Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Spreez
Hi Jon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Jon Spreez I’m an artist, entrepreneur, host, writer, and emcee from Columbus, by way of Dayton Ohio. I’ve been writing poetry as long as I can remember and began emceeing around 15 years old. I’ve had the pleasure of hosting and putting on dozens of shows in the city and going on two multi city tours, and having a hand in organizations like Ancient Flow Recordings. This has all been a major blessing in my life. I’ve been able to start multiple businesses such as The Higher Plain Music and VA Vizions and it’s given me so many opportunities like speaking with this wonderful publication.
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?
I’m a firm believer that nothing great comes without struggle. I was blessed enough to be placed on my life’s path at an early age when my mother taught me to channel my pain through writing. No story comes without adversity and of course I’ve faced my fair share. Being an independent artist requires so much of your time, energy, and faith. It also requires a willingness to fail. I’ve fallen short of my plans in one respect or another many times but the idea is to readjust and push forward. I’ve lost hard drives full of music, friends, business relationships, and at times hope. But what God has for you no man can interfere with, including you. The only thing I have to do is wake up and decide to continue the mission.
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’m a lot of things, a bit of a Jack of all trades, but I’m most likely known for my music. I’ve dedicated a large portion of my life to the mastery of my craft and I truly believe that mastery is apparent to those who get the opportunity to hear it. I specialize in hip hop, rnb and alternative sounds but am drawn to all forms and genres. I have a large catalogue of music available for public consumption both on independent sites like officialnewspreez.bandcamp.com or large streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music. My latest project She Hate Me has been met with positive reviews and critical acclaim and I’m very proud of the results. I’m constantly working on new material and with new artists trying to create visibility for all the talent surrounding me which is why platforms like this are so important.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Any dream takes risk. There are so many safer options than dedicating your life to creating art, that’s merit can often be dictated by the whims of others. It takes a level of sacrifice and willingness to perform regardless of the stakes. I work in an emotion based business, I often rap my life, there’s risk in vulnerability. A musician is building a relationship with the listener and relationships can end in hurt. Many people feel that hurt, that disappointment and decide it’s better to play it safe. A “regular job” gives the appearance of security, a comfort most people need failing to realize placing your livelihood in a company maybe just as risky. The former employees at Enron can probably attest to this sentiment. At the end of the day, my failures, like my successes are directly tied to my own faith, drive, ingenuity, and vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Officialnewspreez.bandcamp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spreezybaby
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/johnnyspreez
- Twitter: @spreezy
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@spreezybaby?si=HAQwlb5TzLagdE-6
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/3PHn3n1rgqL1UyGP6
Image Credits
Jordan Valentine
Raill Q. Peebles
