Meet Rashaad McNeil | Music artist & Full time Videographer/Photographer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Rashaad McNeil and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rashaad, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking a risk is always going to feel scary. It’s a leap into the unknown, you literally have no way of knowing quite where your feet will land. I’ve always been a big dreamer! Those things that you told yourself you wanted to do as a kid are the most pure thoughts a human being can have. Somewhere along the way a false reality of adulthood is pushed on us. Being an astronaut is cool but what are you going to do for real? Being a singer is nice but how are you going to pay your bills right now? Society at times can become whispers of safe and easy moves. Although I love to operate with strategic and logical thinking my faith is the number one reason I have been able to chase and achieve my dreams! The older I become I realize a lot of the things we dreamed of are far more attainable than we realize. You can become a millionaire, travel the world, be a superstar, or open your own business. Everyone just has different paths to the same destination, sometimes yours may take longer, but with an unwavering drive you’ll reach your goal.
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was quitting my job of 10 years and pursuing my love for music and media production. My job paid well, offered great security, and stability. My family, friends, and people that knew me always saw I was capable of more than just the norm. Along with the encouragement I was always told “oh you ain’t gonna leave this money, you ain’t going nowhere”, followed with a kind laugh. I would always find myself feeling a call to my true purpose, in my days of doubt I’d hear a whisper that would tell me “You are capable of something far greater than this, keep pushing”. I have always been a creative. I hear melodies in my head, I have ideas for music videos, I can see stage/set layouts. My thoughts were everywhere else besides work, almost like a never ending daydream. Art is my love. I would literally pull over my forklift to hum down an idea for a song or jot down some lyrics. I nurtured my love for music, media, photography, and videography while working a 12 hour swing shift job. Many days and nights I would only get 2 hours of sleep because I was in the studio, or doing shoots on the side. 3 years later you could have never told me I’d be successfully sustaining/thriving in life by being a full time music artist and owner of my own media company “RM Productions”. I released a full pop and R&B album the summer of 2023. I traveled to New York and filmed a live visual concert for my album, and generated enough clientele to sustain my media company. Won some awards, and closed some major media freelance deals!
Taking a risk into the unknown or one would say stepping out on faith was the best thing I could have ever done. I trusted what some would call a higher power… I call it “God”. Take the risk!
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an independent Pop and R&B artist. I released my very first album titled “24/7” the summer of 2023. I wanted this project to feel like a body of work that would be great for a road trip. The music journeys from a fun and vibrant wave that gives the listeners melodic bops. It’s very pop towards the beginning of the album, it slowly transitions into a warmer R&B mood of love and fun midway into the project. I wanted to create something for the summer that you can play from start to finish. I wrote all of my songs and found some amazing producers (one being my blood brother) to bring to life the productions I would hear in my head. One of the biggest goals as a new artist was to make sure the quality of my work was outstanding. I wanted it to be clean, crisp, and professional. I would always say “If one were to place my album next to a major artist’s album the quality should be closely paralleled”.
I believe what sets me apart from others is my versatility. Along with being a music artist I am also a professional photographer and videographer. I am the creator and owner of “RM Productions”. I have always had a love for art. I would set up photoshoots with my sister when we were younger, throwing up some house curtains as a backdrop, lamp lights as lighting, and snap pics with a cheap camera we got from Walmart. As I became an adult I’m sure my mom was pleased to see I was now able to afford proper photography equipment, her curtains and lamps were safe. I focused on my craft, studied, and became better. I eventually created my company and I’m now a full time entrepreneur.
With these skills I’ve become a one stop shop for any needs I’d need as an artist. Many independent artists are slowed down due to having to self fund photoshoots, music video shoots, promotional work, hiring writers, and producers. I am fortunately blessed and able to provide all of these services myself. This has made things so much easier along this journey for me, especially when you love what to do. Oftentimes when I’m unable to capture myself because I’m in front of the lens I can rely on my siblings or friends. My siblings are all musically and creatively gifted. My sister in particular also sings and specializes in photography/videography. It’s usually just a quick call and we show up to support each other’s projects. I’m also skilled in dance and have worked with some amazing choreographers within my local dance community. Together we have created some amazing visually aesthetic pieces to complement my live performances. Through the encouragement of my dancers I’ve discovered I’m also quite good at creating choreography for a few of my songs.
