We recently connected with Antwan Booker and have shared our conversation below.
Antwan , appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
Yes, I am happy as an artist and creative. I started at the age of 12 as an artist, watching New Edition, Prince, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Morris Day & The Time, which inspired me to write lyrics. So, since music videos were popular at the time. I wanted to do that as well. So, I was using my dad’s camcorder back in the 80’s, trying to make a video of my own. Building play sets with my hands, with my Legos, and being creative with a vivid imagination. It has only spawned me to do more with my life. Not knowing that things would go beyond dancing in front of people. But my stepdad placed me in a recording studio at the age of 13 before moving to Arkansas; as my one request. I created my first demo! And during tumultuous times within the family, we were selected by our family counselors to be interviewed on CNN NEWS. They asked me what it was that I did. And I said, “Sing and write”. So, I chose a song that I wrote, using Bell, Biv, Devoes instrumental ‘Poision’. My song was called ‘Mario’s in Trouble’. I got word back that it had aired. From that family counseling session, that television catapulted me to want to be on television even more! Upon moving to Arkansas, that is when I was blessed to be in the biggest stages opening for Bushwick Bill of the infamous group ‘Geto Boys’, hosted by Benito Glosson singer-songwriter with Mc. hammer. I started to see my dreams become a reality by the time I turned 19. Still picking up a camcorder and watching old movies like Scarface, Jason’s lyric, Purple Rain, Benny Hill, 3 Stooges, and In Living Color. My creative thoughts with music and writing did not end there. That is what sparked my interest in film and television. Doing things that came naturally to me brought me joy because I watched other people enjoy what they did. I knew that I could bring the same to the public. My known character by others was that I was always “smiling”. And that is what I liked to see in others. So, as I promulgate into the future, I said to myself, “They have an unknown gem in this industry waiting to either be discovered or waiting to break out”. My parents were not on board with any of it. My stepdad wanted me to join the military and I chose what God put on my heart, and inside of me. And that’s entertainment, I knew I was multifaceted. They did not understand it and to this day I still don’t think they do. I am like no other and I think outside the box in everything I do. I have been called weird, different, and funny all my life, but I am learning that someone appreciates it. I’ve learned that art isn’t one form. It is just the question you’re asking me. It is creativity. Working as a security officer as an adult paid the bills but there was no long-term fulfillment. That’s when I realized I am a natural-born manager. The pawn shop became my best friend. I bought my own music equipment and a camcorder. I started to produce my own music and still try to create my own music videos as a beginner. At the time I was a dad to 2 kids. A boy and a girl. I was a stay-at-home parent during the day while my kid’s mother worked during that time. Then I worked the night shift. The more time I had at home with my daughter the more time that I spent thinking of new ideas in our apartment in Columbus, OH. In 2004. Still recording and entering talent shows, trying to make a name for myself. I sent in demos to La Face and So So Def records. I have letters of reply from both to this day as a motivational reminder to keep going. Even though they had no interest in me or my lyrical skills. That’s when I transitioned to Georgia. I took a job at Walmart as a cashier and then later was offered a managerial position. But life took a turn with the law, and I lost the opportunity to move up in that position. Once I found out they would not rehire me, I decided to jump into acting full-time and never looked back. Once I started to see the results, that was my validation of where I needed to be. That was in 2014 and I haven’t looked back since having a 9-5. Now here I am with music in a portal for film and television. Content being created consistently. So, the last time I thought about a regular job, try 2014! My conclusion is that God gave me a gift and I am using it for the world to see. I believe that your gift makes room for you as it states in Proverbs 18:16.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am an introverted spirit but can chop it up with the best of them. I didn’t have the worst childhood, but I didn’t have the best one either. I took the lessons that my stepfather gave me and I applied them to life. And what life gave me, I applied to people, which means my work ethic isn’t working until the job is complete but working to satisfaction. I am a man of my word. A handshake back then was all I needed. I am good at negotiating and compromise. I am great at pitching ideas and if I can get anyone on board, I am running with it so they can see the ambition I have, which carried me through many obstacles. I am adroit, driven, loyal, and willfully motivated to accomplish what others aren’t. I got into the industry by making my own way. I didn’t have any handouts. No friends, no connections, just my ear to the street. I taught myself how to write lyrics and arrange them correctly, and read a lot of books on how to invest in myself. I have been to enough venues and around enough substances to know what my parents instilled in me as far as what to do, and what not to do! That’s where my discipline comes from. I know when I had dreams, I knew to write them down and pay attention to them daily because they meant something and I was anxious to find out what they were. That is where my vision board took place because they were surrounded by my craft. Habakkuk 2:2-3 Write the vision and make it plain so that he who reads it runs to it. I watched my following slowly increase the more I was comfortable with creating within my unique style of music and content creation. The products and services that I offer are ideas that have not been promulgated, such as my ideas for reality television, episodic content, and music scores. Problem-solving is in everything I listed beforehand. Previously, I mentioned that I am a good manager and I have learned how to be a good manager versus a good planner. I have learned that the best tool for me is listening first because it isn’t always about what I say but what a consumer/fan may mention. This business is about service and how to make people feel good. I try to tap into diversity to make that happen. My integrity sets me apart from others because I don’t do business to get ahead but I do business for a good name. When I receive accolades, I want to know that they were earned and not handed to me. As far as my brand goes, I am the ultimate creative writer. I analyze what’s already out there and I try to get fresh ideas out that no one has thought of yet.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarded aspect of being an artist or creative is that it doesn’t cost me anything but my time, energy, devotion, and drive. It is rewarding because I don’t have anyone telling me what I can and cannot do. I finally exude what it feels like to be my own boss.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal is to create a fan base that understands me. On the other hand, my goal is to build business relationships that can thrive off of each other. There is enough monetary means to go around the universe and I want to share my knowledge as to how to achieve that goal. I know that meritocracy is huge worldwide and unfortunately, I am separated from that part. That’s where the drive for creativity comes into play. I was created to be different and I will write my stories such as what my tattoos say. You know like the guy at school that just doesn’t fit in, that was me growing up. I was last to be picked in just about everything but my talents weren’t gone unnoticed. I wasn’t the popular kid but I have something to offer up for popularity and that is what the world wants to see. Whether that is AI, something funny, something emotional. something unorthodox, or something heartfelt that a certain individual needs in their life at just the right time. I want Antwan Booker’s name stamped on it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vocolmusic?igsh=enJoeG8xeGV2bGRn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scorpio1120?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antwan-vocol-booker-039aab154/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vocolmusic?t=bQsnNLHYzbjx6QRDIKwAjw&s=09
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@VocolBScorpion?si=6az3CUBQml-gagYZ
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/search?q=vocol
- Other: https://portalapp.tunedge.com/Home/Compositions/Badged?Page=1https://indiemusicreviews.net/get-romantic-with-vocol/
https://m.imdb.com/name/nm10594059/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
Image Credits
The Ms. Pat Show Season 4 Episode 4