We had the good fortune of connecting with Yussef Ramirez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yussef, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
From what i’ve experienced in the last ten years of my creative pursuit, whether it was photography, filmmaking, to now music production is that it’s common to feel that even those closest to you may not fully believe in your vision or understand what you’re striving to achieve. In these moments, self-belief becomes crucial. As Ira Glass describes, there’s often a gap between our taste and our current skill level. This disparity can be discouraging, but it’s normal. The key is to persist, continually creating and refining your craft. Over time, consistent effort bridges this gap, aligning your work with your ambitions. Giving up might feel easier, but the hard path is where the lessons and rewards live. If there is even a piece of you that believes in your purpose, keep going. Growth isn’t linear, but it’s real

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m most proud of the moments when my art resonates with others, when someone tells me that a song, a photo, or a piece of writing spoke to them. That connection is what drives me. Right now, I’m excited about the projects I have lined up, dropping consistent music, experimenting with my sound, and creating visuals that complement my storytelling.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. There were moments when I doubted myself, felt like my voice wasn’t strong enough, or thought my work didn’t measure up. But I kept going, writing through blocks, pushing myself to grow, and learning to embrace imperfection. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that consistency and authenticity matter more than perfection. You don’t have to have all the answers or be at your peak., you just have to keep showing up.

What I want the world to know about me and my story is that I’m a reflection of my city. Los Angeles, with all its grit, diversity, and beauty, is woven into everything I create. I’m here to represent the dreamers and the fighters, the ones who’ve been counted out but keep rising. My brand is about hope, resilience, and finding your own voice, no matter how long it takes.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would go record digging, cruise through my favorite part of the city, which include exposition park and koreatown. Maybe a hike around Malibu, or hangout at El Matador beach. Depending on the friend, we would brainstorm and set up a photoshoot or shortfilm, or we would spend time in the lab making music. Pupusas or ramen to refuel and perhaps continue creating until the sun comes up.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe so much to the people who’ve poured into me along the way. First, I want to shout out my parents for teaching me resilience and showing me what it means to keep going, no matter the odds. My friends, especially the ones who supported my creativity before anyone else saw its value, deserve so much recognition for their encouragement. I have endless gratitude for the pioneers who laid the groundwork, not just in art and music but in creating lanes for people like me to find and express our voices. Their innovation and bravery continue to inspire me to push boundaries and keep evolving.

And of course, my city, Los Angeles. The energy, the grit, the beauty in its imperfections—it’s more than home; it’s a heartbeat that drives me. Every block, every story, every challenge has fueled my creativity and determination. This shoutout goes to everyone and everything that’s helped shape my path, especially the moments of struggle that refined me. To my city and the people who believe in me, this is all love.

Instagram: iainthavinit

Youtube: iainthavinit

Image Credits
Kevin Contreras @moby3two3

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