My most proud achievement was quitting my job of 10 years and successfully becoming a music artist and media business owner. It was the scariest decision I’ve ever had to make. I didn’t allow myself to even think of failure, this was something I loved so there was no other outcome than to win. The year I quit my job I invested all of my funds into my craft and became laser focused on the things I needed to do. I bought new photography equipment, studied how to become a better videographer, studied documentaries and shows of my favorite artist. I hired dancers, shot album art, and drew out a roll out plan for my new career. With the help of one of my amazing friend that specializes in production work “LaMonique Hamilton” and I planned the biggest production of my life. I flew my dancers, my own production crew, stylist, makeup artist, and band members out to film a full concert production. This would be a visual representation of what I’ve always told people I was capable of. The lights, choreography, singing, live band and full production would showcase me as an artist for the first time. It would also highlight some special tracks from my album. This is my biggest and most proud moment to date. I did it! It’s set to release 2024 as a second act to my album release. I also landed some major media jobs through my videography and photography. Through my work of media I also received an award from
The 24th Annual Tiva-DC PEER AWARDS 2021: National Poor People’s and Low wage Worker Assembly-Live Event Footage Category.
A feature in the WRAL Tech Wire- Gig East Exchange 2021.
WRAL NEWS- Back To School Feature 2022.
I would be lying if I said any of this was easy. The only way I got through the obstacles was due to this being my genuine love. I have a passion for what now can be called a career. There will always be people who don’t see your vision, don’t let that discourage you. If you keep pushing you’ll get there and you’ll make them see what you were capable of all along. I’ve learned you have to see it before anyone else does, and not only see it, believe it!
The biggest out take I want others to take from my story is that I made it happen and so can you! As I gear up to release my film that tells my story I’ve already received so much feedback from those who have witnessed my journey. They tell me I inspire them and those younger than me can see a path as a creative through my story. That is so special to me, and to have that impact on others holds a special place in my heart. This Is only the beginning and I have so many more amazing things to accomplish within my career.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Wilson at times feels like Smallville, but with that being said we do have special little nuggets within our city. There is an amazing place called “Flo’s that opened in 1990. Everyone that travels and lives in Wilson can agree they have the best breakfast biscuits ever! Everything tastes like it was made from a grandmother’s hand.
There is a beautiful lake called “Lake Wilson” that has an amazing walking trail. Many also fish and boat in the area. It’s so beautiful during certain seasons of the year. It’s literally like walking through a Disney movie when the sunsets upon the lake. There’s a feeling of peace and tranquility as soon as you gaze upon the lake, further in the distance there is a bridge that winds across the lake completing the circular trail.
There is an amazing spot called the “Freeman Round House Museum”. I actually filmed a highlight reel and interview there for the city. This museum opened in 2001, The Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House Museum has served to preserve, promote and present African- American history, art and culture to all citizens of Wilson.
One of the biggest art attractions in Wilson is the Whirligig park. It’s a place where many of the city’s large events are held. It’s also great just to visit and walk through with family. The large kinetic sculptures are the main attraction of the park. They were created by Vollis Simpson.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost I would like to thank God! I literally would have never taken the risk to pursue my dreams without having faith. I’d like to say thank you to my circle, my friends! They have supported every idea I’ve had even when it sounded unattainable. They encouraged me, prayed with me, and pushed me when I would feel consumed with doubt. I have very special family members that I could talk to and regardless of what society deemed as logical and safe they believed in me. These people are my village.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rashaadmcneil/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rashaad.mcneil/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSyOLWV3LiByL_2FMwNlvtQ
Image Credits
RM Productions
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