We recently connected with Brandon (GHOSTX) Long and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon (GHOSTX), thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Everyday I wake up and decide to continue pursuing music, invest finances into music projects, and focusing energy on music is all a risk. Nothing is guaranteed, you take a lot of losses and sacrifice a lot whether it be relationships with family, friends or a significant other. It’s a risk everyday and in almost every situation with music, you’re risking something.

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?

My name is Brandon Long, many simple called me GHOSTX. I’m a rap/hip hop artist on fire in St. Louis and just recently relocated to Dallas Texas. I’m known as a lyricist and wordsmith and plenty would say the best lyricist to come out of St. Louis

I’m also an actor who’s been in several roles around the St. Louis area and motivational speaker due to the circumstances I’ve overcome to just be here today. Not only did I make it through those circumstances, but I’m excelling now musically and doing it the right way.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I spent a lot of time away and incarcerated. Making it through that takes a mental and intestinal fortitude most don’t have. You have to think rather quickly and music is the same way. Things can change in an instant with music.

The goal is to alway remind yourself; YOU GOT THIS! Then there are times you’re able to muster up strength you didn’t know you even had. It all matters.

In music in general, you need thick skin, the stronger you are and the more you can handle, the better.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Relocating to Dallas Texas was a major pivot in my life and career. I’ve built a lot musically in St. Louis and done a lot there so moving to a bigger city and bigger market was major. It all goes back to taking risks, it was a risk I was willing to take and jumped headfirst into. Along with that, you have to change up how you operate. The same tactics employed in one place may not fly in another so you do your best to acclimate quickly as possible and get your name out there.

It got to a place where progressing musically in St. Louis became stagnant. St . Louis is a very fickle and temperamental place far as music. From program directors at the radio to club djs, there isn’t much consistency and in this business consistency is key. It’s not about talent and work ethic at all. Once you see that and feel that it’s time to make a choice if you want to continue advancing. So you gotta pivot in a new direction and keep going.

Contact Info:

• Website: Ghostx314.com
• Instagram: ghost_x314
• Facebook: GHOST X
• Youtube: GHOSTX
• Other: TikTok @ghost_x314 Linktr.ee/ghostx_314 Facebook BRANDON LONG (personal page viewable to all public)

Image Credits
Nadia Villasenor @studionv13 on instagram