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

Ryan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

One of the most unexpected challenges I’ve faced in my creative journey was transitioning from a successful Twitch streaming career to pursuing music seriously. From 2013 to 2019, I built a full-time income on Twitch with my channel, KingVeeTV. Streaming video games allowed me to not only connect with a passionate audience but also showcase my freestyle talent, blending my love for gaming with music. During that time, I built strong connections, met prominent creators like Pokimane, and had the stability of consistent income.

However, in 2021, I made the leap to focus entirely on music, which was a dream I’d been quietly nurturing. It was an exciting but daunting shift because, unlike Twitch, where I’d established myself over the years, music required me to start from scratch. I faced the harsh reality of building an audience and a team to help amplify my vision in an industry that can be unforgiving to independent artists.

Fast forward to four months ago: I hit a creative wall and made the tough decision to stop making music temporarily. The lack of a reliable team and local support in Akron, Ohio, weighed heavily on me. To keep the momentum going without fully stepping away from the public eye, I pivoted to other projects, using them to shift focus off myself while quietly working on my next moves behind the scenes. It was a strategy to stay relevant and protect my creative energy as I re-evaluated my goals.

At that moment, it felt like failure, but it taught me the value of patience and recalibration. I’m now in a place where I can approach my music and career with clarity, authenticity, and the lessons I’ve learned from these challenges.

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.

My name is Ryan Stull, but many know me as King Vee. I’m a creative from Akron, Ohio, who’s worn many hats throughout my journey—Twitch streamer, musician, and now an advocate for independent artists and storytellers. My career started in 2013 with Twitch, where I streamed under the channel name KingVeeTV. Over the course of six years, I turned streaming into a full-time income by connecting with viewers through gaming and showcasing my musical talents, such as freestyling during streams. This period allowed me to meet incredible creatives, including prominent streamers like Pokimane, and laid the foundation for my ability to engage with an audience   .

In 2021, I transitioned to pursuing music seriously, taking a leap into a field where I could merge my passion for storytelling with my love for hip-hop, R&B, and pop influences. As a conscious rapper, I aim to create music that tells authentic stories, allowing listeners to connect with and process their own emotions. My single “Goofy,” for example, is a reflection of this storytelling style, blending sharp lyricism with an introspective edge .

What sets me apart is my ability to connect on a deeply personal level, whether through music, streaming, or other projects. My work isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about creating a shared experience that resonates with people. I solve a specific problem for my audience: providing a safe space to feel, reflect, and grow through the power of authentic storytelling.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built along the way and the courage it’s taken to remain authentic in an industry that often prioritizes trends over substance. While my journey hasn’t been without its challenges—like stepping away from music four months ago to recalibrate—I’ve always found ways to evolve and adapt. Whether it’s through my Twitch roots, my music, or other creative ventures, I want my audience to know that I’m committed to delivering work that’s real, impactful, and built on genuine passion.

Ultimately, my goal is to inspire others—whether they’re fans, collaborators, or fellow creatives—to believe in their ability to carve their own path, no matter the obstacles. If you follow my work, you’ll find a story of resilience, creativity, and an unyielding commitment to growth.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is deeply driven by the desire to build a lasting legacy for my family and break the generational curses that have weighed on us. Everything I do—whether it’s making music, streaming, or working on other projects—is centered around creating a better future for my loved ones while leaving something meaningful behind for my children. I want to show them, and others, that no matter where you come from, you can build a life and legacy that reflects resilience, passion, and purpose.

Through my music, my mission is to uplift and inspire. I know what it feels like to face challenges that seem insurmountable, and I want my art to be a source of strength for others. Whether it’s giving someone a song that gets them through a tough day or sharing a story they can see themselves in, my goal is to connect with people on a personal level and remind them that they’re not alone.

I’m not just making music to entertain; I’m creating something that resonates, something that can be a light in someone else’s darkness. For me, success isn’t just about streams or recognition—it’s about making an impact, one song, one person, one moment at a time. By staying true to that mission, I hope to not only help others but also redefine what’s possible for my family and the generations to come.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Man honestly to best support artists and creatives, society needs to address several key areas:
1. Provide Accessible Resources and Funding: One of the biggest challenges for artists is the lack of access to affordable resources like studio time, instruments, or materials. Grant programs, low-interest loans, and community-funded initiatives can make a huge difference in enabling creatives to pursue their work without financial strain.
2. Foster Local Support Systems: Communities should prioritize cultivating spaces where creatives can thrive. This includes creating hubs for collaboration, such as coworking spaces, artist collectives, or local festivals that celebrate independent talent. Cities like Akron could benefit from more structured efforts to elevate homegrown artists by showcasing their work in public venues or through city-sponsored events.
3. Expand Education and Mentorship: Teaching younger generations about the value of creativity and supporting their early endeavors is crucial for maintaining a thriving ecosystem. Offering mentorship opportunities for aspiring artists—whether through schools, nonprofit organizations, or industry professionals—can provide guidance and inspiration for those just starting out.
4. Shift the Narrative Around Independent Art: Society often undervalues independent artists compared to mainstream creatives. Encouraging audiences to support indie work by buying directly from artists, attending local shows, or sharing content online can build a grassroots movement that values creativity on all levels.
5. Ensure Fair Compensation and Copyright Protection: Many creatives struggle with unpaid work or stolen intellectual property. Strengthening copyright laws and educating artists on how to protect and monetize their work is essential to ensuring they’re fairly compensated for their efforts.
6. Increase Public Investment in the Arts: Governments and local organizations should prioritize investing in arts and culture programs. Studies consistently show that the arts boost local economies, improve community well-being, and foster innovation.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a culture where art and creativity are seen as essential, not optional. Supporting artists doesn’t just benefit them—it enriches society as a whole, sparking inspiration and connecting communities through shared experiences.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @KingVeeMusic
• Facebook: @KingVeeMusic
• Youtube: KingVeeMusic
• Soundcloud: @KingVeeMusic

Image Credits

Rosabelle Photography