We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shemuel Parker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shemuel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.

Some people see mental health as a crisis in America. I see it as an opportunity for growth. As an individual who suffered from social anxiety for the majority of my life, medication is not an end-all solution. Our purpose in this world is to serve. If we did this right, there would not be people categorized as ‘underserved’. Mental health in America has become a billion-dollar industry. The rate at which individuals are being transacted through the court system is unbelievable. The numbers are climbing at a rapid pace.

We’ve had some eye-opening experiences in the past few years. From lockdowns to orchestrated tensions within our communities. America feels the need to divide. What I do as an entrepreneur is bring people together. I ask myself every day, how can I be of service? The first step is to become the best version of myself.

I work with people from all walks of life. The mental health community holds a special place in my heart. We are one and we are severely underserved. I would never identify a problem without providing a solution. Music Therapy will revolutionize the way that treatment is done. As a sound designer and musical artist, I am at the forefront of this revolution.

I provide professional audio recording services for clients in mental health hospitals in Virginia. Research shows that compositional methods in music therapy can reduce anxiety while providing a way for clients to explore feelings, beliefs, emotions, and reactions. I assist clients in writing, recording, and releasing their music. I also offer music industry coaching to clients. Some clients have never heard their voice on a microphone before. This is a refreshing experience. My duty is to provide them with a healthy and safe outlet for self-expression. To reassure the client that they do have a voice.

The success has been unsurmountable. Multiple clients have been released back into the community to follow their passion for music. This is just the beginning here at Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg, Virginia. I am looking to expand my services to other states. I go by the rap name 2xSammy and I am here to serve.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a sound designer, hip-hop artist, producer, and songwriter. I go by the name 2xSammy. I have my own music publishing company. I am currently studying Music Business at Berklee College of Music. I will graduate in 2024. I have professionally released hundreds of songs.

I work with mental health hospitals in helping clients to explore the creative experience of coping through music. Every client has an opportunity to record their songs professionally. Songwriting is a compositional method in music therapy. My services are based in research. The number of people with mental health issues going through the court system is rising at an alarming rate. The age is getting younger and younger. This is a problem. By utilizing music therapy, the creative approach to treatment, in mental health hospitals, we ensure that every client has a voice. Medication does not “fix” everything. Music therapy is an opportunity to heal while discovering who you truly are and finding your purpose in life.

I am proud to see clients get released from the hospital with their anxiety low and their confidence intact. Music is powerful!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

It is rewarding to see my clients go back into the society and live successful lives. Mental health hospitals can paralyze your brain and leave you in a convalescent state of mind. Music reminds you that you still have what it takes fulfil your dreams.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The goal is to be the best version of myself. Once I achieve this, I can make a positive impact in this world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://unitedmasters.com/2xsammy
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2xsammyofficial/
• Facebook: https://mobile.twitter.com/arflowz
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shemuel-parker/
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/arflowz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdeGmUp7pVODwFzKGIHdD-A