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

Troy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The biggest risk I took for my career was to not go to college but pursue music by playing as much as possible and traveling the unsure road of being a musician. I have learned the unbelievable amount of work that goes into what you do. It is fair to say that I currently book and manage all my own shows, as well as market/promote them. I also help book shows for other artists and look for upcoming talent. I volunteer to help organize local festivals and produce events like poetry readings and different music series. I am always finding new and creative ways to help myself and others get paid for their art, Often times opening a new market, like a coffee shop or bar. For every 10 emails you send, you might get one yes, or even zero. So you have to be persistent and never give up on your dream.

Troy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have been singing my whole life and it seemed like the only thing that made sense to me. I started gigging by opening for other groups. I would write songs all the time and couch surf a lot. I had to force myself to be uncomfortable to get where I am today. I provide therapeutic healing though music by performing live concerts and performances. I play anywhere, as long as there are ears to listen. I do workshops and artist in resident teaching with children to teach them how to resolve their conflicts peacefully with music. When they get angry, think of your favorite song and sing. Use music or writing as a tool and coping mechanism for dealing with their emotions in a positive way.

I would like to expand the horizons of working with kids through interactive writing workshops and music concerts. I also would like to become a better blues guitar player by playing a resonator guitar and pick up a new instrument to me, like the piano.

I am most proud of being named Performer of the Year in 2022 for my hometown of Marquette, MI. It lets me know that all the years of road dogging it and playing gigs, people did take notice and care.

I have a genuine desire to better myself and others through promoting other artists, booking their shows and even paying for shows out of my own pocket in order to make them happen.

Part of success is doing a great job the first time and then you get invited back so seasonally you are always busy and can book into your next year fairly easy because people want an annual performance from you.

I enjoy the hard work and flexibility of being your own agent, but to go next level I would want to seek out an agent. There has been a level of comfort ability about doing your own work and knowing what is being said on your behalf. I hope to progress by building new partnerships and discovering new markets to play music and reach youth.

I have published one poetry book independently, a dozen albums and most recently in 2023 a chapbook of poetry that means the world to me, that people are reading my words and hopefully it can help them on their journey.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

To bring unity and happiness to everyone through music. Staying on the road and playing as many gigs as I can, because it is not about the image but about sharing joy and happiness. It would be nice to achieve popularity to the point where you can just do music full time.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It is rewarding whenever I am able to make a difference in someone’s life through music or poetry. Specifically when I do my writing workshops with kids and we really connect. At concerts I see people singing the words to my songs, which I thought was never possible. My ultimate goal is to inspire as many people as possible to be creative and be an artist of their own.

I am always collaborating with new artists to be fresh and on my game, literally writing new songs weekly, that is very therapeutic for me. Which also means there is a lot of music that the world hasn’t heard yet. Meaning it is recorded, but not released or exists but on limited press runs. It is a work in progress to compile 20 years of songwriting and share with the world. I most appreciate the art of showmanship that comes through doing live performances. As an artist you never really are completed in your work, you just keep moving with the energy of creation. It may not be finalized or publicly available but will surface and come to life during a live performance and then take shape from there.

Contact Info:

• Website: troygrahammusic.square.site
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/troygrahammusic
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@troygrahammusic

Image Credits
Zachary R. Irving, Lisa Graham