Today we’d like to introduce you to Arigato Grande.
Hi Arigato, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Music and creative writing have always been lifelong passions of mine growing up. I went through the regular, ordinary path that most do, going through college and graduating, getting a 9-5 and working every day. I used to think that you had to give up everything in your everyday life to even touch upon your passions in the creative field, but I realized I could balance these things. During my regular courses at college, though my parents – as typical, strict Immigrant Asian parents do – pushed me to study what they wanted, I snuck in creative writing courses and joined music orgs to continue my craft.
Despite their disapproval, I continued to nurture these passions while balancing the expectations of my parents. When I graduated and developed my own income, I realized I did not have to sacrifice my current job in order to pursue the things I enjoy. I used my everyday job to fund my passions and as a result, was able to put out 3 music videos, one of which garnered over half a million views across all platforms such as Youtube and Facebook. With minor fame and popularity, I saw doors open further into the creative field and I met so many amazingly talented artists, film directors, writers, and dove into the creative world that I am a part of today. The pandemic definitely put a damper on some creative avenues, but I was able to write many songs in my solitude – songs I hope to complete and release soon!
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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. There was much resistance from family and encounters with people that you originally thought had your best interests in mind, There are plenty of people in this industry that want you to succeed and want to help you get there and there are equally as many people wanting to see me fail. The challenge itself – to prove the doubters wrong – is enough motivation for me to keep going. And also, reminding myself that this is all for my happiness in the end too proves to be one of the best and most positive driving forces in my passions.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I consider myself a music artist that can carry a tune and that is what I gained fame for, however I always saw myself as someone who existed contently behind a pen and paper. Even when I came up with the idea for the 7 Rings Parody – 7 Meats, I did not even think I would be the one on screen. I envisioned someone else entirely taking up the screen while I wrote the lyrics and directed behind the camera. I’ve always been a writer first and hope that someday when I publish my works, my reputation will hover over my stories more-so than my current accolades. As much as I enjoy the popularity and recognition I and my team received for our existing music videos, I want the creative world to know a different side of me. The more genuine side of me with songs that touch on my deeper thoughts and writings that evoke unforgettable feelings.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
You don’t have to give up everything to start your journey. You can, absolutely, but you don’t have to be a struggling, starving artist. You make time for what you care about. Be your own investor in your endeavors and don’t ever give up no matter what stage of life you are in.
Contact Info:
- Website: Twitch.tv/ArigatoGrande
- Instagram: Instagram.com/ArigatoGrandeofficial
- Youtube: Youtube.com/ArigatoGrande
- Other: Tiktok: arigatogrande
