Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Reid Seeley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Reid, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later?
Since a young age, I was infatuated by music of all kinds. Most of all however, rap music. I fell in love with the raw emotion within the genre, and how through this intricate form of poetry, artists are able to capture and express their thoughts, opinions, and feelings through way of incredible word play and detailed rhyme schemes.
I remember writing my very first rap at the young age of just 11 years old. Obviously, I had no idea what I was doing or what I was talking/writing about at the time, due to such a lack of life experience. Although, as I grew older, and life was happening around me, I began to use writing as an outlet; a form of therapy.
At 16 years of age, I recorded my very first song. It took some time for me to feel confident within this passion, and though I am still learning and developing my skill, I eventually came to the conclusion that this has been, and always will be, my life long dream, and it was something that I wanted to strive towards making a full time career, and do for years to come.
From the ages of 15-19, I struggled with personal life battles, fighting addiction, going through deep depression and personal trauma, but rap music was always there for me to turn to. I truly started taking it seriously after a long break from music. Going through the trials and tribulations of life, I had been missing my love and passion for it.
At 19/20 years of age, I had moved back from Lethbridge, Alberta, to my home province of British Columbia searching for a fresh start. It was at this time, I fell back into music… more than ever before. Releasing my first single in 2021, I had a fire inside me ready to really give it a go, and begin to take it seriously.
From throwing my own, very first show ever, and needing to adjust capacity limits, due to the event selling out, needing more space to allow an over-flow of people wanting to purchase tickets and attend; to leaving on a western Canadian tour just 2 days later. I had found my inspiration to follow this life long dream yet again.
Returning home from my first tour, I had gained much attention to myself as an artist, as well as my music, than I ever had before.
With all of these great things happening around me, and doing countless shows and performances, I still for some reason, allowed myself to slip away. Not putting in the necessary work needed to truly grow myself as an individual, and independent artist. Procrastinating, waiting, WASTING time!
I did not realize how much time I had been letting just pass me by. This is a major regret of mine, and I carry that with me every day as a reminder that the time is now. There is no “waiting” for the right moment, or opportunity. There is no growth in remaining stagnant. Nothing worth having, will ever come by sitting around and expecting it to be given to you, or fall into your lap. It takes an immense amount of hard work and dedication to achieve your dreams. After I finally confronted this reality, and realized my mistakes, it ignited a TRUE flame of passion, and I am now more dedicated and focused on growing myself as an artist, as well as developing my skill in order to make true art that can be loved, admired, and respected by many.
So, with all of that being said. In short form to the question: “Do I wish that I had started my business sooner?”. YES. With how long it takes, and how much time is needed to gain traction and build a fan base, I wish I had taken it this seriously long ago. I know I would be a lot further along in my career if I had. But i now use that wasted time as motivation to keep my foot on the gas moving forward.
Reid, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As an independent rap artist, my business is purely based off of entertainment factor. In which, I supply incredibly well.
For those whom love and enjoy rap music, my sound is refreshing within the current state of hiphop. I offer clever word play and legitimate substance through my music. With modern day rap music being weighed heavily on the side on melodic auto-tune vocals, and seemingly generic, mainstream sound, I bring authentic rap, and lyricism back to the fore-front.
For show promoters, who book opening/headlining talent, and throw rap shows throughout Canada and the U.S. Booking ‘JustReid’ is incredibly beneficial to the show’s entertainment factor. I bring a very high energy and captivating performance. I am very talented in bringing the excitement and commanding the attention of audience, while giving them a show that they feel honoured to be a part of!
Apart from doing live show performances, I offer many other things throughout this creative form of art. Ranging from custom music pieces for hire, that can be catered to specific brand promo. To song writing for other artists or collaborations with ‘JustReid’ as a feature, or main artist. Video promotions, radio show interviews/live podcast performances, and so on. The sky is the limit!
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Starting out within music, or any business for that matter, always begins as an independent journey. In order to set myself up and obtain the necessary gear and equipment needed to get my feet off the ground, everything was entirely funded by working my day job. From purchasing a microphone and other gear in order to record demo tapes, to having my songs mixed, mastered, and finalized for release. It all takes money straight out of my pocket to make happen.
Music production and career growth for an artist can become very expensive. From all of the song mixing, to running paid ads for exposure, down to shooting music videos. Along with this, an extremely important part of building capitol to be able to funnel back into your business is artist merch. It is one of the most profitable ways to gain revenue that cycles around and feeds itself.
Everything costs a pretty penny to bring together. However, each aspect plays a vital role for an artists growth and in developing a strong, loyal fan base. This, in my personal opinion, is the most important thing, To find a way to gain the support of others through building yourself into an artist that others will learn to love and relate to.
Up until this point, I have been working as a bartender at night, in order to obtain the funding to make all of this happen. Though there are many ways to find the necessary funding. Such as grants through the government or certain art programs. I have yet to put the work into obtaining these grants. But I know that it is my next step into my businesses growth!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, there are so many rewarding things that come with being an artist. One of my favourite things about being an artist, is being able to connect with strangers through art, and inspiring others to chase their dreams!
It fills me with joy and assurance when I have people come up to me after a show to give me credit and recognition for what I am doing. When I get told “never give up on this, you are going to make it!” By somebody I have never met. It shows me that I am truly doing what I am destined for, and if I continue to put the work and effort in, it will eventually pay off ten fold. Or when people reach out to me and tell me that my music, or performance I did, helped them through a time that they were struggling. That is so special and beautiful to me.
Another beautiful and amazing thing for me, is seeing the progress and growth I have done personally. Every time I write a new song, or do a performance, to see myself improve and get better and better, is incredible. To be able to look back at where I once was in life, feeling broken and lost. To chasing my dreams and knowing that I made the choice to better myself and strive for more. That is the ultimate reward. Growth & change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://justreid.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justreidmusic/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustReidMusic/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reid-seeley-909639293/
- Twitter: https://x.com/JustReid13
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustReidOfficial
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/justreid13
- Other: Show/feature booking or all other inquires: [email protected]
Image Credits
Travis Gault, Brody Fulton, Jordan Avitan, Wolves Cry Originals.