Today we’d like to introduce you to Genesis “King Geno” Stephenson.
Genesis, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My father, Frank Stephenson, is the reason for who I am today. When he was a child, he always wanted to be a musician but they were poor and couldn’t afford to fix the broken piano they had. When they saved enough to get him a guitar, someone broke into the house and stole it. My dad wanted me and my brother to have the opportunity to be musicians. So, he supplied the house with almost every instrument you could think of when we were kids. I began playing drums when I was two years old. I grew up in church and was a shadow of some great drummers in Greenville, Tx where I was born and raised. At the age of 12-13 years old, I began playing the piano. I didn’t have any lessons from teachers or anything. I play what I hear and what I feel. Growing up, my classmates would be amazed when they would come over to the house because I can just listen to a song and literally start playing it within 30 secs or so. This sparked the musician journey for me and them. I began producing tracks at the age of 14 years old for alot of the local rappers. I know it’s not much but I became a well-known musician and producer to my city that I love.
Fast-forwarding to 2016, I made the decision that I wanted more and I began networking with other musicians in the Dallas area. I played for a few big churches in the area and continued to grow mentally and musically. In 2017, I discovered Deep Ellum and all the connections and talent out there on a daily basis. I quickly jumped in and began playing for multiple hands of different genres. I’ve played for many artists and bands. Some that I would never imagine. I’ve played at major music festivals like SXSW, Toyota Music Factory concerts, and even the Dallas PRIDE event held in uptown. I’m just thankful for all the opportunities. I still produce music for many artists, even myself. I have music on all digital outlets. I also have some mini-tours coming up with one of my hands that I love named Celestial Clockwork. We literally play any and everything. I currently play throughout Deep Ellum and play bass at Embassy City Church in Irving, Tx under Tim Ross. Follow my Instagram page @OfficialKingGeno to stay up to date with events that I’ll be playing at.
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?
Honestly, being a musician has its up and downs. Sometimes, we feel depressed and no one will ever know unless we tell. Music is our gateway to happiness. Being an entrepreneur is hard work regardless. I have to constantly build my brand, my name, and my reputation. I don’t have a manager. I do everything for myself. I’ve had some shady people attempt to screw me over but I’m really good at reading people. I know when to stay away. And another thing people don’t know is the amount of PRACTICE that goes into being a great musician. Sometimes, I’ll have a week where I have to learn like 60 songs for multiple gigs. Is it stressful sometimes? Heck yeah! But it’s worth it because I love it. Music is in me and it’s my life.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
King Geno is my artist name. I also have King Geno Musci Productions. I’m a professional musician, producer, arranger, composer, and songwriter. I play drums, piano, bass, and guitar. I specialize in Gospel, R&B, Neo-Soul, and hip-hop. The thing I’m most proud of is the quick growth and recognition I’ve received in just a couple years of being in the Dallas area. I believe the thing that sets me apart from others is my attitude, loyalty, and professionalism.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One of my favorite memories from childhood is being on the road for concerts with my dad. I was in elementary school staying out late on the weekends. Everywhere he was, I was. They called me my father’s shadow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spark.adobe.com/page/saNI63nOZtn7z/
- Phone: 9035135516
- Email: genesisstephenson@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/officialkinggeno
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialKingGeno/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw2Fj4E0zU5-lZckaphr3vQ
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