless plug)!!! They have the best music and the food is incredibly delicious!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve had several mentors and influences over my career. I first have to start with my parents because my initial exposure to music was through them. Throughout my career they have always been encouraging and supportive. I also had a wonderful piano teacher growing up Lotti Nixon who really helped guide my journey from the beginning.

Once I started my career professionally there were several people I encountered that I would ask tons of questions and was able to build relationships and gain mentors that are still influencing me to this day.

Last but certainly not least I have to thank my wonderful wife Essence, who is also my business partner, for her unwavering love and support. She challenges me to be the best version of myself and to actually conquer those BiG dreams.

Website: Www.Westunlimited.net

Instagram: @westunlimited

Twitter: Twitter.com/westbyrd

Facebook: Facebook.com/WestByrd

Image Credits
Photos courtesy of Aric Thompson of DreamMultimediaGroup.

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