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In the complex dance of life, creativity exists not in a vacuum but in an intricate interplay between fields of experience. The more varied one’s endeavors, the more profound the discoveries. Just as in science, where breakthroughs often arise from the convergence of seemingly unrelated ideas, the world of art and music is transformed by those who dare to transcend singularity and embrace multiple disciplines with the fullness of their spirit.
The future of the music industry is taking shape in this interconnectedness. True artistic resilience is now the byproduct of versatility. Artists who master diverse crafts, hobbies or endeavors are not only surviving the rapidly changing tides of this age but thriving within the entertainment industry.
Bow Wow and 50 Cent paved the way, blending acting with music. Now, new artists forge multiple disciplines, where diversity breeds strength and versatility ensures longevity.
Jose “Candelita” Iglesias: A Fusion of Athleticism and Artistic Expression
In the life of Jose Iglesias, stage name ‘Candelita’ (client of MPT Agency), we see the merging of two seemingly disparate worlds: the physical precision of a homerun hitter baseball player and the emotive power of a musician. One might ponder how, with finite time and energy, he can excel in both music and baseball. The answer lies in his ability to see the common thread that connects his dual passions.
His latest single, “OMG” has reached over 5M views across YouTube and Spotify, reaching over 30,000 fan-made TikTok videos and touching the lives of millions. The song has become an anthem for the NY Mets and all of New York, with Candelita receiving a wave of positive media attention. As a baseball player, he’s brought charm, love, and good spirits to fans through his music, uniting both worlds effortlessly.
With a forthcoming remix featuring Pitbull and Silvestre Dangond, Iglesias demonstrates that versatility — much like energy — can neither be created nor destroyed but simply transformed from one state to another. It is this law of transformation that allows him to thrive as both athlete and artist, defying societal expectations. The boost in reach his song is getting through the MLB, the NY Mets and all the fan support is unimaginable, amplifying his music far beyond the baseball field.
Scott Pryor: Law, Life and the Rhythm of Resilience
Scott Pryor’s life is a testament to the potential unlocked when one follows multiple pursuits with equal fervor. As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, a top-tier trial lawyer and a musician, Pryor’s story unfolds like a series of mathematical equations, each reinforcing the other, each solving for an ever-evolving variable.
To succeed as a lawyer requires precision, logic and an ability to move deftly within systems. Yet in his music, Pryor expresses a raw emotionality that transcends the constraints of formal systems, tapping into something universal — the human condition. His single, “Red Rum,” explores the depths of madness and evil, themes that both unsettle and intrigue. Like a complex legal case, the song unfolds in layers, inviting listeners to explore more into its mysteries.
Just as in his legal practice, where his versatility earned national recognition, Pryor’s legal knowledge has been invaluable in his music career. His background helps him conduct proper due diligence at every step, ensuring smart decisions and success in both fields.
The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives. Do I qualify?
Michelle Langone: The Harmony of Classical and Contemporary
To define oneself by one discipline is to limit the full expression of one’s potential. Michelle Langone, a classically trained soprano, has embraced this principle, weaving together classical elegance with contemporary innovation. In her music, we hear echoes of the great composers, yet these echoes are enriched with the bold experimentation of electronic sounds.
Langone, much like Einstein pondering the relationship between space and time, does not accept the boundaries imposed by genre. Instead, she blends them, bending their rules, forging a new soundscape where the old and the new coexist in harmony.
This is the essence of versatility — an understanding that one form of expression can deepen and expand another. Her collaborations with electronic music producers are not contradictions but extensions of her classical roots, showing us that true artistry lies in seeing beyond the immediate and embracing the infinite possibilities that arise from synthesis.
Crystal Starr: DIY Innovation in a High-Tech World
In Crystal Starr’s journey (also a client of mine), we see how a small, dedicated team can achieve monumental success. Her DIY ethos reshapes what it means to succeed in the modern music industry. Her single, “Too Late,” was not only written and recorded by her, but she also produced the video herself in under 24 hours, all while hitting the charts — extraordinary!
Starr’s approach to her career mirrors the lean efficiency of a startup — one might even compare her rise to the success of tech companies like WhatsApp, which famously sold for $19 billion with just a handful of employees. Similarly, Crystal handles not only her music writing, recording and production but also her video production and bookings. This approach, like a well-constructed theory, proves that simplicity and ingenuity often lead to the most profound outcomes.
Her viral TikTok performance and National Anthem appearance at the Crypto Arena show that, in an era of big productions and massive teams, a DIY mindset can still move mountains. Starr’s story reminds us that versatility is not just about what you do — it’s about how you do it.
Final Thoughts
In the lives of these artists, we observe a profound truth: that versatility is not simply a trait to be admired; it is an essential principle of life itself. As in the physical universe, where the interplay of forces creates equilibrium, so too does the fusion of skills, experiences and passions create a dynamic balance in the lives of those who embrace it.
To thrive in the music industry, as in any field, is to understand that the greatest opportunities arise not from focusing narrowly but from expanding widely. The ability to adapt, to pivot between passions and to see the connections between seemingly unrelated disciplines is the key to resilience, innovation and success.
