Torch

“I’ve been through a lot, seen a lot, and did some stuff that wasn’t right … Instead of beating myself up for it like I did for years, God turned my struggles and fights into lyrics to reach more kids and even adults who feel like they have nobody to relate to.”

Check out the interview with Torch exclusively on Skilly Magazine Online.

Skilly: Where did this all start? Tell us about your journey in the entertainment business.
Torch: I started when I was about 10-11 years old. I had been going to the boys club in Roswell, NM and they had a studio to make music. We’d always hang out and watch a bunch of the older cats drop bars. From there I remember I wanted to rap and learn how to flow so bad that I copied Tupac’s first verse on “To Live and Die in LA” and spit it. That’s where it started.

What would be your biggest piece of advice for the young kids out there trying to do what you do?
The biggest advice I would give to kids out here wanting to be like the next Wayne, Drake, and Minaj is simple – don’t. You got to chase your dream and be you. Nobody ever makes it in life when they imitate something they’re not, especially when it comes to your own story. You got to have a story and have a vision and be ready for trials and setbacks.

What are some of the hardest challenges and tasks in your position?
Some of the hardest task I’ve encountered is making connections. I’ve also noticed it’s really hard making your voice be known when you’re at the bottom of the pole. Plus everything nowadays cost money. I’m not in the 80’s era where I could grab a mic, rock something hot, and boom people see me on the come up and start dropping hits.

We all know the entertainment business is very tough, but what do you find is the best way to promote and advertise your music?
I find the best way to advertise my music’s through like magazines like this one and Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud, etc! All these outlets allow you to drop heat on their networks and just hope that it catches that person’s ear you need to get to the next level, especially in the Christian genre I’m in.

Tell us about your city. How are the artists and the fans?
My city Roswell, NM is different. We call it CTR for Crazy Town Roswell, granted I don’t live there but I’m from there. I currently live in Albuquerque. A lot of artist here are clicked up with a group. Being on my own and grinding to get my music out there’s tough because they’re so prominent and have been doing it longer than me.

Where do you see yourself a year from today?
I see myself being 100x better than I am now. I see myself a year from now being known as a top artist in my genre like Andy Mineo. I see myself touring and ministering through my music the word of God.


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Torch’s Music Is Spreading A Message Of Solace

“I’ve been through a lot, seen a lot, and did some stuff that wasn’t right … Instead of beating myself up for it like I did for years, God turned my struggles and fights into lyrics to reach more kids and even adults who feel like they have nobody to relate to.”

Check out the interview with Torch exclusively on Skilly Magazine Online.

Skilly: Where did this all start? Tell us about your journey in the entertainment business.
Torch: I started when I was about 10-11 years old. I had been going to the boys club in Roswell, NM and they had a studio to make music. We’d always hang out and watch a bunch of the older cats drop bars. From there I remember I wanted to rap and learn how to flow so bad that I copied Tupac’s first verse on “To Live and Die in LA” and spit it. That’s where it started.

What would be your biggest piece of advice for the young kids out there trying to do what you do?
The biggest advice I would give to kids out here wanting to be like the next Wayne, Drake, and Minaj is simple – don’t. You got to chase your dream and be you. Nobody ever makes it in life when they imitate something they’re not, especially when it comes to your own story. You got to have a story and have a vision and be ready for trials and setbacks.

What are some of the hardest challenges and tasks in your position?
Some of the hardest task I’ve encountered is making connections. I’ve also noticed it’s really hard making your voice be known when you’re at the bottom of the pole. Plus everything nowadays cost money. I’m not in the 80’s era where I could grab a mic, rock something hot, and boom people see me on the come up and start dropping hits.

We all know the entertainment business is very tough, but what do you find is the best way to promote and advertise your music?
I find the best way to advertise my music’s through like magazines like this one and Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud, etc! All these outlets allow you to drop heat on their networks and just hope that it catches that person’s ear you need to get to the next level, especially in the Christian genre I’m in.

Tell us about your city. How are the artists and the fans?
My city Roswell, NM is different. We call it CTR for Crazy Town Roswell, granted I don’t live there but I’m from there. I currently live in Albuquerque. A lot of artist here are clicked up with a group. Being on my own and grinding to get my music out there’s tough because they’re so prominent and have been doing it longer than me.

Where do you see yourself a year from today?
I see myself being 100x better than I am now. I see myself a year from now being known as a top artist in my genre like Andy Mineo. I see myself touring and ministering through my music the word of God.

Who and what were your biggest inspirations? Who do you look up to in today’s world?
My biggest inspiration to my music is honestly life. I’ve been through a lot, seen a lot, and did some stuff that wasn’t right in the sight of the lord’s eyes. Instead of beating myself up for it like I did for years, God turned my struggles and fights into lyrics to reach more kids and even adults who feel like they have nobody to relate to.

How do you feel about the music coming out today? Do you like it?
I hate the music coming out today. They’re not saying anything. They’re just a catch phrase rappers. You have a select handful of artists who actually tell their story such as Meek Mill, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar. That’s why God gifted me and a lot of other artists to come and reshape the way it’s going for the glory of him.

Where can we contact you and find you online?
Bandcamp: www.torch3.bandcamp.com
Audiomack: www.audiomack.com/artist/torch-8
Facebook: TorchAbq
Twitter: dsandles32
Instagram: Torch20_13 - Silly Magazine