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

Lanell, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

I was working a full-time job and attending the Atlanta Institute of Music when I made friends with a classmate who knew someone looking for music. He introduced us, and I didn’t think much of it at the time. One sleepless night, I was searching for inspiration and ended up scrolling through Twitter. Around 3 AM, I received a message from the artist my classmate had introduced me to, asking if I could send him some music.

At that moment, I didn’t have much ready to send, so I quickly created two beats in about 20 minutes and included one I already had. The next morning, the artist contacted me again, saying he had played the beats for a few other artists and they liked what they heard. I was thrilled that the very first beat I sent was the one they preferred.

The artist went straight to the studio to record over the beat. Shortly after, he reached out to me, saying he wanted to purchase it. That’s how I earned my first dollar as a creative. The project turned out to be “Flossin'” by King Jamez. It was an incredible feeling to see my work come to life and get paid for it.

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

My name is Lanell, also known as Nellz. I have been a musician for 15 years, primarily playing keys. Currently, I am pursuing a BA in Music Production from Full Sail University, which has been a fantastic journey enhancing my skills and knowledge in the field.

I am in the process of building my brand, “Tha Mini Lab.” The idea behind Tha Mini Lab is to provide independent artists with a space where their musical visions can become a reality with as little stress as possible. My services are priced affordably to ensure that most independent artists can benefit from them. I named it Tha Mini Lab because I wanted to emphasize the personal, one-on-one experience that I offer during the music creation process.

In addition to my educational pursuits, I have contributed music to seasons two and three of the web series Studville, and I recently collaborated with L$P on a project called “Pink Slip,” with more exciting projects on the horizon.

At Tha Mini Lab, I offer a variety of services including creating compositions, recording, and mixing. What sets me apart is my specialty in creating original compositions and my commitment to making the process as stress-free as possible for my clients.

What I am most proud of is my ability to help artists bring their unique visions to life. I want people to know that if they are looking for original and personalized musical creations, Tha Mini Lab is the place to be. My goal is to support independent artists in their creative journeys, providing them with high-quality music production services that are both affordable and tailored to their individual needs.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To support artists, we should focus on education, resources, and funding. Providing arts education in schools, workshops, grants, affordable studios, and access to technology helps artists thrive. Public recognition and fair compensation ensure stability. Community engagement through local art projects and support for diverse voices enriches our culture. Prioritizing the arts in policies and creating spaces for collaboration fosters innovation. These steps help artists flourish and enhance our communities.

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

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist or creative is embracing my talent and passion, finding solace in “Tha Lab” even on tough days, and having the support of people who care about me and my work adds another layer of motivation. These aspects together make being an artist or creative incredibly fulfilling and meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lanellygray.my.canva.site
• Instagram: @tha_mini_lab
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanell-gray-10515986/
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nellzzz

Image Credits

Joyce Kelly-Gray (Kelly-Gray Studio)