Today we’d like to introduce you to Nate Qwest.
Nate, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began producing music in 2007. I used music to cope with balancing the emotions I was experiencing from losing my Grandmother. The lost was very difficult for me to deal with because my Grandmother raised me.
I worked hard and channeled my grief into music. This allowed me to work with artists such as: Verse Simmonds, Young Jeezy, Brandon Rossi, RaRa, and many others.
Earlier this year, I started an independent entertainment company named “Catalyst Creatives” with my business partner/artist Jalani. A Catalyst is something that ignites change in the things around it without changing itself. The overall goal of the company is to serve artists. We ignite their dreams and become a “catalyst” assisting with their careers.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It most definitely has not been a smooth road. A valuable lesson I have learned is, when you are starting a company no one is going to see your vision except for the people that truly support you. This means long days and even longer nights. You make many sacrifices and must have the dedication to make your vision a reality; this is exhausting. At times, I wish Jalani and I could clone ourselves so we could accomplish more in one day. The love I have for music and entertainment is so strong that even though things get hectic and overwhelming, I wouldn’t change anything. My passion for what I do trumps over everything thing else.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Catalyst Creatives makes music, but we do not only focus on creating music. We assist with music distribution, promotion, merchandising, creating Instagram Brands, and much more. We are currently working on publishing a Catalyst Creatives YouTube Channel. This channel will provide a medium for independent artist’s music videos, podcasts, and more.
One thing that sets us apart from others is the fact that we are not just a label; we are an organization that serves artists.
I am proud that we are doing this by ourselves. We have had so much taken from us, but we never stop giving- that is why we are constantly receiving from others. My business partner and I have been through many pitfalls and potholes. If we can assist other upcoming artists from making the same mistakes we did or show them how to avoid the pitfalls and potholes altogether- then we are doing our job.
We just want people to know that it is possible to succeed thru mistakes.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I used to beat on everything damn thing! As a kid, if you gave me two sticks and something to beat on, I would entertain myself all day.
I played the saxophone, I was in the Boys Choir, and I played sports. I have always been an inquisitive person. My parents encouraged me to find the answers to my own questions at a young age.
I was always interested in business. I knew I wanted my own, but I did not know how it was going to come about. That is why Catalyst Creatives means so much to me, it is two of my dreams combined into one.
Contact Info:
- Email: thecatalystcreatives@gmail.com
- Instagram: @nateqwest
- Facebook: Nate Qwest
Image Credit:
Andrew Woodman
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