Meet Stona G | Independent Recording Artist/Songwriter

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

Hi Stona, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Pursuing a creative career can be a scary thing to decide to do. Personally, I have always had a problem with communicating with people around me, I used to write rhymes in my school books during class just to express myself. Years later I found myself rhyming on beats and developing a strong passion for music and the production of it. I recorded my first real song “Breeze” in 2019 which I recorded at a studio I was paying around $30 an hour, shot a video for it and then I started falling love with the not-so-easy process of making a song, publishing, distributing and marketing. But the joy of creating can be very costly, time consuming and emotionally draining. I remember when the pandemic hit not long after and my best friend moved in with me, I was unable to go to the studio because of quarantine, the entertainment industry was taking a decline in many aspects and I really was thinking to myself that I couldnt have started my music career at a worse time. This was a very discouraging point as I barely even started and this was happening, my best friend told me that she believed its an opportunity to start investing in my own home studio so that I could record without having to leave the house during the pandemic. To this day I think that is one of the best advice and best decision I have made thus far in my entire career. I released my first home-recorded, mixed and mastered song “Take Risk” along with a music video I shot in Jamaica for it and I don’t think I would of pursued this creative path if it wasn’t for that timeline of events because it made me realize how much more creative freedom you have when you have full control and understanding of every step of the song making process. Doing this has made me realize my true love for music, helped me refine the craft and hone skills that I learnt on my own desire. This love allows me to feel fulfilled while showing my creativity, making my career almost addictive to me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The music I make is a blend of several genres and influences that I have related to in my life. Most of the instrumentals I use would be classified as trap/uk drill, HipHop but because of my Jamaican background and love for reggae I enjoy adding that vibrant, irie feeling to my style.

This is different from others in the music industry, because what I do doesn’t classify to any specific genre, so the audience can have the privilege to interpret what they’re listening to.

I have a genuine love for the composition of songs and each step in the process. So far everything I have released, I’ve done independently. From writing, beat selection/production, engineering, mixing, mastering, publishing and distribution; always having the freedom to do what I want with my creativity as made me proud to see how much skills I can do and teach myself.

Where I am today is barely the beginning of what’s to come. but all it takes to achieve is faith in your goals, persistence and resilience. There are times that you will doubt yourself especially as an Artist/creative. You can be anything you want to be.

Challenges will arise, because nothing worth wild comes easy. Having a team is very important. During hard times, try to go to the ones that are on your team for help, and your “team” can be your family, colleagues and even supporters. Try not to isolate yourself too
much when there are challenges, change your scenery and adjust to find inspiration and solutions.

I’ve learnt along the way that if you really want something don’t be afraid to take risk to get it. Especially during your young years. If I was scared to pursue a music career and didn’t ever release a song I would probably look back in regret. I have also learnt that investing is essential, think of your profession as a business. I would have never found my unique sound if I didn’t decide to buy studio equipment and setup my own. The world is ours for the taking and you can learn anything if you put your mind to it.

I want people to recognize Stona G and know that I did music for music and I would love if even when my time expires, the type of music I made could inspire younger generations to implement into their songs or their style.

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.
A week long trip to my island Jamaica of course. I would take them to Portland for a week long trip. We have rivers that are as clear as daylight, we could go hang out in rios where they have bars, good drinks and don’t forget the wildest parties on the planet. I don’t think anywhere can compare to Jamaica when it comes to good vibes, people , drinks and a beautiful country. Anyone visiting where I’m from shouldn’t it hard, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to find things to do. My personal favorite thing to eat is fried chicken with curry chicken gravy and rice and peas with plantains, I could eat that everyday for lunch. Growing up I always watched TV thinking Burger King, Taco Bell and and Popeyes must’ve been so good in the US. When I finally moved here I started missing food from home and started cooking more often, and nowadays I barely buy any fast food. Nothing makes me more whole than a proper meal and good vibes.

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?
I would like to thank my supporters, a driving factor to why I do what I do every single day. My whole team; including my family, my management, and videographer for being with me along my journey thus far. The road is tough but nothing is impossible with good energy and people you can trust surrounding you. I remember every opportunity that I’ve been blessed with, and its a real good feeling when people actually recognize what I’m doing. It makes you realize the world is smaller than we think and our dreams are much bigger. I also want to shoutout to upcoming creatives everywhere to keep working, invest in your craft and businesses, put time into what you love; it wont feel like work.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ston4g?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@StonaG