Let's Get Personal : the Learning Lab Podcast
Let's Get Personal : the Learning Lab Podcast
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Engineering a Different Dream, with STEMusic LLC's Roy Moye III

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE

A career pivot sometimes helps you toward your destiny.

Roy Moye III achieved his dream of becoming an aerospace engineer, but once he got there, he realized his true passion was music. Instead of ignoring his calling, he took a leap of faith and built a career that combines singing, education, and entrepreneurship.

Today, through STEMusic LLC, Roy inspires young people to explore STEAM through music. His unique path has earned him a Grammy and taken him to audiences across the country, but his greatest passion is helping kids discover their own potential.

In this episode of Let's Get Personal, Roy shares how following an unexpected path led him to meaningful work. He also plugs his new album, STEMusic Takes Flight, available on streaming platforms now.

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IN THIS EPISODE

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TRANSCRIPT 🔗

WEBVTT
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Hi, I'm Olivia, and I'm Kristen.
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Through our work at Learning Lab Witch Talk, we get a front row seat to innovation and personalized kindergarten through 12th grade learning.
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On this podcast, we share stories of how educators and parents are helping kids discover their passions.
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So you can do the same for a child you love.
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Time to dive in.
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Let's get personal.
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Hi everyone, and welcome to Let's Get Personal Real Talk About Reimagining Education.
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Today in the Learning Lab studio, we are so happy to have Roy Moy III, who is the founder and CEO of STEM Music LLC, and most importantly, is about to come out with a new album.
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So this is he's in the studio.
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Yes.
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We're on the promo tour, all the things.
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But Roy has been a fun friend of Learning Lab from the very beginning.
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Yeah.
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Well, and what I think is cool is that we haven't really had too many education entrepreneurs that are like, well, we certainly haven't had an entertainer.
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But also uh you're kind of just starting something new completely from scratch that's not like a school model.
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So I'm excited about like the type of entrepreneur that you are.
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I've known Roy for years.
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Yes.
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Yeah.
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And when I met Roy, I just have to tell the story.
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One, I don't know why we met for coffee, but we met for coffee, and Roy was talking about um this dream he had to start STEM music, but it didn't have a name yet.
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And he was an engineer.
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Yes.
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So tell so t I met for coffee though, because because weren't you working at the United Way?
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Yeah.
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So so I think that's how we got connected.
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Yeah.
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Relationship manager.
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I was a loaned executive.
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They had this program back in the day where you could um leave your job for three months and help with the annual campaign of uh raising funds and money to support United Way and all the different things that they do in the community, which I love.
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And um also it was very instrumental in helping me start STEM music from a business standpoint because I don't know if you remember the year that I was a loan executive, they made cold calls be in-person cold calls.
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So it wasn't just from the desk.
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You have to go out to the business and walk in the door and do all the things.
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And when I tell you that, I wasn't afraid of it, but just having to do it so many times, it made it more regular.
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And it's something that I've used in STEM music to help grow it.
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Go into a children's museum and just pitch right there.
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Or like, can I talk to the person who books, you know, performers?
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Can I talk to the children's librarian at this library?
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And there have been, I've booked a run of shows in DC off of doing that.
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And so and other places too.
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And so that I always think of United Way being a relationship manager and how that influenced that.
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But um, yeah, at the time, this was 2018.
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And um, yes, thank God for the United Way's while I'm loading executive because I was burnt out at that point of engineering.
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Engineering.
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I was I always am fascinated that you became an engineer.
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I am too.
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You were well, and I get that you probably like math and science, but you are such a people person.
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I am, and I think that was the journey.
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So, what I what I love is what I brought here today.
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This is for the camera.
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My airplanes, this is a Boeing 787 United Airlines.
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This is a P-51 Mustang uh Red Tails for the Tuskegee Airmen, very influential in my aviation and aerospace career.
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Um, but I've loved airplanes since I was a kid, and so that's actually what um I kept asking questions about as a kid.
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Like, how do I design airplanes?
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Like, do I want to be a pilot or do I want to like design airplanes?
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Yeah.
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And then my dad, I believe, is the one who gave me the term aeronautical engineer slash aerospace engineer because he was in the military and he uh sampled fuel for like Air Force One and other things, and like so he kind of had a STEM background.
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Like, I didn't realize that until later I actually had him on my STEM music podcast and was like, what?
