We were lucky to catch up with FreestyleNaz recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi FreestyleNaz, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Of course. For me, learning the craft is an ongoing process, as well as most artists and entrepreneurs I feel. So much goes into it, and with any hobby, you need at least 20 hours invested. However, with a career, it’s nonstop. When I first started, I thought the toughest obstacle would be creating the song, when in all actuality, it’s the simplest part. The most difficult would be the engineering and marketing process; and since I am not selling a product, I have to find creative ways where I feel comfortable, while simultaneously grasping consumers’ attention. I also must have access to disposable income to market correctly. With most things, there is no easy 1-2 step process, it’s more like a barrier of doors you get through before you reach that final gate, and that has certainly been the process I’ve been experiencing. From learning how to engineer myself to creating my domain + LLC, to creating cover art, and logos, producing videos, setting wardrobe, gathering a team of people with matching schedules, creating the song itself, distributing my music, and so forth, the list doesn’t stop. Sometimes I find myself forgetting to eat, as coffee suffices me temporarily. I certainly wouldn’t trade it for the world, however, I do notice it takes away from my personal life as well as my health at times. Would I change it? Of course not. Music is my love, and anything you love is worth fighting for. I’m someone who goes by quotes, and one of the many I hang onto is, “The person interested in success has to learn to view failure as an inevitable part of getting to the top” – JB. That is how I see any obstacle that tries to get in my way. It’s all about how you handle it, and keep moving forward. Everything is mental.
Nazret, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Certainly. My name is Nazret Hezbom, people call me Naz and a plethora of other nicknames, and I’m an independent musical artist who goes by the name FreestyleNaz. I’ve always dabbled and played in music with friends, they’d call me nasty Naz for my lyricist capabilities, as well as my good ear; however, I took it more seriously during the pandemic, and have been pursuing music for the last two years.
Being first generation from Tigray Ethiopia, my immediate family was struggling severely, and of course, not a word was on the news. During those rough times, I was pursuing a full-ride scholarship I earned for music, but my mental health was detrimental, as well as me having to be stable and independent in a city alone. I did not end up fulfilling my scholarship and instead went my route, as that was the best decision for my given situation. I first wrote poetic songs, the first one was titled “Compassion”, and I continued writing songs like these for 1-2 years as it helped me heal. Inspirations of mine include Barry White, Billie Holiday, Fella Kuti, Frank Sinatra, Etta James, Amy Winehouse, Dean Martin, and so forth. I refer to them as the greats. Unfortunately, I recognize that many artists aren’t appreciated until their passing; and I do not want to have the same outcome. After countless trials and errors, which will continue to be a part of my journey, I have been expanding my musical capabilities, sometimes finding myself doing things I’m not fully comfortable with at first; for the love of art. I now create full productions, and music I hope heals people, or pushes them to embrace a side of them they aren’t used to/haven’t gotten to know. What sets me apart from many artists, is that I create music that makes you feel, and I do it independently. Each vision, each lyric, and each presentable art formed is a piece directly from me. What I am most proud of so far is how far I’ve come from my early stages. It has never been easy, and I’m even proud of myself for acknowledging my accomplishments; as I am one of those people who always crave to do more.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Most definitely. I’ve always been misunderstood, and my career certainly does not help in that situation. As a creative, people forget that this is still a career I’m pursuing, and not my persona entirely. On top of it, this is one of those fields many are quick to criticize, yet have minimal understanding of. Many choose to judge, versus observing and educating oneself, that’s simply how life works. However, I find many are concerned with what my goals are in my music or other aspects that aren’t relative to themselves. Many assume I want to be the next big superstar when in reality, I just want to make a career out of my love and passion, while simultaneously making other people feel good.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, several. My main goal is what it’s always been, to be reunited with my family. I want financial freedom for all of us. I want to be able to see them more often and provide them with better opportunities; I also want to give back to my country. I want to help my friends with their goals and careers, as well as myself, and I want to become the woman I’m destined to be.
I want the future I’ve been working all my life for.
Many desires drive me, and there’s a lot of good I want to spread on this earth. I want to travel and embrace the many different cultures that exist, I want a house, and I want people to gain something from what I create. Whether it be: happiness, a connection, love, healing, depth, etc. I want there to be a takeaway. I have so many goals and dreams driving me as I have a wandering mind and a constantly growing list. However, my main goal is a beautiful life surrounded by love and joy; not just for me, but for everyone who surrounds me, and those who don’t. I want purity. Some may call it naive, but I call it optimism and strength.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://freestylenaz.
com/ - Spotify: https://open.spotify.
com/artist/ 1wocvhWUOGgCjwUgfctzSF?si= BON5L2nBTaW1vnY6HRnkyQ - Apple Music: https://music.apple.
com/us/artist/freestylenaz/ 1688358285 - Youtube: https://www.youtube.
com/@FreestyleNaz?si= J594yEhNL2K9jg39 - Linkedin: https://www.
linkedin.com/in/nazret-hezbom- 54022b23a/ - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/nazret_hezbom/ - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/profile.php?id= 100094941140236 - Twitter: https://twitter.com/
freestylenaz