We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ms. TROY FAYOLA . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ms. TROY below.

Ms. TROY, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue my music career professionally dates back to my college years in 2014. I was consistent with writing music and songs and performing at open mics and live shows. After I graduated from Michigan State University, my alma mater invited me back to headline one of the major showcases on campus with Houston’s hip-hop artist Tobe Nwigwe. Other colleges within the state of Michigan also invited me to perform, which helped build my fan base throughout the state. At that time, I went by my first artist name. I spent months investing in studio time and music production equipment while also working on my mixtape and creating music videos. After being asked and paid to perform, I began learning about performance contracts and terms. Ultimately, attending college had a huge part in helping me grow as an artist. Learning how to network and build professional relationships with people created a huge support base for me as an artist. People would attend my shows and become inspired to pursue their interests in music and talents. After building a good network of supporters, I made sure to stay connected with those who supported me during my time in Michigan.

Traveling and moving to different cities and states also played a huge part in helping me continue my musical journey. I would meet various significant people connected in the music business, learn the ropes and the importance of music introduction, time management, artist development, professionalism, and more when connecting and networking with professionals in the industry.Once I trademarked my professional stage name, I began to realize how beneficial and meaningful it was to invest in my brand and artistry while growing professionally in my music career. Staying focused, disciplined, and consistent with releasing music and content as an artist encouraged me to continue with my artistry. I became popular for releasing hip-hop cyphers that I would perform on various social and music platforms, which introduced me to a plethora of music professionals and other artists.

I also feel my role as an educator plays a key role in regards to pursuing my music career professionally. There are many duties that I believe align with and further develop my impact as a hip-hop artist. One responsibility is to connect with educational organizations and mentor our youth and community, and this work has helped me become more conscious and impactful as I developed professionally as a hip-hop educator. Education and hip-hop align with my purpose, as I am connected with school and community organizations that involve gaining a higher knowledge of music, teaching, and impacting my communities.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am a hip-hop artist, musician, and educator from Wisconsin and Missouri. I grew up moving to numerous cities and states within the Midwest. Being raised in different cities, introduced me to different communities, cultures, and genres of music. My family was extremely active in music, arts, sports, and education. Through the specific avenue of music, I was able to participate in talent shows that were competitive in the community I lived in. I developed a high interest in writing and rapping after watching my mother and brother write and recite their poetry in our house and at community events. At the age of five, my mother organized a citywide multicultural talent show in which she, my siblings and I, and a slew of other talented artists, performed in front of hundreds of community members. Since elementary school, I have participated in band and music classes, where I learned how to play instruments and read, write, and recite music. Growing up in different cities in the Midwest really helped me become culturally eclectic and authentic as a lyricist, songwriter, and artist. Becoming connected to a community of hip-hop rappers, leaders, music institutions, and promoters was an outlet that helped me get started in the music business. I am a Michigan State University alumna, and during my time in college I began to pursue my music journey professionally.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is being able to create, own, and invest in my art and brand as a creative. Starting my music publishing company was one of the most purposeful decisions I’ve made because I am planting lucrative seeds that will help me in the long term as a business owner. In addition to owning my works, having the God-given gifts and natural ability to create songs that reflect my life experiences is very fulfilling to me. Bringing my works and vision to life as an independent business artist, as well as being able to inspire and empower people with my music and impact, are some of the factors that motivate me to continue in my career as a musician influencer.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had known the process of publishing, releasing, obtaining music royalties, marketing, and owning the copy and exclusive rights to music professionally earlier in my music career. Staying ahead in the business is one of the keys to success, and learning how to successfully invest in my music, team, and brand in the music business during my college years would have helped put me in the right position to elevate as an artist. I also believe obtaining the knowledge to understand the commercial side of creating and legally publishing my music are additional attributes that would’ve helped me save time and money as an artist, especially while working on my earlier music. However, I realized that the more I study, network, and build authentic business relationships with colleagues, mentors, and experts in the music industry, the more I gain a sense of higher knowledge and practice that helps me engage, perform, and develop my music and brand to the next level.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/iamtroyfayola
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtroyfayola/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IamTroyFayola/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamtroyfayola
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TROYFAYOLA

Image Credits

• AWESTBROOK PRODUCTIONS
• R3BIRTH PRODUCTIONS
• SIMO VISUALS
• AMPD OFFICIAL – NEO ELITE
• TAKEOFF ATL