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Like he got a coin from uh Ronald Reagan because their lab was the lab that sampled the fuel in Germany.
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Yeah, it was kind of wild to learn.
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Like he's in a lab coat, you know, like what?
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I didn't know this.
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How funny?
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And so he had that that um terminology.
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And once I like, oh man, I was on Ass Jeeves at the time, you know, Google, all the places, Yahoo, like just searching aerospace engineering.
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And that's when I was like, I think this is where what I want to do.
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But to your point, a lot of math, a lot of science that's involved.
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And I remember thinking, I am not the strongest in math.
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Like I got up to calculus senior year of high school, but it's it was always a trudge.
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Like it was never, I never felt like math was easy.
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I did enjoy science, um, you know, my chemistry class, I like doing the experiments and different things.
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Um, so I wasn't your traditional engineering kid who was like, I'm doing all these different things.
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I'm taking cars apart or taking computers apart.
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I wasn't, I did like to build.
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I've always been a designer.
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Now that is something true.
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I've always been some like, let me build some Legos or let me design a rainforest in my bedroom that I shared with my brother.
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And he's like, why is there a rainforest in my bedroom?
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That's awesome.
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So, so you know, that that all kind of started at that, but it really was because of my love of airplanes.
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And so I was like, How do I do that?
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And so um kind of did the research and then applied.
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And I remember everybody telling me, like, are you sure?
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That's a lot of math.
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They weren't lying, and they weren't like trying to boo my dream.
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Like sure.
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They just wanted to like make sure I knew.
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Yeah.
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And so I was a little like, I don't know, is this gonna be the thing?
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But I ended up leaning into it.
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It was very hard for me, very challenging.
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Um, I went to Wichita State.
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Shout out to Wichita State because I think that was the precursor to STEM music.
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I was singing all over campus and I was majoring in aerospace engineering, and that university did not say no to that.
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It's like they probably were thinking, like, who is this kid?
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Like, why is he like he's in talent shows?
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He's singing national anthems for the shockers.
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This is when they went to the final four, like that run, and like all those years.
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I started in 2010, so they went to the NIT, then they went into the bracket, then they went to the final four, and so I was singing national anthems for those teams.
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So I was also like, and but it's funny, the music people on campus were like, oh, he's a music major, and they didn't know I was an engineer, and then the engineering people were like, Oh, he's in engineering.
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They didn't know I did music.
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So, like my professors didn't know I sang until graduation.
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And I sang the national anthem at my graduation.
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And they were shocked, and they were in the front row, like I was like, I probably could have got some more A's if I sang in class, you know.
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So have you have you always loved music also?
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Or did and did you like train?
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Did you take lessons?
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That's a great question.
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I yes, music is it's just always been in the family.
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I do not play an instrument yet.
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We need to figure that out.
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But um I don't play an instrument.
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I don't even formally read like music.
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I can do a little bit of sight reading, you know, your church hymn and all, that type of thing.
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But um, music was just always playing a lot of gospel in the house.
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Um, and then my mother, like, she's not necessarily like the singer, but she would always take, I feel like I get my songwriting from her, even though she's not like a formal songwriting, songwriter.
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She would always take words like mom, we had computer lab today.
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Computer lab.
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And like she would just go into a song.
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And so, like that word association, like I feel like she did a and she loves music and like her music catalog, she's the one who kind of put me onto a lot of like non-gospel stuff.
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Um, my dad is a singer, and my grandfather, that's actually who I really get it from, Roy Nelson Moy Sr.
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Like when I first heard him sing in 2017 at a family reunion, I was like, whoa, this is actually where my voice comes from.
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Because my dad can sing, it but there was just a singers no singers, and it was just like, wow, like he's really good, and we harmonize together well and all the things.
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So music, it was, and we sang in the car on the way to church.
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Like, I have two siblings, and so we were always like, who's gonna hit the no?
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Like, you know, so it was very musical in that sense.
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And so, yeah, I've I've really loved music, and music was a a huge uh sense uh source of comfort for me as well, like growing up, experiencing bullying and different things.
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It was like I would always, I could always lean on music and singing, and actually in the basement of my childhood home, I would like I wrote over 40 songs.
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Like my parents didn't know this was happening, and then I'd be like going on tour.
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I would put a notebook piece of paper and I would tape it to the wall.
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So I would make the songs first, like over maybe let's say a month or so.
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And then I would like, oh, I'm gonna go on a 40 city tour.
