Rashad Rayford aka Rashad thaPoet is home grown from Nashville, Tennessee. He met Brian Sexton, President and founder of Creative’s Day at the Spread Luv tribute shows that began as a way to engage the musical and visual arts communities. Brian was honored to give Rashad this platform to participate as one of the artists in the Creatives’ Day Residency program at the Hutton Hotel. We sat down with Rashad to discuss origins, inspiration and what he’s learned in the residency program so far.
If you missed it, be sure to check out the Creatives’ Day Residency at Hutton Hotel overview.
What instrument do you play?
My voice
How old were you when you started playing?
80’s baby, as soon as I had a voice I used it.
If you could play another instrument what would it be?
I used to play trumpet, so I would get back to that.
What were your earliest musical memories or influences?
Saturday morning cleaning to records spinning on the record player. Performing in a talent show in grade school.
What musicians do you admire?
Prince, Stevie Wonder, Robert Glasper
If you could meet/play with any musician alive or dead who would it be?
Bob Marley
How has it been working with Creatives’ Day?
It has been an honor, Brian has gone from an associate to friend and now brother. He is such a valuable asset to the Nashville arts community.
What have you learned from Creatives’ Day Residency?
Patience, collaboration is king. It’s so important to get back to live sessions, we have to get away from the email culture.
What are you most looking forward to about the Creatives’ Day Residency experience?
Connecting with other artists and broadening my musical scope
What do you hope to learn from the entire Creatives’ Day experience?
I want to take away relationships, and learn more about the process of how business works, navigating through being an artist and a brand/business
How is it working in the writing rooms?
The Hutton has been incredible, very inviting and warm. The writer’s rooms are on par with the best studios in town. It’s a one stop shop. The vibe and energy are very inviting, it’s felt like home.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Continuing to make influential music, and writing all types of songs.