.png)
%20(9).png){kind=small}
.png)
.png)
"The world doesn’t owe you anything. You’ll start winning when you stop playing the victim."
Isaac Leo
Who or what were your biggest influences growing up, and how did they shape your career choice?
There are so many things in my life growing up that led me to the path I’m on now. From an early age, it started with a family of musicians, from my grandfather to my dad, uncle, cousins, and friends. Our house was the place musicians would always come to jam out or practice with their bands. Having a music room my dad built had me on drums when I was in diapers. Self-taught, I started on drums, learned guitar, and other instruments. My dad taught me to appreciate a lot of genres, mainly funk and many classics, which I think ultimately led to my passion for hip hop. Having older siblings enabled me to get my hands on CDs I wasn’t allowed to at that age. Once Napster and LimeWire came around, I was diving into all types of music and artists that helped shape my music to what it is today. Eventually, my cousin got me into making beats and producing on the computer, which I immediately became hooked on in early high school. From then on, it was hours creating in my room every day until I realized I needed some vocalists to work with, so I started engineering. Rapping, writing, and singing were always something I did behind the scenes a little, but as time went on, I became way more comfortable and started developing my own sound. It was clear after high school that I was going to be in the music industry one way or another. So I went to an audio recording school called “Omega Studios,” where I learned in detail the skills to be a professional audio engineer. After building up clientele from years of working, I was able to run my own studio full-time. Although I loved my work and being my own boss, ultimately, my heart was in being an artist and creating my own music, so I made that happen. Through many ups and downs in this industry, I’ve been able to push through and continue pursuing my passion independently. I’ve gained radio time, a solid fan base, and a couple of major features on songs that I never thought would happen. I’ve been in this industry for around 15 years, and I’m just now seeing success that I thought wouldn’t happen because I never gave up, and I did not take any shortcuts.
How did you manage your first major failure or setback, and what did you learn from it?
I’ve had countless setbacks and failures, but I’d say my first major notable one was when I signed a contract with someone, or I should say a minor “label,” that promised me everything, got my hopes up, and ultimately really didn’t do anything for me. Then, to make matters worse, he tried to make threats and keep me from exiting the contract when he didn’t carry out his end of the deal. I had to get a lawyer, spend money, and just deal with the stress and drama of it all while feeling defeated because the outcome was not what I thought. I could’ve just given up there and said this isn’t for me, but I knew if I stopped then, I’d be unhappy for the rest of my life. Also, having the support of anyone, even if it’s just a couple of fans or friends and family, really helps when you don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. I learned from this particular situation that I’m glad it didn’t work out because honestly, I don’t think I was ready at the time. Since then, my craft, my maturity level, and my business mindset have grown tremendously. If you just keep going and push through the failures, something good will always come out of it. Mine led to many independent accomplishments and relationships I wouldn’t have had if I stuck with that original deal.
Who were the key people or resources that helped you achieve your success?
Some of the key people on my journey would have to be my parents, for one. I know a lot of people that have parents who push them down that road of a standard 9 to 5 and financial security, and anything outside of that is fairy tales. My parents understood my dream, and once they saw the progress I was making, they really knew it wasn’t just a dream but reality. They helped invest in certain studio equipment and provided advice on some major decisions that were scary to make on my own. Other people would be some of my close friends, fans, and other artists that have come up with me in the DMV. From shows, studio sessions to events, they’ve helped me really build a solid fan base.
What aspects of your brand or company culture do you believe make you stand out in the market?
I believe my sound and overall brand stand out in this industry because of my versatility and original sound. From years of recording many different artists from all over, it’s helped me create an original sound that has influences from all over but ultimately still has that Isaac Leo feel. I was able to hear what everyone does that sounds the exact same, so I know to be different but also learn what’s popular. That, with a more positive and relatable message in my music (for the most part), sets me apart from most other artists.
What daily habits can help me stay focused on my goals?
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve had to learn and practice new daily habits to better myself and continue to grow. Starting with eating healthy and exercising to help keep my brain focused. Less alcohol during the week and smoking less help keep me sharp. I study my favorite artists' social media marketing tactics and song rollouts to get ideas and learn from someone that has been very successful in the field I am in.
"The world doesn’t owe you anything. You’ll start winning when you stop playing the victim." - Isaac Leo
Follow Isaac Leo:
.png)
Comments