We recently connected with STEVEN BANKS and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, STEVEN thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mission is evolving. I used to focus on music and used education as a means to an end. It was a good, safe profession. But, as I’ve grown both as an artist and educator, I realize they go together for me, I am both. The impact that can be had by working closely with the communities and students are priceless. I also, would not be the artist I am if it was not for the experiences I have had in education. As much as I want to educate and uplift others, working with students has done that for me. Seeing first hand what they go through and their ability to thrive through it. This is a special generation we have coming up. My mission is to keep enjoying life and finding ways to do that through my work in and out of the classroom. I definitely want people to see how I am able to do both and do it my way.

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

As an artist I am This Life. We Lead., which is mantra that I live by. It ended being my name because of a band I was in and its something I live on. Over the last few years I have had my music featured on a few tv shows and HBO. I am really proud of how I have been able to carve a niche out of my sound and personality. I try to really show who I am as a person and I hope people can hear it in the music. I used to shy away of some aspects, but I think I have allowed myself to grow as an artist and show off the creative side and educator side. In my music I share personal stories about my life, but I think I do that in a relatable way. I try to make it where everyone can get where I am coming from. As a teacher, I do that daily, I have to teach in a way that 150 kids a day can get some understanding and gain value from my lesson. In my music, I want all listeners to at least walk away knowing it was worth their time.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I think as a creative, I had to learn you can’t expect everyone to love your music or even get it, but you can’t let that stop you from trying. You can’t let it stop you from finding your 5,000 fans or 10,000 fans. They’re out there. I recall speaking with a manager of an artist who I’m a big fan of. She told me, you can leave Detroit and be a small fish in a big pond or stay and work on being a big fish in a little pond. Detroit is not little, but compared to L.A. or N.Y., I got what she meant. She said if you keep putting it out there, your chance will come.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I think earlier in my journey I wish we had the technology as readily available as we do now. I appreciate now how people just want to see content and hear your story. You don’t have to always shoot a big video, it is a lot more freedom in how you package yourself and what people are looking for. I wish the industry was like this a few years sooner, but its cool to take advantage of it now.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @TLWLMUSIC
• Twitter: @TLWLMUSIC
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/A50ETSd9dtM
• Other: Photo Credit: Tamisha Denson @Thirty8special

Image Credits
Tamisha Denson @Thirty8Special