We recently connected with REV and have shared our conversation below.
REV, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
At 16 years old I knew I wanted to start my journey as an artist. At the time I had no equipment, or studio experience. So me and a friend of mine who I refer to as my brother, Nalan, sat outside of his house on the river bank in my old beat up car late night where we would write and record remix to songs off of our phones. The finished product, no matter how bad the quality, made me extremely proud.
At 16 years old I felt like I had nobody, even while surrounded by people, I felt completely alone. The only thing that could momentarily help me not feel like that, was music, I would put headphones on and zone out for hours. I then decided I wanted to be an artist and make music to help somebody like me, going through the same situation, to do the same thing…..to put on headphones and listen to the music.
REV, 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?
I truly believe you can do anything you put your mind to. Manifestation and positive thoughts are key, even on the hard days. I had the odds stacked against me when I decided to become an artist. My music isn’t always about troubles or tribulations, I do like to make “feel good” music just as much as I like making sentimental music, but that requires you to have an understanding of your own emotions. A big problem for many people, is they are afraid to stand out and/or afraid to be vulnerable in order to express themselves.
The key to prospering as an artist, is to put your heart and soul into your craft, and to network. Get involved with a music scene, and create your own lane in the meantime. Find people you can trust, there are not many, but they are out there, and let them inspire you, just as much as you inspire others. Out of everybody, you have to believe in yourself the most
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the personal growth that comes with it. Learning to love yourself is very important when you step into a scene as cut throat as the music industry is. Being gifted with the talent of expressing who I am and what I have experienced in my 23 years of life allows me to do some reflection on where Ive been and where I am going.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I have been knocked down many times, but it was at rock bottom I found a missing piece of the puzzle that I would need at the top. I gambled (and still gamble) my entire life to progress in my career. I moved to Nashville, Tn from Missouri at 19 years old with only the belongings of mine that could fit in my trunk and $1100 to my name. I did that 2 more times over the course of a year and a half, between covid and other external factors out of my control, I was forced to move back in with my dad. Each time I failed in Nashville, and every time that I fell, I went back to the drawing board and didn’t stop working on the kinks until they where out, that was when I moved back out here to music city for good in January of 2022.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialrevonly/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvd4_q7ynUDiGcvBKLNcSsQ
- Other: TikTok- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvd4_q7ynUDiGcvBKLNcSsQ
Image Credits
Laymens Lens Photography