MVM STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – CHRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ
Christian recording during MVM’s program at David Douglas HS in partnership with the SUN school program.
“My song ‘When I’m Gone’ represents many things. It represents how much violence has affected our city. This past year I have seen teen deaths. I have lost two close friends to this violence and I’m not asking for revenge, I’m not asking to have someone hold my hand and tell me its gonna be okay. I just want it to stop before I lose more people and so that no one else has to lose their own son or daughter… It shows how we should enjoy every second we are alive on this earth and take every chance we get to make ourselves a better person. This song has not only made my music known it has also helped me express my pain and emotion through my music. When I made that song I never ever cared what anyone else thought about it. I made it because it felt right. Every single rhyme that I rapped just felt good and I’m glad I could make it. All I want is for the violence to stop – that’s all I want out of it.” – Christian, MVM Electronic Music Program Student.
World, meet Christian. If I had just one word to describe him it would be, passionate. I met him after walking into the last day of our program at David Douglas High School’s fall quarter. As I entered the room I saw a young man wearing headphones step up to a microphone and start to rap. He could hear the beat through his headphones, but neither myself, or the other 10 or so people in the room, could hear anything but his voice. What he had to say was powerful. I had chills by the end of his take and the room was dead silent. His passion and message was inspiring. I asked him to perform at our student showcase at Mississippi Studios which was only days away. Without missing a beat, he said, “yes!”
Christian has taken every opportunity My Voice Music has provided and turned it into something great. He is a gifted musician who works hard and supports the people around him. He truly embodies My Voice Music’s motto; “Believe in yourself in order to create something that means enough to give back” – Believe. Create. Give.
– Ian Mouser, MVM Founder and Executive Director
What type of music do you create? Do you play an instrument? If so what do you play?
I am a hip-hop artist. I’ve made rap music since 5th grade. I play some rock music but I’m a rapper.
I play 5 instruments. I play guitar, bass, bass guitar, drums, and piano.
Why is music important to you?
Music is important to me because it is the way I can express my feelings and my emotions unlike all the kids my age who are involved with drugs alcohol violence; it’s the way I can just show people who I really am.
What did it feel like the first time you heard a recording of your music on play back?
It was like a dream come true. It was like nothing I’ve ever expected before or experienced before in my life.
What do you like most about being a part of My Voice Music?
I like that they’re a positive group of people. They help with recording and give honest opinions. They encourage you to try and make it sound good and they are there to help you realize what kind of artist you are.
Christian performing, “When I’m Gone” at MVM’s Student Showcase at Mississippi Studios
How has being a part of My Voice Music helped you outside of music – in school, at home, etc.?
It has helped me become a better person and be more honest with people and tell them how I really feel and just help me have a positive attitude during negative outcomes in life and help me keep my head up when there are struggles.
What does music bring you and how do you feel when you play? Why do you play?
It brings me a really great warmth inside. It honestly helps me through my life and it helps me do what I love to do and also allows me to do shows and stuff and let others see what I can do and then they can appreciate that.
What do you hope people take away from your music when they hear it?
I hope that they hear the message and bring it back. I don’t like violence and I don’t like that I lost 2 friends and 2 of them died and that it leaves my life story behind.
Christian and friends after MVM Student Showcase at Mississippi Studio