Today we’d like to introduce you to GRAND WOO.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Born in Germany, but I’m originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado. I loved music as long as I could remember. One of my favorite movies as a kid was Juice. I wanted to be a DJ like Q, and at the time, I’m sure part of the reason was that my real name is Quinten. But I never got that DJ equipment, lol. My mother used to play r&b all the time and would sing while we were in the car. My pops would play rap/hip-hop and would freestyle in the car.
Around 10/11, I started to freestyle as well but I wasn’t very good at it. I always wish I could sing, though. I also started writing rhymes and a little bit of poetry around that time. I played sports all the way up until high school but slowly started to realize I wouldn’t make it to the league. Around my junior year, I recorded my first song. By the time I was a senior, I put out a few freestyles on YouTube and shared them with a few friends. My high school years were spent in Georgia, but I attended college in Rhode Island. I went to school for IT and continued to rap on the side, but I didn’t really tell too many people. In my junior year of college, I performed for the first time at an open mic on campus. That experience helped me break out of my shell and overtime allowed me to be a little more vocal and a little less reserved.
After graduating in 2013, I moved back to Georgia to help build a clothing line that a friend of mine and I were working on at the time. Eventually found my first full-time “career” job and tried to adjust to the 9-5 lifestyle. I took a trip back to Colorado to visit during the summer of 2017. After returning, I realized I wanted to take music seriously and turn that into a career. I couldn’t see myself working at a desk job/9-5 all my life, and I would regret it years down the line if I didn’t at least try. Later that same year I was blessed with the opportunity to perform at my first festival (Arts In The Heart of Augusta) in Augusta, Georgia. 2018 I started making beats because I didn’t think I could go far with rapping as much anymore. I found better avenues for me as a beatmaker/music producer. Towards the end of 2019, I was in a weird space and had turned 29. I wanted to do something special musically for my 30th birthday. Basically, to showcase my work, my style/sound and who I am. I used to read Forbes articles online and always wanted to be on the 30 Under 30 List.
Not to sell myself short, but by January of 2020, I knew I wasn’t going to make it on that list. So I flipped it and turned it into a project called ’30 Fo 30′, which is an instrumental album. I also wanted to separate it from ESPN’s program. The idea behind it was 30 tracks for 30 weeks until my 30th. So from mid-April until mid-November, I dropped a song a week on social media until the official release of my project (out everywhere) on 11/18/2020, which is the day after my birthday. Any time I drop music, it’s on a #WooWednesday. My birthday happens to be on a Tuesday this year. By the time this comes out, ’30 Fo 30′ will already be out or pretty close to the release. Then next year, I’ll be back to curating my SHPYDOT series, which is an acronym for Stay Hydrated Playa, Ya Dyin’ Of Thirst. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds as I continue this musical journey. Stay Positive, Stay Blessed, and Stay Hydrated Playa.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all. One of the main challenges was following my heart on what I wanted to do in life. The transition of moving back home after graduating college. Working a 9-5, feeling like you’re wasting time at a job that’s unfulfilling. Personal issues, like thinking I’m supposed to be at a certain level by the time I’m 21, and 25, and so on. Enhancing communication skills. Building relationships and the power of networking. Fear. Adulting. Financial education. Time management. Perfecting the craft and finding my style/sound. Learning the music business. Learning how to put myself out there. Keeping the faith through the ups and downs. I’ve learned a lot along the way, but I’m forever a student of the game.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I give credit to the man above, without Him, I wouldn’t here. I give credit to my mother for the love and everything she’s done for me. I give credit to women because y’all are beautiful, intelligent, and amazing individuals. I give credit to everyone that showed me love along the way. Also to my shooter (photographer) Evaliz Sánz who helped me put together my #30Fo30 shoot. I haven’t really had too many people who’ve played a major role in my “success” yet, but I’m sure that time will come.
I do want to give a quick shout out though to Libra Miller. She’s the owner of Fresco and has been putting together a festival in Augusta, Georgia, called Culture Fest Day. It’s going on its fourth year and even has it’s own day in the city, which is 8/25 (August 25th).
Contact Info:
- Email: rbgrandwoo@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/GRAND_WOO
- Facebook: facebook.com/GRAND.WOO
- Twitter: twitter.com/GRAND_WOO_
- Other: grandwoo.bandcamp.com/
Image Credit:
All photos by Evaliz Sánz
www.evaliz.com
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
