Voyage Atlanta
Life & Work with Rawle
[as originally published on voyageatl.com]
Today we’d like to introduce you to Rawle.
Hi Rawle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started out in the industry while I was still in high school. I interned at an independent record label and, after I finished there, I interned in Toronto, Canada for Chris Smith Management who managed Nelly Furtado and the legendary singer Tamia. I ended up starting my own management company and managed a few local stars in Canada, then later became the manager of Melanie Amaro — the first American X-Factor winner. I later started focusing on my own career in 2015. Shortly before that, I was mentored by Grammy-winning writers and producers who helped me focus on my craft as a writer and pushed me to focus on being an artist as well.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a bumpy road for sure. I don’t ever recall anything being smooth. Mostly it’s just a lot of work and grinds in this business. You always have to be grinding. Some of the struggles in this business have to do with networking with people. Sometimes people pretend or lie about who they are and being able to help you further your career. You have to learn to build genuine connections and relationships with people in this business. Some of my struggles came when I trusted the wrong people. Once I learned to trust myself, it was much easier to stay focused and take my time in order to make better decisions for my career.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an all-around entertainer but my art is based on music, singing, performing, and songwriting. I also love acting. I would say I am becoming known for my songs and my writing style. I am most proud of being brave enough to release music and have it stream for people worldwide and have it move them. I’m definitely unique in the way I show up. I think what sets me apart is the energy I have. I do my best to always bring good energy and just be myself, even if it’s not popular to be yourself in some environments.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Well, I would say just being as humble as I can be is one, but not too humble where I’m overlooked. I definitely make sure my presence is felt in rooms even if I am not speaking, and I do that by just being present and in the moment. Also being willing to learn and being able to evolve from mistakes or hard lessons is the most important to my continued success.
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