Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Wells.
Hi Larry, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Ever since the age of two, I knew I’ve wanted to be a professional performer. I originally wanted to be a singer and I did everything I could possibly do to achieve that. I took voice lessons, did choir in elementary, middle, and high school, was selected to be part of the top choir in the state of FL, bought music software and recorded some songs, and the list goes on and on. Growing up there was a lot of tension in the house because my mother, even though she supported me, she wanted me to go the traditional route because of the security and that my chances of being successful were higher than going the creative route. At the end of the day, now that I’m older I understand she was trying to protect me. But back then I was determined to make my dream come true regardless of who agreed. So, from elementary to early high school I continued to do everything I could do to achieve it. However, puberty really hit me in 10th grade and my voice changed. And I didn’t necessarily know how to use it at the time. It was kind of a curve ball for me because I was use to my voice how it was, and now I was going to have to relearn how to use my instrument. And it kind of made me worried. So, I thought to myself “What is the best way to reach my goal as a professional performer now?”. And I instantly thought rapper. And this was the time period when everyone was becoming a Soundcloud rapper. So, I instantly thought “if they can do it, so can I”. Boy was I wrong. I wrote my first rap and it SUCKED. My rhymes were weak and basic, no metaphors, nothing that anyone would want to listen to, it was just awful. Zero stars. But for some reason, I kept at it. And from then to now, throughout 10 years, I’ve achieved a good bit in my opinion. I’ve opened up for some well-known artists, have been photographed by someone who works for Harper’s Bazaar who is now my dear friend, am currently collaborating with other artists, and have been able to travel for my music. I am also planning my first video release party which I am excited about.
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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. There were multiple bumps in the road. I mentioned me and my mother’s perspective earlier, and that definitely was a difficult roadblock. And it happens to this day. Not because she doesn’t believe in me, but because she wants me to be as secured as possible. Which I understand. And I don’t like upsetting her, so sometimes I think to myself should I stop for her. And also, I thought if I am good enough to even be successful. Self-doubt is real and I feel like people underestimate it. But if you’re a creative, regardless of how talented you are, you understand self-doubt. But you have to learn to persevere. Another roadblock is that many of my friends, to my surprise, didn’t support. Keep in mind, when I say support, I don’t mean buy anything. I mean support that’s free: spreading the word about my song, listening to my music, and connecting me to other artists they know. It made me think that if many of my own friends won’t support then why would someone who doesn’t know me support me. But if this journey has taught me anything is that your biggest supporters are people who don’t know you.
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?
One thing I wanted to be was be different than other rappers. But in the beginning, I didn’t know how to distinguish myself. But as time went on I realized that I, myself, am different. I don’t sound like other rappers in regards to my actual voice. My voice is higher than many male rappers. And I use that to my advantage. I have an eccentric personality and it shows in my personality and my music. I’m unapologetically myself being part of the LGBTQ+ community. And I’m raw in my songs, meaning I tell it how it is. My brand is “treble meets raw”. And the process from then to now has been a crazy, but great one. And I honestly am surprised that rapping taken me further than singing has. I have been able to open up for artists like Ugly God back in my college town. I’ve also opened up for Gorilla Zoe in Atlanta which was a crazy and new experiences because I’ve never opened up for an artist as big as him and I’ve also never traveled to perform before. I’ve also been photographed in Los Angeles by my good friend, Reinhardt, who is a photographer for Harper’s Bazaar. He did my first-ever photoshoot and he’s introduced me to so many interesting, talented, and great people. I would honestly say that’s the event I’m most proud of because never did I think that would happen in a million years. While I was over there, I was also able to record some songs at Zoom Studio, a studio where artists from Universal, Sony, Atlantic, and Republic record at on a regular basis. That was huge to me. Imagine recording in the same studio that artists such as Blueface, Richie Re, Oliver Heldens, Marvin Bagley III recorded in. That’s crazy. And I also have been interviewed by Shoutout DFW and iHeart Radio in Jacksonville, FL which was a blessing.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I would say I’m a huge risk-taker. For me, I would rather fall on my face and say that I did it vs continuously wondering “what if”. Going into music itself is a risk. But I’ve already accomplished a lot since I started rapping and because of that, my risk is slowly paying off and it seems like I’m on the right track. Traveling to Los Angeles for my photoshoot was a risk because I was unfamiliar with the process. Driving 5 1/2 hours to Atlanta to open for Gorilla Zoe was a risk because I’ve never opened for an artist that big and, again, was unfamiliar with the process. Networking with people who claimed they could me further my music career is a risk because you never know who you can trust in the industry. Everything worth doing has risk. But would you rather take the leap of faith and do the work to make to make your dreams and goals a reality, or sit at home, always wonder “what if”, and become upset and disappointed with yourself?
Contact Info:
- Instagram: imleccentric
Image Credits
Reinhardt Kenneth
