Meet Stract | Artist, Producer & Audio Engineer

In my experience as an artist, I have seen two different sides of myself. One side being disciplined, hardworking, and extremely detailed and precise, and the other being free-flowing, playful, and spontaneous. I’ve implemented both approaches individually with the absence of the other, and I’ve found that implementing only one of the two creates an imbalance which can stunt your progress.

There was a time in which to discipline myself, I would timekeep and take note of every action I took during the day in order to improve my time management and self-awareness. I had a strict schedule which consisted of rotating between making my own songs and producing beats to sell to other artists. I would clock in my hours like it was a job, and I was chasing an outrageous number of hours on my timesheet. Adopting this lifestyle at the time taught me a lot. I feel that it was essential in building my mental grit to have a certain capacity of discipline, self-control, and willpower, which are all necessary to be consistent. However, I do not feel that it is a practical way to live.

When you let go and you’re more compassionate with yourself, you’re just going with the flow. You’re more open to having fun and spontaneity. This state of mind is the fertile ground in which the seeds of ideas grow. One hundred percent of my ideas have come from the part of myself that is spontaneously creating from a place of enjoyment. Even songs like “Losing Interest,” a sad song, was created from a place of enjoyment because it was a way to transmute my negative experiences into a positive outcome. Enjoying what you do makes the work feel less like work. If it feels like work to you, it changes your relationship with what you’re doing. You’ll then perceive it as a task that you need to complete rather than a creative act that you enjoy. If it feels like play to you, it doesn’t even require that much discipline anymore because you love what you’re doing.

Overall, I’ve learned that both approaches have their necessities as an artist. Before I changed my approach, I was very much of a perfectionist, and I would constantly hit a wall where I felt like I was forcing myself to work and fulfill unattainable standards. This was counterproductive. Now, I have learned and continue to learn to implement a more balanced approach, which is much more sustainable and productive.

I feel that what sets me apart from others is simply being my authentic self. Being unafraid of the opinions of others. I am very open to being vulnerable when it comes to my lyrics, and that’s how I’ve made some of my best work. Like on “Yours Truly,” for instance. I wrote that at a time that I was dealing with a lot of anxiety. I was unafraid to show that, and it resulted in lyrics that are real. Unconcerned with the judgment of others, and just true to what it really is. I feel like the ability to do that is what makes me the lyricist and artist that I am. I am most excited for my new songs that come from that same place of unapologetic truth. Those are the ones that tend to shine the most.

My name, Stract, stands for “Seeking To Reveal A Closer Truth.” My story is about seeking my truth and finding myself, and the music I make is for others to be inspired to do the same. I aim to be an example of someone that embraces all sides of their story, dark and bright, and someone who is unafraid to live in their truth.