Today we’d like to introduce you to Exel .
Hi Exel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I used to think that all stories were the same when it came to how someone gets recognized in the music field, but that’s absolutely not true at all, haha. I come from a pretty poor background. Struggling was something that wasn’t unfamiliar for myself, my family, or other families that came from where I did. The town I lived in as a child was very low-income and, overall, a really tiny town. I was class clown at my school, but that was mainly to hide my depression away. Making other people feel good always made me feel better. My depression was so bad that I ended up leaving school. I remember after I left, my music teacher called me and said, “I really need you to stick with music.” looking back, that was one of those “life guidance” points where everything could be different now if that phone call never happened. I was in and out of some rock bands, and we traveled a lot. Unfortunately, we never really got anywhere in terms of “success,” but it’s a great memory. When the band broke up, a friend of mine told me to start just doing covers and post them online, so I did. I posted them on YouTube and Facebook. They ended up going viral on Facebook. Then, on Instagram, I saw a DM notification from SauceLord Rich. Rich has produced music for Lil Wayne, Post Malone, 2Chainz, Mac Miller, and B.o.B, along with countless others. He told me he was into my vocal talent, and he started sending me beats to write to in order to show my skills. Eventually, he told me to come to Atlanta to meet with him, and we started making music. Fast forward about a year after we met, and we were back in the studio, and we were watching NBA highlights of Dallas Mavs star, Luka Doncic. In the clip, Mark Followill, the announcer, stated: “That is Luka Magic!” Rich turned to me and said, “Luka Magic. That’s it.” We started writing, and within fifteen minutes, the song was done. I started sending the song to hundreds of people with the Mavericks. One person believed in the song, and I – Tamara Jolee. She wrote an article about the song, and it took off. The song would not be as significant as it is today without her. She is truly one of the greatest people I have ever met. The song then ended up being used at the American Airlines Center for Mavs games. After that, Forbes, NBC, Fox, CBS, SportsIllustrated, and multiple podcasts started talking about it. It only continues to get bigger.
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 never really viewed anything as something that could or would defeat me. The beautiful thing about obstacles is that you can find ways around them. Sometimes it’s not over the obstacle, but it can be around or under it. There’s definitely been points where things were harder. I would say losing my dad was a very low point. He had a stroke and couldn’t talk or walk for about four years. He was locked in his own body. It was a really awful diagnosis, but I showed up every day to see him for years to try to make him smile. I lost a job due to missing so much work at that time too, because I wanted to help care for him. In retrospect, that solidified a big reason why I never wanted to go back to the 9-5 world. The only option I could have was to succeed after that. Before my dad passed, I promised him that I would succeed. I’ve been sticking to my word.
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 musician, and I’ve produced for big acts as well. I’m proud of all that I’ve been blessed to have accomplished, but it would not be possible without the total love and support from those who enjoy what I do. I’ve met so many amazing people through the success of my song ‘Luka Magic,’ and I’ve learned so much from others. I truly feel a part of a community. Being in Forbes, featured in the NBA, and having interviews with Fox have been incredible to me. I’m lucky.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Listen to everyone. You never want to be the smartest person in the room. If you are, then you aren’t learning anything. Find people with similar interests as you and become friends. Community is such a key. It truly takes a village.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/track/2KVgs4vWzpk5oAYRbDUfLj?si=w_cG7rw6TXKCeF66WCL-tg
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/exelwlf
- Twitter: @exeltweets
Image Credits
Nick White
