We caught up with the brilliant and insightful International Gt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

International, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The best investment I’ve ever made was pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Recording Arts at Full Sail University. That decision set the foundation for my career in the music industry. After graduating, I began working as an engineer at Patchwerk Recording Studios in Atlanta, which opened the door to incredible opportunities. I eventually became Fetty Wap’s engineer for three years and collaborated with artists like Nelly, Ashanti, Benny the Butcher, Serayah, Dead Prez, and many others.

Most recently, I was featured on Netflix’s Rhythm & Flow : Season 2, where I worked as the engineer for three of the show’s artists appearing on 3 episodes. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently invested in myself by staying informed about industry trends and adapting to its ever-changing landscape. That commitment has been crucial to building longevity in this field.

International, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Glenn “International GT” Thomas, Founder and CEO of Straight Lace Entertainment, an independent music company offering recording, production, songwriting, and composing services. Born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, I’ve always been passionate about music. My love for the craft began with my dad’s extensive record collection and regular outings on release days. That passion grew when my parents gifted me my first turntables at age 11, sparking countless hours of experimentation and creativity. With the guidance of my parents and unwavering support of my grandmother, I pursued music through every stage of life. I attended the Las Vegas Academy of Performing Arts in high school and went to attend college at Full Sail University. During my time at Full Sail, I worked on Jah Cure’s Grammy-nominated album. I graduated earning my Bachelor’s degree in Recording Arts from Full Sail University in 2015. After graduating , I moved to Atlanta on the advice of Grammy-winning engineer Leslie Brathwaite. I started working at Patchwerk Recording Studios, advancing quickly from intern to full-time engineer. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with many artists. I worked with Fetty Wap on Cheat Codes’ single “Feels Great” which obtained RIAA Gold Certification in 2016 . Some other artists I had the opportunity to work with are Nelly, Ashanti, Young Thug, Benny the Butcher, George Clinton, and J. Brown, whose record My Whole Heart reached #1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart in 2023.

Founded in 2002, Straight Lace Entertainment remains independently operated by myself and Courtney Mattingly, who oversees Marketing and Artist Management.

Straight Lace Entertainment is a professional music company offering a range of services, including recording, music production, songwriting, and composing. The problems we solve for our clients center around providing a seamless creative process and ensuring their vision is brought to life with the highest standards. What sets Straight Lace Entertainment apart is our dedication to elevating the music industry’s standards. We inspire our clients to push boundaries and create timeless works of art, fostering creativity and excellence in every project we take on.
I’m most proud of my journey—relocating to Atlanta, a city where I had no established connections, and building my career as an engineer from the ground up. That leap of faith led to accomplishments I never imagined, from working with incredible artists to contributing to projects that have made a lasting impact in the industry. I want people to know that my work is rooted in a genuine passion for music. Every project I take on is treated with care, precision, and dedication to quality. At Straight Lace Entertainment, our goal is not just to create music but to craft timeless works that resonate deeply with listeners and elevate the artists we work with.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

To truly support artists and creatives, society needs to return to valuing their work by investing in it. This means paying for music, art, performances, and other creative works instead of seeking free alternatives. Financial support directly empowers artists to continue creating and helps sustain a thriving creative ecosystem.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

As major studios began to close and home studios became more common, I had to pivot by expanding my skill set to include live sound work and exploring new ways to stay active in studio production. The music industry is constantly evolving, and to stay relevant, I’ve made it a priority to keep learning and adapting. That willingness to pivot and embrace change has been essential to my longevity in the field.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationalgt/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glenn.g.thomas/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-thomas-49b4ab33/
• Twitter: https://x.com/futureisnowlv
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@straightlaceentlv1
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/gtlv