Today we’d like to introduce you to Torrance Artis
Hi Torrance, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Born and raised in Greenville, NC, I never imagined how far life would take me. In 2018, I took a leap and enlisted in the Marine Corps, leaving behind everything I’ve ever known. I had the honor of serving with VMFA-323, a squadron with a well known reputation for excellence, where I worked as a Maintenance Data Admin on the FA-18 fighter jet platform for four years in San Diego, CA. Before the record-breaking deployment, I thrived as a people person. I’m not saying I’m not anymore, but my perception of the world—and myself—shifted. Some changes are subtle, others undeniable. But that’s how this life thing goes right? Fast forward to June 2023, I left for Phoenix & absolutely had no plans other than getting here & going to work. My brothers, (thank god for them lol) were here a couple years prior & they helped me navigate the transition, reminding me that it’s okay to take time to readjust to civilian life. Before leaving for the eventful boat ride I experienced (and during), I’ve adored music. Music has always been my safe place. Whether it was drums, saxophone, piano, recording, or just simply being present, I found myself chasing melodies and rhythms, never being able to let it go. I might have done it just to satisfy my weird craving for learning something new. Looking back, the only thing I wish I had did, was put music at the forefront of my journey. Not because I regret my path, but because I know it’s where I truly belong. My true love. I don’t sell dreams, and I’m not the “shoulda, coulda, woulda” type, but it may have made things more streamlined. Hence I didn’t say easy. Life isn’t meant to be easy. Life is meant for us to live. Our unique chance opportunities & experiences craft us into the very niche people we all are. Perception is reality for the individual that refuses to learn. The real challenge is recognizing where our perception aligns with facts, and where it distorts reality. I’m not a philosopher & I don’t claim to know all the answers—I’m just an eye that observes. Always paying attention. Life shapes us through moments we never see coming, and our perception is the lens through which we make sense of it all. The real challenge is knowing when to trust it… and when to question it. I have many names, but the most prominent one is Drilla G. This is just the beginning of my story.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Traveling the world for a year & expecting things to be somewhat normal when I came back.
Readjusting to interacting with people in general
Being away from family for so long ( going on 2 years now )
The loss of my brother on deployment (Tyion M. Williams)
Coping with everything I speak about & don’t verbalize
& just trying to figure out this lovely ferocious beast we call life
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m most know for rap music & songwriting. At first it was just something I did in my neighborhood with friends & then it turned into a whole thing honestly. I’m capable of much more but it takes time to peel the layers back & I have plenty of that.. stay tuned. I specialize in painting pictures with my words, I like putting people in my shoes. & I like envisioning myself in theirs. It’s like a bonding experience. I’m a content creator & an aspiring world traveler, I’ve slowly been condensing all my belongings to start my journey around the world. I chose job opportunities & habits that could help me support myself when abroad, so I guess you could call me a traveling bard lol. I’m most proud of my recent EP I self produced & released called, “eureka.” available on all platforms. What I think sets me apart from others, is my resiliency. No matter how hard I get hit, I always find a way. Because if I don’t, who will?
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was undoubtedly quirky. Not exactly reserved, but not exactly the cool guy. I feel like “proactively responsive” is a good term for describing me. I made sure I showed love where I could & I expected nothing. I came from nothing. Expect nothing & appreciate everything. I’ve shared laughs with an unfathomable amount of folks I’ve come across & if I could I’d do it all over again. My main interests were music & computers, I didn’t really have the budget to work with so I just adapted how I could. Everything I had in my “younger” days came either from my mother, grandmother, or myself simply getting up & figuring out a way to get it. Which was greatly appreciated more than my support system can understand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/drilladrilla
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1drillag?igsh=aXNtc2dhaGV5anJo&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/187ZTvffTg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/EPpPCQF9tZ9BVdVb6
Image Credits
@bigwillvisuals
@x_reese256
@sgphotographysd
@wndrmuseum
