Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jon Martin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jon, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I’ve always had a solid career outside of music but I’ve dreamt about only doing music for a living forever. I’ve made a few thousand of music between merch and shows but never enough to quit my day job. I create music because I love to so the money was never something I absolutely needed. I’ve been making music since the 6th grade and always plan to create as long as I have the means. Studio time, videos, and throwing shows costs money. I’ve built my own studio, built relationships to host in venues, and funded videos out of pocket. There’s not much that would have changed how things have gone besides getting signed. I’m honestly at a point where that is no longer a goal. I’ve advanced so far in my current career where my life is care free. I take care of my family. I create now for release and out of pure love for the craft. I wouldn’t change that for anything.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was raised in a rapping household. My mom’s longtime boyfriend always rapped and influenced me to do the same. I bought my own studio to try and help other artists like me at an affordable price but slowly gave up as artists in my city tend to only work in their circles. What sets me apart from other artists is my ability to create amazing rhyme schemes, tell a story, and create a complete story in a song.

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

The most rewarding part is the fans. Doing a show and seeing faces of new fans or current ones is the most amazing feeling in the world.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve had to change my artists name a couple times. Too many artists with the same name.