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And I would write like Chicago and then tape that piece of paper to the wall and sing the songs.
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The next night I would change it to Philadelphia and like sing to the wall.
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So now that like I'm a touring artist, it's I I just think back to those days, like I really believed that that was something that I could do.
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I didn't know how I was gonna get there.
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But yeah, music definitely was always it just felt like it was always being played in the house, in the car.
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Um, and then once I found out that I had a gift of singing, because I was a very shy kid, nobody believes that.
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Well, that's what I was just about to ask.
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So, like, what were you?
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We see you now as this entertainer, and um what what were you like as a student, as a kid, as growing up?
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Young kid, very shy.
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Like, like third grade and before, like and under, like very shy.
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Like my parents would have to like check to see like, is he breathing?
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Like, where is Roy Tia?
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That's what my family calls me.
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And so I'd be in there building Legos or with my connects roller coaster to like yeah, I was just always like, you know, kind of very, very quiet.
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And then um, I think as I started to grow older, and I I really had the first level I remember was fifth grade um in a jazz musical, and I played Louis Armstrong.
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So a little fifth grader trying to talk like this, like attach me, you know.
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And so um, but I sang and and and just the reaction and stuff, and then I started doing that a little bit more.
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And when people come up to talk to you after the show or whatever, you kind of you you're kind of forced to have to like talk and stuff.
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And so I feel like that started to pull me out of my shell a little bit.
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Um, but yeah, just always very um musical, love to sing.
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But it's funny, all the way up to high school, I love to sing, but I actually wouldn't sing for people.
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Like people would be like, you have such a good voice.
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Like, just sing in the hallway, like in between classes.
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I'm like, I only sing in choir.
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Like, like I was so very, I don't know, I was very um particular about it.
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And I think I was I really wanted to pursue engineering.
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And so I used to tell people, like, no, I'm gonna be an engineer.
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Like, I'm pursuing engineering, like, I'm not doing this music.
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I love the story because we talk to kids all the time about like their talents and interests, and it seems like music actually came really easily to you.
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Sometimes something comes easy to you and you don't love it, but you like loved it and it became easy to you, but you also loved airplanes.
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Yeah.
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And maybe I like the fact that it was harder for you to get through the math.
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Like you didn't just sail through the math.
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At all, at all, at all.
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I was in them office hours, okay.
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It's funny, like I never got an A in a math class, like ever.
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In my like from young all the way up to um my last year of college.
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And I took a class um linear algebra, which allowed because if you take an additional class, we have to take a lot of math in engineering.
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At Wichita State, if you took one more class, you got the math minor.
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So I was like, you might as well take it.
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And linear algebra is the only math class I got an A in.
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So my final, my final math class, I think it was it's about matrices and stuff, and I think there's most ways you can go about it, but like it was almost like they gave you a roadmap to multiply these two matrices together or to solve it.
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And so I was like, oh, I can follow these steps and do this.
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Whereas some of the other math just felt like there's 17 ways to approach this answer, and I don't like that.
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Like, I want to be able to know, like, oh, I can do this and get to the answer.
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So I think that's partially why maybe I did a little bit better in that class.
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But yeah, sure.
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I'm I'm like, so what's interesting to me is, I mean, I feel like you are such such a talented singer, and you could have done gospel music, you could have done like RB.
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So how did you land on the children's music?
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Yeah, first of all, it's funny that you're saying like you could have done RB, you could have, girl, I did them all.
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And they did not work out in the way that I thought they were gonna work out.
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Um and and but I think it's a great thing for your listeners, like whoever's listening to this, regardless of what you're trying to do, whether it's in education or not, like the beautiful thing that I've learned, just in summary, is like go on the journey and be open to doing something that maybe you didn't expect to do because it might allow you to accomplish your wildest dreams.
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Like that's just a soundbite for like the story that I want to share.
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Because I think sometimes we're so wired to say, I want this and I want to be done in this way, in this form, especially when we put a goal in our mind when we're younger, college age, or even if like full adults, and you're like, oh, I'm progressing in age and like I still haven't done this one thing, and the only way I know I can do it is this way.
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But if you open your mind to another way, you actually might be able to get there.
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It's just in a different way.
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And so I did um pursue RB.
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So I came out with my first RB EP in 2015 summer, and that's actually when I started working at Spirit Aero Systems, which is now Boeing, Wichita, as a full-time engineer, structural design engineer.
