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

Mystory , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

 

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on thus far is my first album entitled, “Charlotte’s Web” (released July 19, 2021/my birthday). “Charlotte’s Web” is not just an album, it essentially tells my story of a child residing in a new city, Atlanta, and going back to the foundations that were instilled in me growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina. The album for me, is a journey of self-reflection, resilience, healing, and community. In essence, “Charlotte’s Web” is an analysis of speaking with my inner child as I continue to grow and expand on my journey of life.

The process of making this album was extensive and at times extremely tedious. I was trying my best to create a body of work, but I did not have the finances for studio time. My mom gifted me studio equipment and from there, I learned how to record myself, mix my vocals, and created an archive of music to draw from to potentially use for a project. Throughout the process I was able to experiment with my vocals and become crafty with my cadences and flow. Since I had such a prominent hand in the creation of each track, I found myself over thinking about the album release date. I was self-critical about the tracks and how they sounded sonically. As a result, it took years for me to release the album.

From 2017 to 2020, I was overthinking releasing music because of my own self-doubt and critique. Despite the time it took to release the music, I am grateful for it. I say this because different songs from the album were created during different experiences and times in my life. Each track provides insightful pieces of my journey, and together, reveal a vivid portrait of my story.

I had many conversations with my creative board of executive producers, Brikarri Williams and Courtney Adams (Zahmir). We discussed the order of the track list. The original tracklist was 8 songs long, but I had a strong feeling that something was missing from the album. After some time, I heard the beat of “285 Introlude”, recorded the song, and sent it to my executive producers. I found the missing piece of the album, the opening track. We all agreed that it was an amazing opening song for the project. Later, I also added “Summer Fine” as a closing song to finalize the tracklist. The album now has 10 songs. This number is important because it signifies a positive sign from my grandfather whose passing away led me to my pursuit of music. At this moment I knew that the song order for the album was finalized.

Creating “Charlotte’s Web” helped me realize that there is so much beauty in appreciating imperfections and challenges throughout the process. It also showed me that art comes from my purpose instead of perfection. I see myself more every time I listen to this album and that’s why it is so meaningful for me.

Mystory , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Mystory (pronounced Mystery) and I am originally from Charlotte “Queen City”, North Carolina. I am a multi-dimensional artist, and I identify as a rapper with an emcee’s heart. Being a rapper with an emcee’s heart means that I have catchy cadences, and quotable punchlines, while the foundation of my lyrics are centered in self-reflection and storytelling.

I began pursuing my music career while living in Georgia. I got started because I was in search of an outlet to express my pain after my grandfather passed away. I realized I was always listening to music for healing, but I couldn’t hear my exact story in the songs I would play. There’s a quote by Toni Morrison that says, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” This inspired me to create my own music and also curate a space where I can be transparent with myself and my listeners. For me, this practice of speaking my truth through music is liberating.

What makes me most unique is my ability to tell my story and express myself in my music. Every person’s story is unique to the individual. Being a Black, woman rapper, my story reflects community, empowerment, passion, and transparency. I am currently most proud of my album, “Charlotte’s Web” because it embodies my unique story and experience. In this project I weave my story; giving a larger voice to communities who are silenced in society. I am proud of this, because I am able to present myself (through my art) in the most authentic way. Further, other individuals who align with similar experiences can be seen. Visibility is an essential part of our being. As Black creatives, we strive to see ourselves, especially because society has refused to see us. In seeing ourselves, we sometimes see each other. That sense of community is important, and is what I cherish most about my brand/craft.

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

 

There are so many rewarding aspects of being an artist/creative. One that comes to mind right now is the ability to express through creativity. I think that in many situations when I express through my music or through my art, it is easier for me to be transparent, because it’s my safe space. With the ability of self-expression, I am able to reflect and heal myself.

Another rewarding aspect of self-expression through creativity is when other people hear my music and are able to heal and self-reflect within their own journey. I’m grateful that for some listeners, my music is a platform for them to reflect on their own life experiences. This feels rewarding for me, because I am able to present myself through my art in the most authentic way, and other individuals who align with similar experiences can feel seen.

How did you build your audience on social media?

The story of how I built my audience on social media is still ongoing. I am currently rebuilding my social media audience, because my previous music page was hacked. I am working on gaining my followers back while revamping my social media presence with new supporters.

It all brings me back to 2017 when I was originally building my social media following in Atlanta. At that time, I would rap and pass out my CD’s at Little Five Points to anyone who was open to listening to my music. Some people were receptive, while others were not. The people who stopped and listened, followed me on social media and that began the development of growing a larger audience and following on different platforms. Additionally, I began performing my songs at local showcases and events throughout the city. Having the motivation and determination to continue to pursue and push my music in Atlanta really helped create an authentic audience both in person and on social media. To help retain and grow my audience, I began to remake popular rap songs called “Flowstyle Fridays” and posted the videos weekly on my social media pages. Each week, there was so much support in the comments that would warm my heart.

Although I’m currently restarting my social media presence, it’s amazing for me to reflect on the things that worked when I originally started my old profile. I realize that I can apply previous practices along with newer, revamped ideas that will also help with rebuilding my current audience.

My advice to anyone who is starting their own social media is to remain as consistent as possible. Also, remember to give yourself grace. I think that it’s important to have a balance of creating and also remembering to rest. Rest is productive and although it’s important to remain consistent and motivated, it’s equally important to listen to yourself and to understand when you have the capacity to do something.

Another piece of advice I would give to someone who is starting their social media, is to remember to have fun. Sometimes promoting oneself or creating content can feel like a task. Try your best to curate space for moments that you are filled with joy during the process. When you have fun with something it often doesn’t feel like an obligation: it feels organic and is easier to complete.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mystorymuzic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mystoryiam
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MysteryIAm

Image Credits
Brikarri Williams

Suggest a Story: CanvasRebel is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.