Today we’d like to introduce you to TRANSCENDENCE.
Hi TRANSCENDENCE, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always had passion for music. I’d go as far as to say it’s my first language, my love language. My earliest memories of wondering how I’d be able to make music began around five years old. Growing up, I didn’t have the terminology to describe what I’ve come to learn as being “non-verbal,” in regard to my speech impediment and stutter as an autistic individual. I relied heavily on lyricism to communicate, both verbally and emotionally. My necessity for music is my biggest tool on how I have navigated my path of becoming an artist.
I began learning how to play musical instruments at nine years old. I started as a percussionist and drummer, later learning acoustic guitar and keyboard. Once I reached fourteen, I wanted to expand my vocal ability. I’m not much of a singer, as I have never felt quite comfortable with my voice due to what I now know as dysphoria. At the time, I decided not to let my insecurity keep me from pursuing my purpose. Instead, I took a different approach. I have always had a quick delivery and I wanted to challenge myself. It wasn’t until I volunteered a friend and I to rap at a last-minute talent show that I knew I had the potential. When the winner was announced, I was completely surprised as we were crowned the “winners” of the event. It was in that moment I knew I wanted to pursue rap.
Fast forward to 2020 when the world seemed to come to a halt. This gave me an opportunity to sit with myself and reflect. I had just spent the last few years acting, writing, directing and producing. However, my ambition for music had completely vanished. I had lost interest when suffering from burnout after my high school band experience. Not to mention the crippling dysphoria before beginning HRT to becoming my authentic self. By that time, I was four years into my journey, and I had finally found my voice. Given that my music is my expression, and my expression is found in my identity, they needed to co-exist in order for me to find my way back home. It was then I had an awakening that led me to be ‘TRANSCENDENCE.’
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To preface the paths that led me this far, I was born in New Mexico, raised under evangelical and conservative influence as an Indigenous, Hispanic and white AFAB child who was socialized with feminine societal standards and expectations. I personally do not care for the phrase ‘coming out’ but rather ‘becoming’ nonetheless as a soul in this temporary vessel. It is the epiphany I needed to live my truth in the most unapologetically authentic way. My origin shaped me into who I’ve been destined to be. I spent my early years coming to terms with my own existence and faith.
Due to this, I have faced several setbacks on my venture through space. I quit my full-time gig to invest in my music career knowing I wouldn’t see profit for quite some time. However, I know the financial obstacles I face will be worth it in the end.
Aside from career challenges, I have faced homelessness, poverty, and loss. I grieve those who are no longer in my life when I celebrate current milestones, and the years spent prioritizing my needs over my wants.
Although it has been difficult, my “delays” have shaped my resilience. They have taught me lessons of gratitude and grace. I appreciate the cards I’ve been dealt that contribute to my growth not only as an artist but as a human being.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a neuroqueer spiritual lyricist, spoken word poet, rapper, and music producer. TRANSCENDENCE is a nod to my identity as well as my spiritual connection of faith in God and the divine Universe. I create to influence inspiration and imagination with a soul mission to create communication, comprehension and connection. When I’m not immersed in my art, you can find my passion in conversation amongst community and fellowship, creating connection and establishing a foundation of change I plan to instill and build towards a better future now.
I showcase this in my songwriting and poetry. My lyricism explores mental and emotional spirituality, philosophy, and existentialism. I love thought provoking pieces that challenge one’s perspective and world view. To possess an open heart, open mind, and open soul is to live without limited beliefs and the freedom that comes with it.
I’m known for my celestial seraphim vibrations, or space trap. It combines my love for astronomy and sci-fi films while blending the genres of hip-hop, rap, trap and r&b. As much as I love my sound, I crave change and versatility. My musical metamorphosis will genre-bend as I transform.
In all of this, I’m proud to be a neuroqueer artist. As someone with a speech impediment and non-verbal autistic traits, being able to overcome misconceptions is empowering. My presence as an LGBTQIA+ individual is as essential as it is liberating. I’m honored to be a voice and proud member of community. It is one of the most precious gifts I’ll ever know. Because of this, I believe my duality as a trans person is my greatest asset that sets me apart. I get to embody the divine masculine and divine feminine after having to navigate the binary, which I believe is a point of view that unites universal alignment. To understand both sides is to know the space between.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I think something people find surprising about me is that what appears to be my “confidence” actually comes from a place of survival. My urgency to do what needs to be done is conquered through strategically crafted coping mechanisms. I’ve had to navigate life with unique quirks in an ableist, cishet society. Pushing boundaries is my norm. With that being said, one’s perception of my “confidence” isn’t my lack of being confident. I know who I am and I wear it proudly. Truly, I am a human simply being and I’m figuring it out along the way just like everyone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://website.beacons.ai/tr4n5c3nd3nc3
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tr4n5c3nd3nc3/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Tr4n5c3nd3nc3/100082911786061/
- Twitter: https://x.com/TR4N5C3ND3NC3
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@TR4N5C3ND3NC3
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tr4n5c3nd3nc3?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tr4n5c3nd3nc3
Image Credits
Andy Casillas; Bowie Starr; Matt Pasini
