Raymond J. Spence

Musician, Creative Consultant, and Band Leader Raymond J. Spence joins the podcast.Spence shares how growing up in Baltimore shapes his approach to music, creative consulting, and community building. Spence’s work bridges performing, teaching, and guiding artists through the early stages of their creative journeys.Spence discusses how collaborating across disciplines and organizations fuels Baltimore’s creative boom. He talks about helping both artists and businesses develop strategies, build portfolios, and jumpstart new ideas. Spence details blending hands-on art with consulting, and how both require trust, accountability, and authentic self-reflection.Spence explores the realities of being a creative entrepreneur now. He shares navigating growth, balancing inspiration with pressure, and using discipline as the foundation for success. For Spence, creativity is both celebration and challenge, shaped by family, local networks, and the evolution of his Storage Unit Collective. Spence uses his experience to advocate for sustainable artistry and meaningful connection.Topics Covered:How Baltimore’s arts scene and safer city climate influence Spence’s creative workThe impact of trust, collaboration, and mentorship on artists’ developmentBuilding strategies for creativity in music, education, and businessBlending consulting, performance, and teaching as a creative professionalFinding balance between inspiration, desperation, and disciplineThe value of community, resilience, and local partnershipsHow art and creative consulting can spark growth, healing, and belongingReady to see Spence’s creative world? Follow @spence_start on Instagram or visit www.spencestart.com to connect and explore upcoming events, music, and more.

Raymond J. Spence is a multi-talented creative from Northeast Baltimore. He is a musician, writer, marketing expert, and word brand consultant. He is known for his work on Spence Start, a platform for creatives to develop and share original ideas.Raymond shares his journey and creative process. He discusses his early interest in music, the influence of his father, and the role of music in his life. He also talks about his experience in marketing and how it has helped him in his creative pursuits. Spence emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between business and creativity and the need for good business relationships. He highlights the unique narratives and creativity that come from Baltimore and the importance of embracing one's strangeness. Spence also discusses the challenges of comparison and how he combats them by appreciating others' work and taking breaks from social media.In this episode, we delve into:Spence's musical journey rooted in the guidance of influential educators, as we delve into his formative years shaped by the mentorship of an elementary school music teacher and a high school director.How Spence's financial acumen merges seamlessly with his artistic passion, providing insights into the delicate interplay between music, marketing, and business that he masterfully navigates.Baltimore's vibrant cultural landscape as seen through Spence's eyes, delving into his mission to reshape narratives and illuminate the city's diverse and creative essence beyond the confines of media stereotypes.The captivating world of embracing uniqueness and staying true to oneself in the realm of creativity, as we explore how Spence draws motivation from celebrating the work of others instead of succumbing to the pitfalls of comparison.Spence's strategies for maintaining equilibrium in a digital age, examining the rejuvenating power of stepping away from social media, prioritizing authenticity, and the value of channeling energy into purposeful creation.🎙️ Join the conversation with Spence as he shares his insights on the intersection of music and business. Discover how to embrace your strangeness and create authentically!🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