What’s your stage name and where are you from?
ThreeTimeEast, I’m from Tyler, TX, but I’m currently based out of Austin, TX.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
ThreeTimeEast was a name I came up with when I was in an apartment by myself when I first moved away from home to seek music. It’s a representation of the area I grew up in, with the area code being 903, and being from East Texas, I decided to combine them. It’s a constant reminder of where I came from, and not to forget my friends and family in this journey, and that everything I do is bigger than me, as I have an opportunity to help my family, friends, and community.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
I have been playing guitar and other instruments since I was 9 years old. I originally started my journey in rock n roll and metal, playing in a band with my brother when I was 12. As I grew up I fell in love with Hip-Hop, because I related to the music more than any other genre due to my childhood, and since then I started taking music seriously as a solo artist for nearly 4 years now, getting ready to release my first project this year.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
My latest track, Way Too Many Times, was my first time releasing an official record by myself. From every sound, to production, mixing, engineering and recording vocals, I do everything in my home studio I built. So this is my first official release that every aspect of the track was solely done by me, which is an amazing feeling, although I love the collaboration process there’s something about it that feels like fans are getting 100% me.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
Music has helped me so much and my life, and my mission is just to do the same for another man, who was also a 9 year old kid that heard a melody on the radio and fell in love with the art like I did. I want to use my music to provide for my friends and family, as many struggle with substance abuse, violent experiences, and health issues. Eventually I plan to open a rehab for addicts, alcoholics, those with mental health issues, and people who just feel lost due to their environment, and provide music therapy and educational classes to help people heal through music, and stay off the streets. I want to take my experience and perspective and spread that light to anyone who needs it. Music is far more than what people realize, it’s divine, its frequencies, it’s creation, it’s spiritual. It really does heal, and I’m living proof.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
Production was something I started doing about 4 years ago, before then I only had real knowledge of analog and instrumentation. I was used to the old school, because I grew up in an old school household. It was a difficult adjustment going from a guitar I can manipulate with pressure and fluctuation and natural physical play, versus opening a laptop and learning how to replicate the “feeling” I try to induce in my music.That challenge alone was the hardest.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Dominic Fike. He is a true artist and combines genres in a way that’s very unique. It’s been a dream of mine as a kid to release an album in every genre, and he was a pioneer to just doing what you love and not being limited, and he did it by meshing sounds, that if reading it on paper, would seem impossible. At the same time, his vulnerability and expression is undeniable. He is a generational talent and someone I relate to in many ways, not only musically, but personally as a human being. Flowers to Dom.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
My biggest goal would be making music my career full time, as I still have to find other avenues to make a living in order to fund and do music. If I can make a living doing what I love, and helping people, then I made it.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
To drop my first album/project. It is something I will take my time with because it’s special, and I’m someone who loved going to the store to get the newest CD of my favorite artist when it came out, waiting in line. Sitting down with headphones and listening to the album front to back. I want my first album to be something you can experience in that way, that feels like you’re entire life passing by you, but also be on the brink of new beginning. I want to change the narrative of music to a more positive light, and I have something to prove. Not necessarily in an unhealthy way, but I am blessed to have a gift from God that I love so much and I want it to shine so others see that they can take their circumstances and create something beautiful.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
My latest release, Way Too Many Times is out now on all platforms.
