Today we’d like to introduce you to Karrington Sneed.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m 23 years old trying to make my dream a reality. Born and raised in Dallas, TX and currently, a senior attending Prairie View A&M University working on my B.S. in Psychology. I grew up in a very musically inclined family. My mom was and currently is a Minister of Music at Concord Church in Dallas and my dad is a Pastor at Family of Faith Christian Center Church in Dallas. So growing up, all I knew was the church on Wednesday’s and Sunday’s and you better stay awake. In the church, I served on the praise team and choir and my big brother always played drums. I knew I had a liking for singing in elementary school but was too shy to step out my box which was crazy because I was never a shy child. I was always full of life, smiles, and jokes (and still a goofball). When I attended W.E. Griener Middle School, I really stepped out of my shell vocally, being apart of the choir I had no choice. That’s when I knew I wanted to turn my passion into a career one day. I was very active in choir in and outside of school. Once my mom noticed that I loved to sing she placed me in music programs to allow me to exercise my gift.
For six or so years, I participated in The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) summer program doing musicals such as Hallelujah Gospel the musical, Michael the musical, Whitney the musical, Aretha the Musical, Stevie the Musical, Motown the musical and more. I thrived and studied under the most influential artist and directors which molded me into the artist I am today. My mom was also a very huge influence on my musical career as a gospel recording artist. She showed that I could one day pursue my dreams just like she did. Encouraging and loving me helped with confidence I never knew I had. Once I realized that music and singing surpassed just a hobby I decided to go to school for Music Education after graduating from Townview Magnet High School. A year in half into pursuing my Bachelors in Music, I realized I didn’t need a degree to do what I loved to do which was sing.
I really struggled with comparing myself to things/people around me and doubting myself until I realized that God gave me a voice and sound distinctly for me and with that realization, I stopped standing in my own way and paved a way for myself. I’ve been blessed enough to have great opportunities to sing for multiple occasions around the Austin, Houston, Dallas metroplex and even overseas in Europe with Prairie View Concert Choral. Once I started believing and investing in myself, I started to see my art grown and manifest before my eyes. My mom always told my brother and me to always give our gift back to the Lord In anything we do and it’s definitely opened doors. The journey has only begun and I’m in it for the long run. I tell my friends the only reason why I’d stop singing is only if God takes it away from me. With consistent hard work and faith, I know I can do all things.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been peaches and cream because as an artist it’s super competitive and you meet so many people who are sensitive about their art. So, you never know who’s actually genuine or not. As networkers, you have to have the gift of gab and resilience because some days are harder than some. It’s about who you know sometimes in this field and not always what you can do. Some of my struggles were more internal like “Ewe, this sounds bad!” or “OMG, I’m flat! Did I really sound like that?!” and with those insecurities that can hinder anyone.
Or another struggle I still deal with is having to be ok even if you don’t feel completely supported. I know so many of my artist friends that go through the blues because of the support and love they show but never get it in return. At the end of the day, I do what I love for me and for the ones that love me back. If I focus on what everyone else isn’t doing, that takes time and energy away from my craft. It’s easier said than done most days, but it still gets to you here and there.
Overall, I’m going to always be my worse critic, but when I realized I can also be my biggest supporter I shifted my energy and focused more on the things I can expand on and less on what I need to work on. I still work on those things but I don’t spend all day, weeks and months on minor things anymore. I understand that with time I’ll grow and I rather not rush my process, but gracefully go through it. Ups and downs and all. Having a positive mindset can change the outcome of a lot of situations.
Please tell us about your music – what else should we know?
The music I make is simply to make people feel good. I believe that love for music is gone simply because I feel like some artist does it for the money besides the joy of music. Music can be for other people too, but if it’s not for you then what’s the point in making it. Music is supposed to be fun, reflective and relatable. I always write from personal experiences or even my friends’ experiences. When anyone plays my song the mission is to heal, speak and spread love. Music is a lifesaver to a lot of people, so if I can save a soul one joint at a time, then I’m fulfilling my purpose.
I’ve recently released my first EP titled “KXRRI” on all social outlets including a visual on YouTube for one of the songs on the EP named “Everybody.” (Apple, Spotify, and YouTube). It’s such a fun album because it’s so relatable talking about all sides of love from friendships to relationships. It’s definitely feel-good music and I’m super proud of the project. One down many more to come!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Being genuine for sure!! Most people I’ve met on my journey have been the most inspiring people ever. Even if it’s someone just jamming my single I put on Soundcloud and they share that they listen to it every day just to them cheer up. Or if it’s someone that tells me that they were blessed by my singing. I always strive for people to see God through whatever I do. Even though I’m not a gospel artist, I try to spread the love God shows me every day to others. It’s not hard to be a nice person or to impact someone. And you get blessed by blessing others. So, being genuinely loving and available for people is so important because you’ll appreciate it when it’s your time to receive that love and support in the long run.
Contact Info:
- Website: Apple Music/Spotify: KXRRI-EP
- Instagram: Karrimusic_
- Twitter: Karrican_sing
- Other: Sound cloud: Karrington Sneed
Image Credit:
Nadia Duplechan
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