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And the night I came out with that project, I was like, I had a concert at Eno's, which doesn't exist anymore.
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Um, in their back private room, people came, people bought my EP, and I was like, this is what I want to do.
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And that was a very, that was like month two at spirit, and I was like freaking out that night.
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I cried myself to sleep because I was like, Yeah, this is what I want to do, actually.
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Then pivoted to gospel in 2016 and that started that journey.
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Actually, got to go on a show called Sunday Best, which is like the gospel version of American Idol.
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Oh my goodness.
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It doesn't necessarily exist anymore.
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Yeah, I don't think it exists anymore, but um made it to the top 20 and actually got to be on television and judged by the people.
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And um, what I didn't know and nobody else knew at the time is I popped a blood vessel in my left vocal cord.
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So I was on the show with a damaged voice.
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Um and I still sang okay, but I learned a valuable lesson there of like you gotta make people feel something.
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The song that um I was given, it just didn't really go anywhere vocally.
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And so I was trying to like showcase all these things.
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I could sing high notes and this and that.
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Instead, it was like singing it in a high key that just makes you feel.
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So, you know, but you learn these things as you go.
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So I did that, and then that was like felt like a rock bottom for me, which sounds dramatic.
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This is a first world thing that we're talking about.
00:14:14.080 --> 00:14:19.120
But when it's your dream and it's something that you like, I had been working since 2016, so this was 2019 when I got on the show.
00:14:19.360 --> 00:14:22.399
So I'm thinking like this is the moment, like this is it.
00:14:22.480 --> 00:14:23.759
I'm gonna make it in the top five.
00:14:23.919 --> 00:14:28.080
I didn't think I could win the show because it was some very powerful the person who won, he deserved to win.
00:14:28.159 --> 00:14:29.519
I mean, powerhouse singers.
00:14:29.600 --> 00:14:36.399
But I thought I could make the top five and then get a like an independent record deal, do the Chitlin circuit, like, you know, just work your way up.
00:14:36.720 --> 00:14:40.799
And so when I got cut and out of the, you know, the the top 10, I didn't make the top 10.
00:14:40.960 --> 00:14:43.759
I was like, oh my gosh, what happens now?
00:14:43.840 --> 00:14:44.320
You know?
00:14:44.480 --> 00:14:54.799
Well, it just so happened in 2016, a couple years prior, um, nonprofit in town called Real Men Real Heroes, which is now Heroes Academy, and they were asking me to do a math lesson.
00:14:54.879 --> 00:15:05.759
So really STEM music does start with math, um, which is so funny because it's like, oh and these, you know, young black boys with the predominant uh population in this organization.
00:15:05.919 --> 00:15:08.159
And I was over the fourth grade class and fifth grade class.
00:15:08.240 --> 00:15:09.840
So we we met every Monday night.
00:15:09.919 --> 00:15:10.080
Wow.
00:15:10.320 --> 00:15:13.360
And so I know I knew these boys, like, you know, Mr.
00:15:13.600 --> 00:15:14.879
Roy here, all the things, right?
00:15:14.960 --> 00:15:18.000
So it's kind of like I was almost like an educator in that, you know, season.
00:15:18.240 --> 00:15:19.759
And they were like, we want to grant.
00:15:19.919 --> 00:15:24.559
So I had already done some STEM stuff for the audience science, technology, engineering, and math is what STEM stands for.
00:15:24.639 --> 00:15:26.879
Sometimes they put an A in it for art, so STEAM.
00:15:27.360 --> 00:15:37.279
Um, and so I we had done like egg drop and like bridges, and you know, we'd done like these fun activities, but then they said we want to grant and we have to do math lesson, like we're required.
00:15:37.440 --> 00:15:39.600
And I was like, ooh, they're gonna hate this.
00:15:39.759 --> 00:15:41.440
So I was like, you gotta do something creative.
00:15:41.519 --> 00:15:43.039
I don't know what it is, but you gotta figure it out.
00:15:43.120 --> 00:15:48.559
And so I was like, ooh, what if I remix this song, which was like super popular at the time, watch me whip, watch me nene.
00:15:48.799 --> 00:15:49.440
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:15:49.519 --> 00:15:50.720
To watch me solve the equation.
00:15:50.799 --> 00:15:52.080
So I remixed the entire song.
00:15:52.159 --> 00:15:56.399
I put an algebraic equation in there to solve for X that's like in the song in the lyrics.
