Meet Irving Stokes | Recording Artist & Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Irving Stokes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Irving, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The idea of starting my own business ( record label Dream 2 Win) came from my experience of not having my own. I wanted to create something that not only would fill my need but possibly in the future become an intity that will fill the need for others. The independent artist side of music is hard to manage and thrive in considering that you have to do everything yourself building your brand to become something iconic. Although it is possible to do I think in times like these people tend to really misunderstand the hard work we have to put into our careers day in and day out just to be in the mix with these famous artist of today. That’s why I wanted to create my own label as a tool to help other independent artist to live their dreams and win their race by being the best version of themselves as an artist and also as a human being. I am currently still working to make that happen and one day through my music I will.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think being open to experience music in a way that God presented it to me started a wave of opportunities for him to show me more. However I never really believed in my abilities as an artist or musician for that matter because I was always told negative things about myself. I truly became more fascinated with playing sports and becoming a famous NFL Player more so than being anything in music. I would quit music plenty of times because of my experiences of being mistreated and unappreciated and not valued the way I felt I should be. There were times in my life that ultimately gave me a sense of realization when it comes to seeing my potential within music. For instance the summer of my junior year in high school I didn’t go outside to play nor did I leave my room unless I had to go to the bathroom or eat you know. I stayed in my room from sun up to sun down and wrote songs everyday. When I realized the time flew by my notebook had 66 songs in it by the 3rd month of summer break. Honestly speaking it Took me until I went to college for the first time in my life to see that I had full potential because I finally got the love and appreciation I deserved. I overcame the odds by consistently working hard, praying to God, and just building that confidence in myself to really embrace my creativity. That’s what helped me get through the battles so that I can live out my purpose.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Listen I love to go bowling , Skating, Movies and all but my favorite place to hang out would be Disney world. I over love that place so much there’s no other place I’d rather be. Any friend of mine knows that’s one place on the to do list that we’re definitely going.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First I would say my mom she told me that God would be the best Father I could ever have, and that is the best advice she could’ve ever gave me. Without that I probably wouldn’t be where I am. Secondly my grandma’s who both passed away were huge contributions in my molding to pursue music and develope my passion for it. Thirdly my Dad who also passed away I think the biggest thing that catapulted me to continue my journey was when he told me “ All you need is one song to blow up and you’re on your way. ” hearing him say that kicked another gear into my desire to become successful. Obviously the main person that started all this was God himself and without him it would be no IrvTheGreat. I was going through a lot as a kid from being bullied to wanting to commit suicide and in the midst of all that pain , depression, anger, defeat He gave me music as my escape in the form of playing drums. There’s literally no better way to build a relationship with music than to fall in love through discovery as a musician first. .

Instagram: @MainManIrv

Twitter: @MainManIrv

Facebook: @MainManIrv

Youtube: IrvTheGreat

Other: Also you can check my artist pages on Apple Music , Spotify , Tidal under IrvTheGreat as well.

Image Credits
Ray Visionz and Shon Mccrary