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

Terence, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I remember early in my career when i had just graduated from college I was broke and Sally Mae was on my A**. I was stressed out working at a community centre not making any money and struggling to to get a job in the field I went to school for. I had 400 dollars left to my name and I took a risk with it. I spent that last 400 dollars on 200 blank CDs and put my EP entitled”TP the EP” on it. I remember being so nervous and thinking I made a stupid decision, regardless of that I told myself I would sell 200 CDs in a month. 30 days later and I sold all the CDs and my name started to buzz locally as an artist. Ironically enough a lot of the people and companies that I applied that never hired me started to book me to perform at their company events. I went from trying to be an employee to being in partnership.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I got into the music industry by hustling my way in. I had always been good at talking with people and crowds so it came natural in the industry. I also did as many local shows and open mics so that people could actually see me and put a face to whoever they may have seen on social media. My most proud moments had been writing scored for films, winning art awards along with receiving sync opportunities with my art.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Society can support artist by reposting their music on social media if they like it. Going to shows and supporting local artist really means a lot because if labels see that their community stands behind an artist they will show more interests. Also purchasing merchandise always help the fellow artist entrepreneur keep things a float.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Its when someone lets you know how much their song has helped them go through dark times. Also when random people encourage you about your music.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tpennygram/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=terence+penny

Image Credits
Jonathan Michaels