Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Richard Raymond II. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Richard thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

In my experience, emotions are fleeting. So, saying “I’m happy as an artist” or “I’m unhappy as an artist” would only represent a fraction of my experience.

The truth is, it depends on the day—sometimes the moment. As a husband and father who passionately shops organic, I regularly feel financially strained.
As of late, almost every day, I wonder what it would be like to have a so-called regular job. I still choose my family and potential freedom over mailing it in. In a 9-5, my wife would struggle and my soul would suffer. I say “potential freedom” because I often feel trapped. Bound by the reigns of bills and commitments. My at, my true essence, becomes an afterthought. This stage is temporary. Parenting’s hard. Buying a home is stressful. Flights are expensive.

I still believe: I still believe I can attain financial freedom w/o compromising what I know I’m meant to do. I still believe my art is honest enough to connect with people all over the world. I still believe in the path ahead. I still believe.

When I can, I take the time to imagine what it will feel like to live comfortably off of my creative work. What will my days look like? What will it feel like to provide for my family proudly, from a place of abundance? What will it feel like to know that others look to me as an example of someone who comprised nothing and found love, family and the ability to generate compounding income? If you begin to feel this regularly, in your mind, it’s only a matter of time before it exists in real time and space.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with music.

An athlete first, I began playing instruments late in high school. Shortly after, I knew this is what I wanted to do. As a physically gifted person, with a strong musical ear, I knew my ceiling was as high, if not higher than, those who had picked up their instruments for the first time years before me. I was locked in from about 16-25.

After years of relentlessly writing, recording, mixing & mastering my own music, others started asking for help. Today, I teach others about music theory, record records, mix & master records & perform jazzy, improvise heavy, guitar music.
I also produce podcasts and release a bi-weekly music podcast of my own titled “A Musical Mind”.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I *have* to create. When I don’t, things get really dark. I don’t really feel like I have a choice in the matter…and I’m sure many of my peers feel the same.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I strive to make transportive music that helps people feel calm & warm. Nothing more than that!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/richard_raymond_ii?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://linktr.ee/richard_raymond_ii

Image Credits
Keoni Gross