Today we’d like to introduce you to Allen Custodio.
Allen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Allen Custodio (also known as Senseii). Raised in Yokosuka, Japan then grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. The 26 years old Filipino-American Artist who shatters the stereotypes of your typical Asian. I started writing music at the age of 13, seeing my older cousins record music with the little they had & transmuting it into outstanding quality. Little did they know that would be the domino effect into what made me who I am today. At that time, I was going by the name KID SwaG (Cringe I know lol ) but it was part of the journey could look back and be thankful for the growth. Regularly Dropping singles from 2008-2010 I was building a local buzz in Jacksonville, Florida.
Around that time becoming a Father at the age of 17, I started to feel the pressure of the world needing to provide for firstborn “Allyna Jaeline”. Eventually having the opportunity to move to Naples, Italy in 2012 to further music endeavors. That showed the true potential of what my dreams can really be… From Opening up for Waka Flocka Flame and meeting him at the Summer Festival (RealsoundProject) to Performing with my comrades at MTV Spit Italia (Battle rap Competition). Having all those previous years gathering experience through observation & learning, my daughter was the fire that kept me going. Going back to Florida at the end of 2014 fully fired up and ready to make change I teamed with other local artists in the City(Bluff Gawd, WyldLifeChop, TheMostHighKid, Broadway Louie) and set up our own Independent Tour. Performing six shows every other week gave me the momentum to drop my First Album “Nights of Nostalgia” in early 2016, alongside three music videos (Pull Through, Words From The Soul, Favors).
Understanding the aspect of those accomplishments but not being where I wanted to be at that moment…I thought to myself “what is a way I could not be boxed in by being local”…..the reason being I’m trying to reach the world, so I booked a one way flight with my daughter & ex to Los Angeles. Since moving to California, I have performed countless shows, been featured on numerous podcasts (Luminary Sounds & OnthegoVoice). Staying Consistent with dropping new music has reached my Spotify Monthly Listeners to 20K and has got my name buzzing throughout the city. To work on a music career is one obstacle but to literally do everything on your own (mix/mastering, Producing, Video editing) when you’re away from home and don’t know anyone is another story. Especially in the times we are in…self sufficiency is a must and I just want to inspire any individual that you can do this on your own, Step out your comfort zone and put in those 10,000 hours toward your passion!
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?
When you chase after something you truly have passion for…… in my eyes it will never be smooth, but well worth the growth & lessons. Providing for your family while still keeping your dream alive, balancing your relationships alongside making time for yourself. Putting in the hours to learn the craft with the little resources you have because you don’t have the funds to pay someone that is more experienced. So I can say things may not have been so easy but what it success without sacrifice. I can look back within those years and be proud of the many tribulations I have overcame.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Writer / Producer / Videographer – As a writer, I draw on my emotions to bring the listener to my reality. Lyrics telling the story of what I’ve encountered or what is going on around me. While the production gives the setting of what the listener is about to engage. What sets me apart from everyone else is the tone in my voice from the emotion & I’m definitely not what you expect from first glance once you hear the music. I’m proud to be different in a world of trends, I want people to feel emotion in music… yes, there is a time and place for every genre. But I want to hit the soul!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t think luck played a part in any of this but more along the lines of faith and believing in myself when no one else did. Having to have a little delusion to breed the confidence of what is now the source of my strength, not the ego but to realize what I truly feared was all in my head and I always had what I needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: JourneyofSenseii.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/Senseii93
- Facebook: Faceboook.com/Senseii93
- Twitter: Twitter.com/senseii93
Image Credit:
Guitar Merchant, Rock City Recording Studios, Lion City Recording Studios
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