We recently connected with Darwin Gardner and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Darwin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I have always had a love for music and the creative process involved. When i realized I had a story worth telling I wanted music to be the outlet. My goal has always been to get my music heard and to date im closing in on a million streams as an independent artist. My stage name is Poe the Passion. The biggest recommendation I can give to any artist is take time to understand the business side of music. The better prepared you are the better you will do.

Darwin, 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?

Allow me to introduce myself i go by Poe the Passion. I am a hip-hop artist, a record label owner “Bigg Buff Records”, a in-city farmer of chickens and rabbits , an electrical engineer and I am also a college professor ” Stark state college” located in canton ,Ohio. Musically I am approaching 1,000,000 streams on Spotify. My artists webpage is www.poethepassion,net if anyone wants to check out some music but i can also be easily googled. I make hip-hop with no profanity which enlarges my potential market. My farm is all organic and my animals are free range. I started my label as a way to help other independent artists by providing guidance and support. I am extremely proud of all my accomplishments coming from improvised beginnings. My life taught me it is important to believe in yourself even when others doubt you.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I love getting my message heard. I feel we all have a story worth listening to and music is my medium to tell mine. I love engaging with fans. Nothing makes a day better knowing that your art and craft is appreciated.. Life really gives a second chance if you take the steps in improving.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Consistency. Keep promoting your art. it begins with a few supporters but as you still active those numbers will increase. Keep a eye on your public image. Your music should reflect who you are as a person. i tell people everyday I promote my brand some way whether it is a Facebook post or a paid promotional campaign daily. I engage with my fans and offer advice or just a positive word. Once people see you are serious they tend to take you serious. The way social media is set up its almost impossible to be large on every site as a independent artist so focus on the site that best fits your needs as a artist. for example Facebook is good for social interaction yet Instagram is better for finding professionals. And be prepared everything takes a budget at first. Keep improving eventually opportunities become free then you will get paid.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.poethepassion.net
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/poe_the_passion
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/poethepassion
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/Darwingardner
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/poe_the_passion
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/poeticjloccoo