The Transformative Power of Music: Insights from NINESIDE on Power 107.6 The Truth

Authenticity and Versatility in the Music Journey

When artists venture into the music industry, maintaining authenticity while versatilely adapting to different styles can play a crucial role in their success. As demonstrated in NINESIDE’s interview with Shah Cypha on Power 107.6 The Truth, having a unique and personal approach to music can significantly impact an artist’s career trajectory. NINESIDE, the emerging artist from Raleigh, North Carolina, shares his deep-rooted connection to the number nine, which holds various personal significances for him. This symbolic number is not just a part of his name but a testament to his life’s journey and versatility.

“I came up with my name, you know, first, as an ode to number nine. It’s definitely played, like, a significant role in my life,” NINESIDE explains.

This connection to his personal story adds a layer of authenticity to his music, making it relatable and genuine for his audience. Moreover, his transition from sports, particularly football and track, into music highlights the importance of versatility. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, NINESIDE discovered a rejuvenated passion for music, recognizing it as a new way to express himself creatively. This transformation underscores a crucial lesson for aspiring artists: staying adaptable and true to oneself can lead to rediscovering deep-seated passions and evolving creatively.

Building and Leveraging Relationships

Another significant theme that emerged from the transcript is the importance of relationships and connections in the music industry. NINESIDE emphasizes the role that his manager, producer, and other industry contacts have played in his growth as an artist. These relationships are not merely transactional but built on genuine connections and mutual support.

“Connections I made, because I do have a recently signed distribution deal with Oxford Massarts Incorporated,” NINESIDE mentions, highlighting the impact of these networks on his career.

Having reliable collaborators, such as his main producer Smoke Digital, has allowed NINESIDE to develop a unique sound. This producer-artist relationship has been instrumental in both of their growths, showcasing how nurturing these professional relationships can lead to significant artistic achievements. Instead of merely finding a producer who has hot beats, NINESIDE and Smoke Digital have built a sound together, which is not easily replicable.

The authenticity of these relationships extends beyond the studio, encompassing personal support systems, including family and friends. Such relationships provide a solid foundation for artists to build their careers upon, making them essential for long-term success in the industry.

The Indispensable Role of Persistence and Grynd

Undoubtedly, the narrative of grinding tirelessly towards one’s goals is a recurrent and potent theme in NINESIDE’s interview. Persistence and continually working hard, or as the industry colloquially terms it, the “Grynd,” are portrayed as the backbone elements for success in the music domain.

“Staying consistent, staying true to yourself, and believing in what you do,” NINESIDE advises, stressing the importance of resilience and dedication.

NINESIDE’s journey from his sports career to music during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies this Grynd. He pivoted during a global crisis, using that period as an opportunity to dive into music, highlighting the significance of perseverance even in adverse circumstances.

Understanding the intricacies of the business aspect of music is another layer of this Grynd.

“This is the music business. We have to understand that the business comes with it,” NINESIDE asserts, underscoring the importance of being well-versed in the business side of things, paying attention to relationships, legalities, and the nuances of the market.

This persistence is not just about relentless hard work but also about informed and strategic grinding—paying attention to one’s environment, learning from every interaction, and ensuring that every effort contributes toward a greater goal.

A recurring insight in NINESIDE’s dialogue is the emphasis on creating music that resonates deeply with fans. His process of evolving his sound, reflecting on personal experiences, and ensuring his art remains genuine and relatable, emerges strongly from the conversation.

“I want you to experience my music. Don’t just listen—experience,” NINESIDE articulates, illustrating his dedication to crafting music that goes beyond superficial listening.

By sharing personal narratives and struggles through his music, such as in his song “Weight,” NINESIDE connects with his audience on an emotional level. The track, produced by Smoke Digital, encapsulates his journey and feelings, making it not only a song but a relatable story many listeners can see themselves in.

“The first two lines in the song say, ‘Artist weight ain’t easy, but I make it look light,’” NINESIDE reveals, demonstrating how his lyrics provide a personal yet universal message.

This ability to blend personal experiences with broader, relatable themes allows his music to resonate more profoundly with his audience, ensuring it stands out in a crowded industry. His strategic approach to ensure each phase of his music aligns with his feelings and experiences further underlines his commitment to authenticity and relatability—key ingredients for sustained listener engagement.

Ultimately, as NINESIDE and Shah Cypha’s conversation elucidates, the path to success in the music industry is multifaceted, demanding authenticity, solid relationships, relentless Grynd, and a genuine connection with the audience. These core elements, demonstrated vividly in NINESIDE’s journey, form a blueprint for aspiring artists aiming to carve out their niche in the ever-evolving musical landscape. The insights shared underscore that beyond talent, it is these foundational principles that propel an artist from obscurity to becoming a household name.