Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nepado. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nepado, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Taking risks is a big part of being someone who is creative. I can take a risk in how I approach making music by trying something I believe is unique, but wondering how it will be percieved. I’ve also taken risks by exploring my artistic expression in different ways, like making clothes and painting. Although I’ve encountered many small risks on a day-to-day basis, the biggest risk I’ve taken so far in my career as a creative, is moving out if my home town. I’m from Ellicott City, Maryland, and had been there all my life until a little over a year ago when I decided to move to Atlanta, Georgia. Making a big move like that, I went through many thoughts about leaving the place I grew up/started my career as an artist, like leaving behind any potential oppurtunities, thoughts of failure, and wondering what it would be like to move away from friends and family to name a few. I knew moving would come with its challenges, but I was also aware o the good that would come with it. So far in my time in Atlanta, I have grown, and I’m not just talking about my art, but as a person. I’ve learned so much in a short amount of time, so I believe it’s important to keep an open mind to taking risks.
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 a music producer and artist by the name Nepado. I’ve been producing music since 2014, and mostly focus on the genres of hip hop and rap. I listened to a lot of music when I was younger, and was exposed to a huge variety of different genres by my older brother. My interest in wanting to be a producer came by hearing songs and “remixing” them in my head, thinking they would sound better if done differntly. Eventually I would start to come up with my own melodies and ideas for songs, so I wanted a way to turn them into a reality for others to listen to, but mostly just for myself to listen to. At first I wanted a way to listen to the music I would come up with for my own personal use, and I didnt really care too much about showing other people, then when I got more into the craft, I obviously wanted people to check out what I was up to. I began working with singers and rappers who would elevate the music I made by adding lyrics, and I fell in love with the collaborative process. Now I strive to make music that expresses and pushes my style, while inspiring others, and working with others that I believe in, and who believe in me, to make great music and a great piece of art.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Its just nice to create stuff and have a collection of what I’ve done, and I like to put my style on as much as I can. As a prodcuer, its nice when I make a beat or create a mix that my clients really love, and something we’re all proud of. Its nice when its perceived well by the listeners and audience as well, because everyone in the music indistry wants to see their music listened to and talked about. I guess what makes it rewarding is being seen and heard. It’s nice to share with people the things I create, but it’s rewarding when the are able to see my vision, and see the way I see things. When people support me and my art, it definately inspires me to keep providing it. On the other end, it can also be nice when they dont see the vision, becuase I feel like that means I’ve done something unique.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish I went to more events and connected with people sooner. It’s important to go to events and talk to people and make an effort to connect and and make an effort to find out whats going on in your city or area to meet other like-minded people. It’s important to have a team of people that you can trust, and it’s important to stay active. When I started going to more events, it started to feel like a gym routine where I would feel guilty missing a day. Things that helped me find events in my area were utilizing Instagram and liking/saving everything I could find that interested me, to the point where my instagram explore page would suggest more and more events. Then at the events, make sure to network with people, see who’s willing to connect, and get their info.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/nepado
- Instagram: @nepadomusic
Image Credits
Alexander Dapp Jeremiah Collins