Frank Winchester lives a musical life

RAP AND HIP HOP PLAY ROLE IN HIS ACADEMICS

Streaming services such as Spotify, SoundCloud, and YouTube are taking over the music industry, and many artists are using these platforms to make a name for themselves in the music scene. Take for example Frank Winchester, a graduate from CU Denver with a passion for rap music.

With an undergraduate degree in Ethnic Studies and a master’s in Education, one wouldn’t think Winchester would be a part of the music scene, but every day he works to set himself apart from other artists within the competitive field. “I think me embracing myself, believing in myself, knowing I’m the voice of the have-nots and the voice of people who come from tough places, and just kind of bringing that element back to music and back to the hip hop element I think is really important,” Winchester said. “A lot of people rap about the good and the elegant things of the rap lifestyle, and with me talking about things that matter and things that are prevalent to my community, I think that’s something a little bit different.”

Winchester’s first love was music. He began his musical career at 16 years old and quickly immersed himself in the culture. He worked from the moment he woke up the morning while he was working. Drawing inspiration from his cousin, he knew music was something he enjoyed and wanted to do. Ten years later, his passion for the art hasn’t died. “I performed at the Roxy Theatre last August,” Winchester said. “It was at a coast-to-coast event and it was pretty awesome. I was actually able to place at an event; it was like a showcase, so that was my first performance. The experience was really celebratory because I didn’t know kind of what to expect.” Currently, Winchester is looking into releasing merchandise, his third mixtape, finding more venues to perform at, and trying to seek some radio play.

His content is on SoundCloud and Spotify, and listeners will find that Winchester’s music is lyrically complex, energetic, and most importantly authentic. For example, his song “Savage Time,” talks about the time it takes to achieve one’s goals. With his music centered around love, what’s happening in today’s society, and the struggle behind a person and their true beginnings, Winchester believes there is no better feeling than to believe in what one is doing, and shines through his music.

He takes inspiration from Tupac’s words, “I’m not saying I’m gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world,” and no matter how much of a following Winchester has, as long as he’s able to touch one person, he considers that a success. As far as advice, Winchester says, “The most important thing is to always be true to yourself, don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do.” Winchester said. “Come in the game being yourself and be authentic because as long as you know you’re true to yourself and that you’re doing what you want to do, and you believe in yourself, you’re going to be successful.”