Wes Watkins

By: Chaundra Scott "Living Life To Your Own Beat With Celebrity Musician And Author, Wes Watkins"

June is Black Music Month and it’s a time for celebration. For centuries our ancestors have used music as a form of expression, creativity and more. Music has even served as a means to fight for social justice. Musicians such as Wes Watkins are valuable in their creative nature to use music and even books as a means to reach masses for motivation. Even during our unprecedented times, Wes Watkins has continued to use his creativity to maintain his own mental wellness and fight for justice in his own way. He is a visionary who is leading to the beat of his own drum! His creative flow started in childhood. He was raised within a loving family who also sparked his interest in both music and the art of hustling to achieve your dreams. I had the pleasure of interviewing Wes for our special edition issue. He gave us all the details related to chasing your dreams, his love for music, his music inspiration and much more. Here’s what the celebrity musician, authorpreneur and father of two had to share:

“My childhood influenced my career moves because as a child I watched my dad run his own business and hustle. Everything I learned from watching him and working for his business as a kid stayed with me as an adult. The main reason I have the drive and determination to succeed in this business is because of my childhood. My main music inspiration was because of the feel that it gave me. I was born into being a drummer. The day I was born my dad literally placed drumsticks in my hand and I’ve kept them there ever since. As a kid I loved the feeling and joy people got when they watched or heard me play.”

Who are your musical influences?

“My musical influences growing up were my Dad-Wesley Watkins, Larry Dennis, Mint Condition, Q-Tip, James Brown, Chris Dave, Robert Glasper and Northeast Groovers just to name a few. My top five favorite albums of all time are Michael Jackson: Thriller; James Brown: Funk Power; Tribe Called Quest: Low End Theory; John P. Kee: Not Guilty; and Common: Like Water for Chocolate. In a Verzuz battle I would like to see Jay-Z and Nas in a battle. That would be a dope battle.”

What motivated you to become an author?

“My motivation for becoming an author was simply to share my story with those who were struggling. It was for those struggling with their identity and personal issues with no way out; or those that feel disqualified from their purpose because of past decisions. Sharing my story with the world gave me a newfound confidence and drive to face life in a great way. The first book I wrote entitled: “The Life That Created My Own Sound” was my life story. It touched on how I overcame depression, fighting for custody of my son, alcoholism, suicide and finding my identity. This book was to let people know that despite your past you can still be great. Your past doesn't disqualify you, it actually qualifies you to handle your next. My second book entitled: “Motivation + Drive = Purpose” is simply to empower people to find their purpose in life. Once we understand how valuable our purpose is we find that motivation and drive to find our purpose. Without purpose you lack vision for what you are purposed to do because you don't know who you are so you’re unable to see who you were supposed to be. This book makes you reach further into yourself.”

How has your fatherhood journey influenced your career?

“My fatherhood journey has influenced my career in giving me something to push harder for because I know my children are watching. I want my kids to know whatever they put their mind to it can be accomplished no matter what happened in their past. My parenting advice for a soon to be father is “don’t quit”. Being a father can be hard at times but it’s worth it. Do everything you can to stay in your child's life no matter what happens. Never quit and always give them love.” Wes is truly living within his God-given purpose. His career is also impacting the community. “My music and book titles are impacting communities of color in a great way. The engaging conversations that have come from the book titles & music has been amazing. I’ve had the opportunity to have many life changing conversations about both books,” says Wes. He is also grinding to expand his music career. “My future plan is to keep building the brand of Got My Own Sound. I never want to become comfortable because of an accomplishment. I’m thankful we were able to hit #1 but we’re still putting work in. My biggest plan will be dropping my own Drumstick Company known as “GMOS Drumsticks and a new wine business”, he adds.

“My music will push the creative inside of you to bring out more in your music or whatever you are working on as a creative, ” says Wes. “My hustle will inspire and motivate you to strive for greatness despite how difficult it may look, ” he encourages. Wes Watkins is living life to his own beat while motivating all to push forward.

Follow Wes and his growing fan base of over 83K followers on social media as @wesgotmyownsound. Visit his brand online at https://linktr.ee/Gotmyownsound.