Today we’d like to introduce you to Theez.
Hi Theez, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my musical journey playing guitar my freshman year of high school, which lead me to playing in various bands throughout my teenage years. After having trouble finding and keeping bandmates that took making music as serious as I did, I started making music solo, writing lyrics and rapping. The irony of it all was that about a year later I cofounded a 12 man hip hop group known as the CLDMKRS. From there I continued progressing in my song writing and recording skills, working with tons of talented musicians not only in California but all around the world. My song writing skills lead to me getting a writing placement with a Def Jam artist as well as a sync licensing deal with Audiosocket. Eventually, I started teaching song writing classes for standard public schools as well as continuation schools and detention centers. I’m currently working with LionLike Institute of The Arts providing different artistic programs to children and young adults both in the school system and independently at Machine Montclair.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think it’s ever really a smooth road. That’s why they say the journey is as important as the destination. I think the adversity makes the success taste even better because if it was easy, you wouldn’t have the joy of reflecting on the struggles you had to overcome to reach the goals you set out to reach. Relationships, both romantic and plutonic, egos, finances, death….all things that play a tough roll in ones journey. Persevering isn’t always easy but you kind of just realize that you don’t have a choice. When you can get yourself through these situations, your skin becomes thicker and you realize you are stronger than you thought you were.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a musical artist. I’ve dabbled in production but I am primarily a writing and recording artist. I think one of my strongest attributes as a songwriter is my diversity and understanding for what a song needs both lyrically and melodically. I really have a passion for writing songs. I’ve always viewed it as similar to putting a puzzle together. You’re trying to fit all the right pieces in the right places and when you do, you end up with a beautiful picture. I’m most proud of my consistency. When I was younger I always thought I had an expiration date on my creativity but as I grow older, I realize that you can’t put a date on your passion. You’re gonna continue until you can’t anymore.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have a few pieces of advice that I like to share with upcoming creatives that I wish I had somebody give me during my journey. First and most important, just be a good person. Keep your ego in check and realize the more people that feel comfortable inviting you into a room with somebody that can help you progress in your career, the better. Help people when you can and don’t expect anything in return. The universe will reward your kindness. Also, diversify your skillset. If you’re a rapper, bigger artists might not have a need to work with you, but if you’re a rapper AND a videographer, you can get your foot in the door by having an asset a bigger artist needs, which can allow you to eventually work on music. It can be engineering, producing, photography. Anything to up your value. Lastly, collaborate. In my opinion, music is a communal artform and I’ve benefitted tremendously from being open to working with likeminded people. From networking, to learning different creative processes, to routines. I feel like a huge part of my growth is learning from my peers.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisistheez/?hl=en
Image Credits
Sirrealist, Kid Presentable!!!, Chris Miranda, Parker Nelson
