We were lucky to catch up with Speakeazie recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Speakeazie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

There was an awakening moment for me as a creative a couple years ago when I realized just how deep the art of music can take you. While I have always been touched profoundly by music, it was seeing how my music impacted others that engrained my purpose. I always knew I needed to do something positively big, and when I found the songs I weave together ignited that, I could not turn away. I knew I had to go all the way with this, not only because music is the backbone of my soul, but because my soul also craves to make a difference at a large scale. I feel that music will, and is, taking me there.

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.

I am originally from Florida, but relocated to the Twin Cities about seven years ago. I always loved running as a kid, but found at a very young age that I had a rare knee disorder that made most physical activity and hobbies impossible for me. That’s when I turned to music. I did as many musical activities that I could, mostly instrumental and vocal performance. After I left high school, I started to take a more folk approach rather than classical. I had always wanted to write my own music, but never felt I was confidant or good enough to be a solo vocalist and songwriter. After a retreat in Peru back in 2021, I decided that I could no longer feel I was living my life in the most fruitful way, and upon my return, I wrote and recorded my first song ‘Shiftless’.

This led me to releasing my first experimental demo album ‘Prohibition Hippie’ early 2022, which was followed by a couple singles and EPs. While I have gotten more comfortable with making music, it is really the love from others and how my music has impacted them. A common thing I hear is how my music is unique and hard to put into a label, I think that is what really sets me apart from other artists.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Other than seeing people relating and enjoying my music, one of the most rewarding things for me is healing. I spent so many years of my life not knowing how to properly express my emotions, trauma, and thoughts, writing music allowed me to tune into those parts of me and give them a healthy outlet. I got to confront my struggles, understand them, and let them go. For the first time in my life I could be completely raw with myself, and that was a very special thing. I found it also helped others with the same issues I was facing.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Get out to live shows and talk about the artists you are passionate about. We so often display or listen to art without talking about what it means to us or its story. Knowing the story or what it means to someone is one of the things, at least for me, that allows it to stay in my mind. Artists are not machines, they have parts of their souls they allow the world to see, whether it is appreciated or not and that takes a lot of courage. It means a ton to see folks show up and show their support or share art. If you love what you see or hear, talk about it, you might convince someone that ends up changing the life of an artists for the better, forever.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.speakeazie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakeaziemusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakeaziemusic
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5fyPKWPAOvkpvod3cb7wGt?si=9I5aNHsSSMi6qi6uLS_gQw