Meet Liston Gregory Iii | Artist, Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Liston Gregory Iii and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Liston, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking has some of the greatest rewards in the world if you ask me. This process has been apart of life since the early age of 12 when I had to decide if music was really going to be apart of my life. The role is integral and now for the past 17 years I’ve been living in a dream that doesn’t stop.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Hi Im Liston! born and raised in Sarasota, Florida. I personally feel what sets me apart is that my passion found me very early at the age of 12. I was chosen to be a creator it was never really a want. So most things creatives and entertainers struggle with my true authentic self allows to jump those hurdles with ease. I love being a beacon of light for others who may not be having the greatest seasons in life. Music and art has always surrounded me so my love subconsciously grew for being artist/creative.

I’m most proud of being a African- American male who has been able to travel all over the world and have spread love and light through the mediums of music and content creation. Some believe that working in the music industry isnt a job or an impossible feat. I’m grateful to have been an entrepreneur since the early age of 14 all thanks to music and my mentors who have been an integral part of who I am.

Honestly, I’m still surprised how I got to where am I today. The process was not easy for sure but still smooth the way I look at it from the beginning. I started playing piano when I was 12yrs old because my mentor prayed for my hands in a church service. Then at 14 I got grounded for the summer, my mentor bought me my 1st audio interface and that moment brought me into the world of music production. 15-18 I played in churches, bars, and clubs. I went college got my degree in Jazz studies. 20 I did my 1st major tour and now at 29 I’ve been in Los Angeles for 2 years playing arenas, developed my brand, won my 1st grammy and also have viral live stream where I reach new people every week through music.

As far as the tough times I had a bad case of people pleasing and imposter syndrome. Through my close friend circle, therapy and mentors. I was able to always get back on track, Being a workaholic and perfectionist plateaued my career for a while. Luckily I’ve always wanted true happiness so I had some sort of vision of who I was destined to be. My career had a lot of ups and downs the need to compare myself to others when it just wasn’t my time yet. I stayed as consistent as life would let me to my craft and we are finally starting to see the fruit of our labor.

I’ve learned that the dreams and visions that you want to accomplish takes a lot time and patience is necessary for greatness. Discovering who you are is more important than attaining fame or any other material thing.

I want the world to know that anytime the encounter a moment with my music, content and brand overall is that in a world full of darkness my brand is meant to disperse light and love. Not even on a spiritual level but just as humans first. Self love is the most important thing to me because I know what self love has done for me. Its made my future brighter.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am sucker for routine since I’m touring musician so this is easy

Hiking
Runyon Canyon trails
Griffith Observatory Trails

Food Spots
Laurel Hardware
Burgers never say die
Pablitos Tacos
Tao

Coffee Spots
Regent Cafe
Hilltop Coffee
Little Cafe

Bars
Mama Shelter
The Edition Hotel
Bar Lis
Ysable

Im still new to LA and still have so much to discover here but I love
Working out
Hiking
Coffee Shops
Shopping
Art Exhibits
Flea Markets

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Dr. Henry L. Porter – Mentor (Prayed for my hands that music would make sense )

Etienne J. Porter – Mentor ( gave me my first recording software)

Ulysses Owens Jr. – Mentor (Put me on my first major tour )

Website: https://www.listongiii.com

Instagram: Listongiii

Twitter: Liiiston

Youtube: Liiiston

Image Credits
Summer Wuerthner