Today we’d like to introduce you to Sledge
Hi Sledge, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started writing lyrics in my room as an eleven year-old. I was convinced from a young age that music was my way out of a low income environment. The dream started off as a very narrow path. I wanted the cliche money, cars, clothes, and women As the years went on and I developed my writing and sound I longed for something more fulfilling than the flesh. I began writing more vulnerable content reaching into a place that I was uncomfortable with sharing, in hopes of helping someone in a similar situation have a better outlook. Many of my songs showcase hard times with a positive outcome. We all go through hardship and I think that’s something we can all relate to. If we took a little time to realize that instead of instantly getting mad or frustrated with other people, of which I am guilty, we could all get a long just a little better.
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?
The music industry is a world of art riddled with business. It’s a conflict of creativity and bureaucracy. There is money to be made and everyone wants a piece of it. It makes sense but often complicates things and makes one weary of being able to trust a good thing. I’ve learned to read between the lines and get it in writing.
Being based in Memphis makes live shows a risk due to violence. I’ve had more close calls than I’m comfortable with. Earlier in my career I made more hype trap based rap and because of certain situations I migrated to invoking a more thoughtful response.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My main hustle is music I work a forty hour job and the vast majority of free time is devoted to progressing my craft (recording, producing, and making content). I design my own cover art, my merch and edit 99% of my videos. I’ve been inclined to the visual arts ever since I picked up crayon. I’m known for being positive and level headed and I’m quite proud of those attributes. If I didn’t have this mindset I’d be in a much worse place. I’m not afraid to try new things. I’m not a gazillionaire yet so obviously I don’t know what works yet and that freedom and lack of pressure is exhilarating. The possibilities are endless and the potential is enormous.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Keep trying. You only fail when you give up, so never give up. There’s a lot of adversity in this world you got to get back on the horse. Anytime something goes wrong that’s a learning experience. That’s progress made. Perspective is everything, look from as many angles as you can, find a solution and attack.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sledge.bandzoogle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sledgeof97/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sledge97
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rylan-colwell-842635321/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheROCKSUPERSTAR23
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sledgeof97
Image Credits
Cash Martin, Emily Tabah, and Tabitha Cooper
