What happens when creativity meets business, art blends with entrepreneurship, and staying true to yourself is the foundation for success? You get Genesis the Grey Kid an artist who walked away from the music industry’s formula-driven approach to pursue a career in fine art on his own terms.
In Episode 4 of Spectruss Speakeasy, we spoke with Genesis about his path from writing for Atlantic Records to becoming a full-time painter, the lessons he picked up along the way, and why staying genuine is everything, whether in art or branding.
From Music Industry Pressure to Independence
Before dedicating himself to painting, Genesis was immersed in the music business. He wrote songs in Kid Cudi’s studio, worked on major-label projects, and had opportunities most musicians dream about. But behind the scenes, the industry pushed a specific approach that left little room for originality.
One moment made him rethink everything:
“I was writing a song, and they told me, ‘We need to put some gunshots in this.’ I was like, what are you talking about? That’s not even my style.”
Music had become less about creativity and more about hitting a predetermined formula. Instead of following along, Genesis took a different route, he left.
Turning Art Into a Business
Walking away from music meant starting from scratch financially. There were no steady paychecks or record deals, just a decision to pursue something more meaningful.
“At first, I was just around artists all the time. But then I started spending time with tech founders and business owners. They’re the ones buying the art.”
By changing his environment, Genesis learned how to turn his creativity into something financially sustainable. A residency at Lamp Post Group, a venture capital firm in Chattanooga, introduced him to collectors and investors who appreciated his work.
That experience reinforced an important idea, art and business are connected. The same applies to any small or mid-sized business:
- Find the right audience.
- Market yourself with confidence.
- Being yourself is what makes people invest in you.
Competition, Growth & Pushing Limits
During the conversation, Genesis and Spectruss CEO Sam Silvey discussed an interesting topic, does competition help people improve?
“You don’t know how far you can go until you find someone pushing you.”
Genesis pointed out that while art isn’t a sport, having something that drives you forward is valuable. Whether it’s in business, music, or racing motorcycles (which Sam is passionate about), competition helps refine skills.
Learn more about Spectruss Racing here.
That same idea is what drives Spectruss, your brand shouldn’t just exist. It should stand out, improve, and make an impression. Blending in with the crowd is never a winning strategy.
Chattanooga’s Role in Creative Growth
One key takeaway from this episode is how Chattanooga’s business and creative scene helped shape Genesis’ career. From his early days at Sylvie Huffaker Creative to the connections he made at Lamp Post Group, the city gave him opportunities to build relationships with people who appreciate and invest in art.
For local businesses, this is a reminder that community matters. Partnering with local creatives, marketing professionals, and entrepreneurs can help businesses grow in unexpected ways.
That’s where Spectruss comes in. Our team helps businesses build their brand, digital presence, and marketing strategies, so they don’t just exist, but thrive.
What’s Next for Genesis the Grey Kid?
Genesis has several upcoming projects:
- A new art series where he paints live portraits of creatives, capturing their energy and personality rather than just their appearance.
- The launch of Culture and Code Museum, led by his wife, Karen, which will focus on artistic and cultural storytelling.
- Continuing to expand his artistic reach beyond galleries and into conversations that matter.
The Main Lesson: Art and Business Work Together
This episode of Spectruss Speakeasy highlights that art and business don’t have to be separate worlds. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or business owner, growth comes down to a few core ideas:
- Stay true to your vision. Don’t chase trends, be original.
- Understand the business side. No matter how talented you are, people need to know about your work.
- Surround yourself with the right people. Your network can be the difference between struggling and succeeding.
If you’re ready to make your business stand out, let’s connect. Spectruss helps businesses establish their brand with marketing and digital strategies that work.
And if you haven’t yet, listen to the full episode with Genesis the Grey Kid, you won’t want to miss this one.
