We’re looking forward to introducing you to Damien Wheatley. Check out our conversation below.
Damien, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I would definitely say the reach of my music, the community I’ve built and the new music I’m definitely proud of. I’m beyond proud of how the ones who support me treat me and what I’ve built and the artists I’ve been able to work with Bizarre from D12, Obie Trice, HoneyBerryDrip. Just to name a couple out of the many few I’ve worked with.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an emerging music artist, producer etc. I’m known professionally as “Lil Exosphere” but most called me “Exo” or “Exosphere”. I create many different genres and sounds with my music. I also help many other upcoming artists with my free for profit beats and 100% original artwork. Bringing what they have in mind to reality. I would say why my music is so different and unique because it’s not just music, it’s apart of me and my personal life and I create music to help those who have also dealt with anxiety, depression, drug addiction, heartbreak etc. I’ve been through it all. I would like people to join me with my music to spread mental health is real and that everyone deals with it and we are all the same flesh no matter what race, color, political or religious views. I am currently working on new albums to be the best I’ve made and to work with so many other new artists I have not yet worked with.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I would definitely say my mom was the first one when I started making music late 2010’s, she always motivated me to make more and even when my dad or grandma wasn’t understanding yet of my music they eventually came around. It’s still weird to make music and have some friends or family who listen to me and some that don’t know I actually am working on this music and turning it into a 7 figures a month business and the other careers I have on the side.
I grew up in a household with Korn, Icp, Eminem, Bullet For My Valentine, The Used, Panic At The Disco, Hoobastank etc. Then being around my aunt as youngin’ she would play Chris Brown, 2Pac, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
I also grew up with my best friend Laron and his whole household was playing straight rap I never heard of before and how their culture works which got me into rap. Even one day I was wearing Eazy-E one of my favorite rappers on a shirt and Laron’s family member commented what ya know about Eazy-E? And from then I knew it would be a challenge with my skin color but have been accepted by OG’s and others who have created this culture.
I also then eventually at 13 having Apple Music and literally a whole library of millions of songs started to find my own music I loved and stuff I grew up with liking. I also started freestyling to YouTube Rap Beats and started Song Writing and starting to study music and have everything self taught. I learned it all by myself and those short YouTube tutorials.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would definitely say be yourself bro and you’ll be okay, the right people will love you and accept you as a person and a music artist. Just because they say you couldn’t do it doesn’t mean you can’t and don’t be harsh on yourself everything will happen when it’s time. Also people are people just like you so rely on yourself more then anyone else.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes it is for certainly, my music is the true version of myself and a 100% me. That’s why when people say “you don’t do what you say in your music” I do a 100% and I feel like if “Lil Exosphere” wasn’t the honest side of me like it is then there would be nothing for the people I help with my music you know. Nothing to help them and what they were going through if I was a lie. But Lil Exosphere is the real me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
Definitely what I’ve made and the people I’ve met and worked with and helped with my music. I hope they turn to each other when I eventually can’t do music anymore, that’s so far in the future but I know when it is time. People will turn to my art as a coping mechanism. I’ve had personal people of mine recently I’ve known for many years turn to my music just to hear my voice and if my music has that much power and force when I’m alive just imagine when my times comes. It’s incredible what just one song or melody can do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/lilexosphere
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilexosphere/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lilexosphere?si=JB-Mkb-fRiHkLJCt
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/GKsMDu0QRuXfROpWyd
Image Credits
Damien Wheatley
