Soundcloud pushes dreams to

reality
By Ria Sanghera, Youth Writer

Student by day, musician by night. No, not Hannah Montana, but local students who begin
pursuing music and building their reputations as early as high school.

Soundcloud has become a popular platform for users to release new music and begin their
discographies. Though the stereotype of a soundcloud rapper may be negative and written
off with gorilla, fire, and freeze face emojis, the reality of students pursuing music while
balancing school is inspiring.

“At the beginning the process of making my music was so confusing. It felt like I was
watching tutorials 70% of the time just copying videos and pressing buttons and knobs. I've
since learned to use equalizers, compress, reverb, distort and so much more,” explained
Nick Spinks, a senior at Liberty.

Spinks released his first song in February, 2021 and has since continued to work on creating
music even a year later. While it may seem unfathomable for a local Liberty student to
become a large name, Bay Area legends like Shoreline Mafia reflect a different perspective.

“I hope to be able to perform my music in front of fans one day and spread my music. Until
I do that I don't plan on slowing down,” Spinks furthered.

To have large goals and to begin the process of forcing dreams into the realm of reality is
how people can fulfill them. However, music specifically is a very vulnerable talent; for
example Spinks has drafted sixty songs but only made nine available. The transparency
required to let others hear one’s deepest thoughts and feelings, can explain why.

“The events that go on in my life typically dictate the vocals I use for the beats. I come up
with songs off the top of my head, and I really enjoy poetry. I have around 200+ pages of
lyrics I've written,” Spinks stated.

To come up with songs, even today, and within rap contexts can go beyond stringing
swear-words and objectifying women. Instead, it can provide a channel for emotional
releases which emphasize the changing waves of music and ability of providing people with
music to relate to.
Soundcloud pushes dreams to
reality
By Ria Sanghera, Youth Writer

“I think my favorite part about making my music is when people enjoy it because I
personally know how much I love finding new music that I like so that brings me joy,” Spinks
reflected.

At such a young age and start in the industry, having goals focused on creating an impact
for peers, instead of monetary gain further adds to the devotion pursuing music requires. A
devotion that must withstand challenges presented, such as negative reactions to one’s
own personal music.

“Sometimes people tell me [my music is] amazing and others typically don't listen to this
kind of music so it doesn't sit with them the same as other people,” Spinks responded.

As music artists start out they may experiment with genres and music to find what feels
most comfortable. Spinks, for example, began with rap and transcended to rock, hyperpop,
and currently an emo techno style branded “scenecore.” Though, beyond just split opinions,
becoming well-known can have further disadvantages especially as a student.

“I got assaulted back in May of 2021 and I couldn't use my right hand because it was broken
and had to have surgery but I pushed through and had to use my left hand for everything. It
made things a lot slower but it was still an interesting experience,” Spinks recalled.

Describing a possibly traumatic force and trauma as “an interesting experience” is one
testament to Spinks resilience and that which is required when one starts the path to
become more acclaimed in music.

As a high school student experiencing these unique situations and both the warmth of
support and violence from people can be startling. But, the journey can lead to greatness
and the willingness to pursue dreams at any point in one’s life is something everyone could
learn from.