Today we’d like to introduce you to Epiese
Hi Epiese, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Epiese, I am an independent music artist from Dallas, TX, but recently relocated to Atlanta with my wife. I have always been passionate about music, art, and creativity as I grew up surrounded by it. My dad is a musician and owned a music store. That’s where my love for music began; based on the plethora of music being played. After I graduated high school, I began to write down my thoughts in journals and these journals became a sacred space for me to pour out my emotions, struggles, and hopes.
Not long after I started journaling, a friend approached me about writing a verse to a rap song he and another friend had recorded in their college dorm room. I wrote my verse and recorded it at my friend’s mother’s house. Everyone was blown away by my ability to express my thoughts and emotions on the song and we formed a short-lived rap group. At that time, I didn’t have a personal desire to pursue rap as a career path. As a young adult, I faced periods of doubt, anxiety, and even depression. I wrestled with questions of identity, purpose, and the expectations of the world around me, until I had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ on my mother’s front porch through a friend. This was after expressing to him my mental struggles and the fear of hurting others or myself.
This led me to pursue a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a deep desire to know His purpose for my life. I felt a strong calling to use my talents and abilities for His glory and to pursue a career as a Christian artist, where I could express my faith through music, art, and creativity. I gradually began sharing my faith experiences in local church settings, and venues as doors opened for me to collaborate with other Christian artists. As I grew in my relationship with God, my music and my message evolved, becoming the mission of building, encouraging, and motivating faith in others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. Personal struggles, such as doubts about my worthiness and confidence in my abilities were huge hurdles to overcome in the beginning. At times, I’d felt inadequate and the weight of expectations I put on—both myself and others— felt heavy.
One of the earliest struggles I faced was the transition in embracing Christian Rap as an art form, since I didn’t start as a Christian rapper. It required a complete shift in my musical focus, lyrical content, and how to present myself as an artist. This transition wasn’t just about embracing the genre; it was about aligning my music with my faith in Christ. With this shift of focus and genuine desire to perfect my craft, I learned how to effectively communicate spiritual truths to an audience who oftentimes couldn’t accept this newer genre.
Criticism and rejection were difficult to navigate as well, not everyone resonated with my music or appreciated its message. I faced criticism from within and outside the Christian community with people questioning my authenticity, artistic choices, and theological stance. I’ve had to continuously innovate and improve. Yet, through perseverance, I found that these experiences tested my faith and forced me to rely even more on God’s affirmation rather than human approval.
This journey has been marked by learning experiences, successes, and failures, all of which shaped my faith and character today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a content creator (@Epiese on all social media platforms), I’ve leveraged my skills in audio production to expand my reach and influence. Through social media platforms, I have been able to share insights, teachings, and music that inspire and uplift others in their faith journey. Overall, my path as a self-taught mixing and mastering engineer and content creator has been intertwined with my broader mission as a Christian artist and communicator. One of the other things that sets me apart is that I’m an ordained minister and my love for the word and personal study time inspires my music. That and the leading of the Holy Spirit. It’s my pleasure and joy to be able to bring the word to life through music.
Some know me for creating music that the whole family can enjoy, while others recognize my lyrical creativity and ability to morph my sound and cadence. What inspires me to keep going are the personal connections people have made to God through my music. When I’ve gotten word that whole families have been impacted positively and someone’s life trajectory was changed for the better because of my music, it’s both humbling and encouraging to hear the testimonies come in. One of my main goals is to create music with a purpose on purpose.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starBng out?
Prioritize your relationship with God – it is from this place that creativity flows. As a Christian artist, every form of artistic expression should reflect your intimacy with God. Without a real relationship with God, you run the risk of creating from a place of pride and ambition.
Develop Your Craft – Invest time in honing your craft. I think it is vitally important to consistently improve in every area of your skill set. Be a continual learner!
Embrace Vulnerability and Authenticity – Don’t be afraid to share your story and personal experiences through your artistry. Vulnerability builds a connection with your audience and allows them to see themselves in your songs. When people see that you are authentic, you build trust, and your message will make a lasting impact.
Have Solid People Around You – Surround yourself with supportive people who can provide constructive feedback and guidance. If you don’t have a team, seek guidance through people you look up to, are inspired by, or who can offer valuable insights and advice based on their own experiences.
Trust The Process – Building artistry takes time and perseverance. Be prepared for setbacks and rejection, but don’t let them discourage you. Don’t be afraid to start over, sometimes starting over is necessary, but use the lessons you’ve learned to rebuild again. Stay focused on your goals, continue improving, and trust that your hard work will pay off in due time.
Take Care of Yourself – Balancing the demands of an artist with personal well-being is crucial. Take breaks when needed, prioritize self-care, and nurture relationships with family and friends. Travel, travel, travel, I cannot tell you how valuable traveling is as an artist. Traveling allows you to package self-care, time with family, and inspiration all in one. You never know what form of creativity will come out of the experience of travel.
To hear my music and follow my journey or artistry feel free to check out any of my pages below.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/epiesemusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@epiesemusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epiese
- Website: https://www.epiesemusic.com
