Broke-Ass Artist of the Week – NYC Caribbean Rock Star Smax Music
Brokeassstuart.com proudly presents the Broke-Ass Artists series where we give our readers an insight to the struggle of some up and coming talent in music.
I met our first ever artist of the week, Smax Music, years ago when we were both performing at a fashion show. He considers himself a citizen of the world and his influences range from the likes of Bob Marley, Ray Charles, Pearl Jam and many more.
BrokeAssStuart.com: Can you recall a time when you were broke and really wanted to pursue your passion?
Oh yes, of course. I had made the decision to leave every other money generating activity (property management, real estate, a position at a hospital) to pursue music as a full time career. I had given myself six months worth of savings, which would support my lifestyle while I would earn money performing and selling CD’s. I faced challenges that same year that I never imagined; I ran out of money sooner than expected. I had to keep the faith and be strong in what I was doing, to not turn back and keep moving forward. It was very hard, and at the same time very educative. I learned a lot about myself. “Only through rough waters one can say who is a great captain”.
Find Smax Music on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr.
BrokeAssStuart.com: What advice would you give to someone who is afraid to pursue a music career?
Don’t be afraid. It’s not a life or death decision. There are no rules on how to go about it. You kind of have to do what’s in your heart, and trust that you will be okay. Will there be hard times? YES! But these hard times will build, and prepare you for what’s to come next. You will not know why certain things happen to you, but you must keep your eyes fixed on the things that you want, and no matter what, keep on pushing forward, I guarantee you if you live long enough life has no choice but to make way for you. The question is: Do you really want a music career? How bad do you want it?
Click Here To Check Out Smax Music On Reverbnation
BrokeAssStuart.com: A couple of years ago, you started a crowdfunding project through Kickstarter for your Enjoy Life album, but you didn’t meet your goal. We often hear about successful projects through crowdfunding but never hear about the projects that don’t reach their goals, could you give us a little bit of insight into how you felt after your Kickstarter campaign, and how you feel after having completing the project today?
After my failed Kickstarter project I learned the value of marketing and promotion. It was disappointing that I didn’t make the goal and that my album had to wait a little longer to be completed. With each failure lies an opportunity to learn and grow. The theme behind my movement is Enjoy Life and it’s not just a saying, it’s a way of life. It’s an attitude that no matter what the circumstance, I will rise above it and continue to thrive—spiritually, mentally and physically. I don’t have the patience to stay there and feel sorry for myself. I knew that there was a reason why it wasn’t successful. I regrouped and tried a different way to earn the money and completed my Enjoy Life album. It feels great; it’s a testimony to everything that I speak about. When you want something bad enough, and you’re willing to put in the work, magical things happen. The release of the album is simply the beginning.
Smax Music will be performing at DROM for his Enjoy Life concert on 10/11 and headlining our Young, Broke & Beautiful Party on 10/14 at Dardy Bar.
If you’d like to be featured in our Broke-Ass Artist of the Week series, please contact Freddie Cosmo at Email me! and be sure to sign up for our mailing list for more events and news for your broke ass.
Photo Credit: smaxmusic.com
