We were lucky to catch up with William Alston Jr recently and have shared our conversation below.
William, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Well I have always had musical talents since a young age so that helps but specifically in being a A&R I studied some of the greats, read books, panels etc so I could absorb that knowledge & then apply it. It’s a process but I think I’m doing pretty good so far. Well knowing what I know now, I would have surrounded myself with like minded people who have the same type of goals. “Elevate” Skills I think we’re most essential? Marketing Skills for sure. I know how to put things together at the right times to produce a effective marketing plan for clients. Well nothing really because I’m steady learning everyday no matter what u can always learn more. But I will say daily struggles definitely stood in the way of progress, but u have to keep fighting, keep grinding, keep faith and whatever u set you’re mind to will happen
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m William Alston Jr I’m 32 years young Born in New Jersey raised in Ohio. Moved to Atlanta in 9th grade. Music has always been a big part of my life, growing up I was always involved in chorus, and dancing, anything pertaining to music really. I got into my industry by learning and taking notes from some of the greats who have done it A&R’s and managers in the music business I feel I have made a solid impact in people’s lives. Studied what they did and made it my own along with adding my own personal ideas to the mix. You have to be very disciplined and remain focused if u want to succeed in the industry it’s a very cut throat place. The main thing I always tell artist who I potentially want to work with is “I can’t want it more for you, then u want it for yourself” I provide management services. I also provide Marketing services I had a eye for talent so I can come up with a effective marketing plan to help build you’re brand and put you in front of the people that matter in the industry you as a artist just have to be hungry and consistent. I know how to construct a song from the ground up very well. Working with a artist I can hear the errors they might have in there music and I help them critique there craft to help them become the best artist they can be. What sets me apart is I’m really me, I’m really who I say I am and I keep God first. Building a solid relationship with a client is number one priority. I aim for a family type bond. Help me help u win! I’m just proud of how far I have come since the beginning of this journey, Lord knows it has not been easy but every step of the way I’m reminded that I’m on the right path. To go from no one knowing who I am to traveling to another state thousands of miles away and someone say oh you’re Willthecreatorr right? That’s amazing to me. I’m still building my merchandise like anything it’s a process to it but I’ve gotten many good feedbacks from the products I’ve released this far, you can buy merch by going to the shop tab on my website. Currently working on new collections. For those who don’t know I also spread knowledge of the power of investing in yourself I know I know everyone is talking about investing these days, but it’s very important to learn about these tolls that are at you’re fingertips the world is changing day by day you don’t want to be left behind. Especially us minorities alot of investing information we don’t learn until we become older while others learn these skills at a very young age it’s time to change that. There are many influential brothers out here dropping gems daily. Two people I listen to and take notes from are brother 19 Keys & Him 500 if you don’t know who they are looking them up ASAP. Outside of becoming the biggest A&R in the game a goal of mine is to give back to the youth! Show our young black men and woman there’s so much more to life then running around in the streets, that lead no where but a early grave and or prison it’s time to stand up and be those Kings & Queens we are connect with you’re inner God
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Well when I first came out on the scene many people already had there own perception of me based off things people say and certain connections without ever even meeting me or really knowing me as a person it’s crazy how that works. But because of that I feel I’ve had to prove myself more then others. I have to go the extra mile for people who don’t know me to see the real me. The industry is not for the weak at times I felt like giving up, but through all of the Adversity I remain solid and continue to push forward and as I did I noticed people started to see the real me and not who “They” wanted me to be. If I didn’t have that mindset of letting things roll off my shoulder and wasn’t resilient I probably wouldn’t have made it this far. I’m thankful
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of what I do is being able to impact lives not just through music but through spreading the message God has put in. I have had many people reach out to me to let me know how I inspire them and how they have learned so much from me either from having conversations with me or just from watching my journey from a far. When it’s all said and done if God is pleased with my efforts I’m good with that, my main concern is being the best Father I can be for my Son so outside of impacting others lives in a positive way being able provide a better life for my seed is the most rewarding
Contact Info:
- Website: Will2Creat3ntertainment.com
- Instagram: Will2Creat3ntertainment
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/william.alston2
- Twitter: Willthecreatorr
Image Credits
The halo photo by Chuckyfotos