Meet Geno Young: Musician, Tastemaker & Fine Arts Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Geno Young and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Geno, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I love risk. I think as a creative, risk is necessary. There’s nothing that inspires me more than pushing boundaries and watching fellow creatives do the same. In my career, risk has been really impactful. From career decisions, to pushing boundaries in the music I create, there’s rarely reward without risk

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love being a creative artist. I love the stage, and nothing is better to me than connecting with an audience and sharing space and music. As a recording artist, this gives me the most pleasure, sharing new music with fellow music lovers. I’ve been blessed to do what i love in a multitude of ways. Whether Music Directing for theater, Directing choirs in the sacred or secular space, producing music for artists, or giving private lessons, the work is not always easy but it is fulfilling. I’ve overcome challenges by trying to be as consistent as possible and always trying to operate with integrity and excellence. I’ve learned that you’ve got to know who you are artistically, and be confident in the fact that “Every Gig Aint for you.” I really want the world to know that as much as I am a performing artist, I also get joy from collaboration and helping others reach their artistic goals.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Musically, I’d set up a show with the homies, RC & The Gritz, Shaun Martin, Robert Sput Searight, Daniel Jones & Gino Lock Johnson Iglehart & Taylor Pace. We’d probably link with Deep Ellum Art Co or Sandaga and put on a mind blowing show. We’d also try to get a reservation at True Kitchen and Cocktails for food and drinks or Vegan food House in Bishop Arts cuz they are phenomenal. Bishop Arts or West Village is always a good hang for drinks and people watching. I’d check what was playing at Bishop Arts Theater or the Kessler to see if we could catch some quality entertainment. I think some Crate digging at Spinster Records would be dope… and at some point we gotta hit Rudy’s Chicken and Record’s Bar-B-Q, because I’m from Oak Cliff.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank the Music Educators that paved the way for me in Dallas ISD, private lessons and the Black Church experience that fostered a love for musical excellence. Michael Terrell, Diane Vernon, William Mitchell, James Powell, Patricia Kesee, Monya Logan, Eva Flowers, Beverly Chinn, Billie Roberts, Jowanda Jordan, Norman Fisher, Allison Tucker, Glenda Clay & Linda Searight. These are the unsung heroes of Dallas Music.

Website: genoyoungmusic.net
Instagram: genoyoung
Twitter: @genoyoung

Image Credits
photo by: Jirard photo by: Steve Glick