Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to G Sparticus. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
G, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
Yes! After 8 years in, It’s a very cool thing to be able to say, especially these days with the pandemic. My journey started with more of a big leap rather than a step. Having set up 3 steady gigs a week, I decided to take the risk and quit my day job. My bills were relatively low plus I had a great deal with rent so I went for it. Sure I’ve had different musical endeavors since I was 17 but not like this. I didn’t even really make any money until my 4th year in. I had to borrow musical equipment every week until I was able to save up for my own. Plus it took time to find my groove with it all. Setting up, soundcheck, music selection, weather, traffic, and parking. I loved it though. I learned so much. It wasn’t until I created a logo and business card that business started to pick up. Looking back to those beginning years, if I would’ve had someone show me the ropes it might have sped things up in a sense but I can’t hate on the experiences and obstacles I overcame on my own. I share them with other musicians I meet entering the scene.
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 Ecuadorian but mostly raised in the United States. Started in California, bounced around in Florida, and spent a little time in New York. I feel like everybody relatively enjoys music but to be able to play it is a whole different level of enjoyment. It amplifies your feel for it! That’s why I got into it in the first place; To sit around with friends and sing the songs we knew by heart. Currently, I change my sets depending on the venue/event, but mostly play the songs in my own style. Keeps it fun and original. Seems to be a constant compliment I receive.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I got the text St Patrick’s day 2020 that we were shutting down. All gigs are canceled until further notice. What I thought would be weeks turned into months with no income plus I didn’t qualify for any assistance at the time. I noticed some of my favorite musicians were live streaming minor performances and it got me thinking. My roommate, also my percussionist, and I set up live streaming shows 3 times a week with a different theme for every episode. “Wine Down Wednesdays”, “Flashback Fridays” with 90s music, and “You Call it Sundays” with all requests taken. We had guests come on, a sound effect board, and a couple of gimmicks we did in between songs. You can hear the quality on my social media. All we could do is ask for donations and everyone gave so much love! We raised enough to pay our immediate bills before we started to get calls to come back to perform in early June of the same year. I honestly thought I would have to dust off the ol’ resume but we made it work. What’s crazy is that I am much busier than I was pre-Covid. Was it because of my live-streaming skills? Couldn’t tell you.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Appreciation! I love to hear and receive any type. A simple thank you, leaving a tip, coming up to dance, and any compliment goes a long way for me. Kind of a confirmation that says keep doing what you’re doing. It’s even better when it’s more of a private and intimate setting. Like weddings, birthdays, and proposals. So much love in those settings. The biggest high is when I receive praise for my original music. Especially from other musicians. My best moment was back in Jan 2014 when I came in 3rd in a songwriting contest called The Song is Born in New York City. It was a 3 round voting competition with judges. Made it to the final round with my song “Soulmate” which had not only the judges praising me but the room synchronized in dance and clap. An amazing feeling.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gsparticus.com
- Instagram: @gsparticus
- Facebook: /gsparticus
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWIjCpK8NId7WMz8F4KIWew