Today we’d like to introduce you to Vince Nantes.
Vince, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The love for music came to me at an early age. Instilled by my Grandfather who always sang with me as he played the guitar, I was enrolled into piano lessons at the age of 6, and then voice lessons came shortly after.
Growing up with older “cooler” cousins at the time, they were listening to R&B and Hip Hop, breakdancing, dressing cool, and freestyling. Everything they did, I wanted to do. Everything I tried to do was regulated by my parents. I obviously understand now that I’m older, but back then, parents just didn’t understand.
My first cassette tape (that really shows my age), was a female group EXPOSE. Their single, “I’ll Never Get Over You.” This was clearly the choice of my dad. Although I enjoyed it, I wanted to listen to 2Pac, Biggie, A Tribe Called Quest. I felt that I was the only one NOT listening to them.
Two important people in my life passed away when I was in the 6th Grade. My Grandfather who introduced me to music and my Dad. It wasn’t until these difficult life moments that I not only found peace in music but started to develop into the person I am today.
The palette of music I listened to opened up, I listened to everything. Everything resonated with me in a way I didn’t think others understood, and I latched on to every lyric, every melody, every story. So much so that I would listen to songs front to back, write down the lyrics, and recite them as if I wrote them.
High School was a transition for me, but I found myself having the courage to sing, do talent shows, and finally start writing my own songs. They weren’t good, but it was a start. College was a bit of the same way. I struggled to feel as if I belonged or if I was cut out for the Music Business. I finally decided that I should take the risk and drop out of college and figure it out, sink or swim.
I tried to get life experience in Music, instead of classroom experience. I wrote songs, networked with people, attended panels, sat in studio sessions, learned the game from those in it, all by trial and error. I bought the very first beat I wrote to in 2009 from Chris Classick of Classick Studios, and by 2011 he gave me a space to work and develop my craft as an artist and songwriter.
Fast forward to 2013, I was given a chance to work as a personal assistant for Apl De Ap of the Black Eyed Peas. This opportunity took me from Chicago to LA in a heartbeat. Once again, I was in a sink or swim situation. A new city, living by myself, almost starting over. He took me under his wing and showed me the game from a different level. The Grammys inspired me, the people I was able to meet inspired me, but more importantly, the fact he believed in me enough to get me into studio sessions inspired me. I went from personal assistant to one of his go to guys on the music end.
I’ve been able to perform for an MTV Asia Music Festival, work with countless music industry heavy hitters and professionals, write a song for a Tourism Campaign for the Philippines, and much more. The most important thing is that I feel there is a place for me not only in Los Angeles but in this Music industry.
Has it been a smooth road?
For the most part, it’s been pretty smooth. My first year was a bit tough, but that’s because I was still figuring my shit out in LA. Still today, I learn through trial and error, but I’m a little more wise now. I feel like I have built a solid enough support system around me here to keep me grounded and focused.
Being here has taught me to have short memory, thick skin, and a real strong foundation of faith and patience. The highs always outweigh the lows, but during those low times, you got to have faith to get you through, and have enough patience to know that you’ll bounce back.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a Songwriter, Singer, and Music Producer. I have always loved creating and just being in the mix of how a song is made. Nothing is more exciting than hearing a song from its bear bones to its final mix. The thing I’m proud of the most is that I get to meet talented people on a daily basis that believe in me enough to write for or to write with. The relationships I’ve turned into friendships and the fact that I can do what I love for work is awesome.
I’ve currently just set up a writing & production group with one of my partners Peter, called the Soft Serve Boys. Be on the lookout for some stuff from us in the near future.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
There’s plenty of room for all of us to succeed. I usually tell people start where you feel comfortable, and don’t hesitate to reach out. Why would I discourage someone from reaching out for advice or for a friend, when I was once in a similar position when I first started out. The grind is tough enough, at the end of the day we gotta look out for each other. There’s a bag for all of us to secure.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vincenantes.co
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @VinceNantes
- Twitter: @VinceNantes
Image Credit:
Photo credits go to Androu DeVera (@somedudenameddevs) and my wife Pilar.
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