We were lucky to catch up with Demonta Stephens recently and have shared our conversation below.
Demonta , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?
My first time being paid for music was from a female artist.I was still working a 9 to 5 and I couldn’t believe it even though I was working so hard for it.I received a deposit from this artist from overseas and I knew at the time the job I was at was paying me that in a week and I was making that same money from doing something I loved and it probably only took me 45 minutes to do the verse.No pen no paper.I started the verse off with “it came hella late,it took some time but I was patient” because to be honest that’s how I felt! I was doing so many free shows, recording everyday,I never complained but I did want a big break and it was little to others but to me I finally felt like my hard work was paying off.I was booking for my first paid show the following week
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’m an amazing artists out of Atlanta.The eastside to be exact.Ive stayed off every exit on the eastside from memorial drive all the way to Conyers.We moved a lot growing up.I was a bad kid that fell and had a head injury causing nerve damage and bad adhd.Music is the only thing that calms my nerves.Recording and performing.I found music while being on house arrest.Life hasn’t been easy but I get through it.Me telling my stories of being involved in the streets and gangs early in life is therapeutic.I love mentoring the young guys like a big brother so they can learn from my mistakes.I didn’t have a big brother or father to tell me right from wrong.My mom worked 2 jobs and went to school online and I used her laptop while she was at work to record music.My dream life has been turning into a reality now.I want these young guys to know it’s a life outside of being street.Some folks see me and don’t even know the stuff I’ve been through.A lot of the folks I grew up around are gone either they’re in the graveyard or jail.You hear that pain in my music but some days you hear that happiness because I know I’m blessed to be here
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My whole life has been full of resilience.I have stories for days.I started my music sleeping in my car.Im currently sitting in a million dollar.It doesn’t get any better than that
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I can go in a studio and talk to the microphone without being judge.I feel like alot of people judge you on who they think you are,or what somebody til them or they don’t care at all.Music is where I can vent and be me and whoever listen and connect weather that’s 100 fans or a million I know they connected if they listened.Nothing is worst than feeling like you’re talking to a wall and waisting your breath
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastatlantamontana?igsh=MWhtY3FmaDMzdjNlaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1MidNJgKK7/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Twitter: https://x.com/ea6montana?s=21
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@eastatlantamontana6?si=oURiStIS96f5n0n-
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/eiDj2raY7OeDUC5qdP
Image Credits
Shot by 40 Wop