00:15:56.480 --> 00:15:56.720
Uh-huh.
00:15:56.879 --> 00:16:00.000
And then I showed up that Monday night and I was like, all right, we gotta do math today.
00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:06.159
And they were like, boo! Okay, but I did something, let me just perform it for you.
00:16:06.320 --> 00:16:08.320
Watch me solve, solve the equation.
00:16:08.480 --> 00:16:10.080
Hey, hey, watch me solve.
00:16:10.240 --> 00:16:15.279
And when I was done, the energy, the room, I mean, it's everything just shifted.
00:16:15.360 --> 00:16:18.879
They were fighting over the dry erase markers to go up to the board.
00:16:19.120 --> 00:16:22.639
There were like the fear of getting it wrong, or like nobody cared.
00:16:22.720 --> 00:16:24.080
Everyone was so engaged.
00:16:24.240 --> 00:16:26.720
We were outside, you y'all work in education.
00:16:26.879 --> 00:16:29.440
The parents don't be picking up the kids all the time, you know, all the time.
00:16:29.600 --> 00:16:33.519
So we're out there waiting with the kids, like, you know, that that were left over.
00:16:33.600 --> 00:16:37.440
And they were singing the song in the parking lot, you know, running around singing it.
00:16:37.679 --> 00:16:39.919
And I that night I was like, this is special.
00:16:40.320 --> 00:16:41.600
Something just happened here.
00:16:41.759 --> 00:16:44.320
And it's funny, I used to do this all the time, like just on my own.
00:16:44.480 --> 00:16:46.879
Like I live for the applause, applause.
00:16:46.960 --> 00:16:50.639
It's a Lady Gaga song in Experimental Methods, a class in Wichita State.
00:16:50.720 --> 00:16:53.759
They were, I was like, Y'all, we did the data and we got all the stuff to present.
00:16:53.840 --> 00:16:54.399
I'm gonna sing this.
00:16:54.480 --> 00:16:56.240
And you know, my engineering peers are like, What?
00:16:56.320 --> 00:16:58.000
I was like, You don't have to sing, I just want to do this.
00:16:58.080 --> 00:17:06.880
And so I I live for the data, data, so I remixed that and so I've been doing this my whole life, but when I did it with these kids, it just that was huge.
00:17:07.039 --> 00:17:10.319
And so then from 2016 to 2019, I was battling insecurity.
00:17:10.400 --> 00:17:18.400
So that's another thing for your listeners that just because you have a dream or you want to do something doesn't mean one, it's gonna be easier, two, you won't battle with like an insecurity or a fear.
00:17:18.559 --> 00:17:18.720
Yeah.
00:17:18.960 --> 00:17:23.359
Because I was like, here I am wanting, I'm struggling in my engineering career, and nobody really knows that.
00:17:23.599 --> 00:17:26.400
I was doing everything like my packages were getting released.
00:17:26.480 --> 00:17:33.920
Nobody knew that, but internally I was like, this is like harder than what I want it to be, and I'm not enjoying it as much as I thought I would.
00:17:34.400 --> 00:17:41.839
Um so how am I gonna be the person to teach kids about STEM and like try to get them into STEM when I'm trying to like get out?
00:17:42.160 --> 00:17:45.440
And I just felt so conflicted and ashamed and like all of that.
00:17:45.599 --> 00:17:50.799
So for three years, I was just like talking about it, you know, like I wanna do this thing called STEM music, but I don't know.
00:17:51.039 --> 00:17:54.480
And then my friend said, you know, if you don't want to do something with this, it's okay.
00:17:54.640 --> 00:17:55.519
Like you can let it go.
00:17:55.599 --> 00:18:00.480
Yeah, and I think it was just that hearing that and being able to say, No, I gotta just try it.
00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:00.799
Yeah.
00:18:00.960 --> 00:18:02.079
So just write one song.
00:18:02.240 --> 00:18:03.119
You all know the song.
00:18:03.279 --> 00:18:05.440
We call it STEM music everywhere we go.
00:18:05.599 --> 00:18:07.920
And I wrote that theme song in my kitchen, my old apartment.
00:18:08.160 --> 00:18:12.079
When I played it back after I recorded it, I was just dancing like this.
00:18:12.160 --> 00:18:13.920
This is what I heard in my head.
00:18:14.160 --> 00:18:21.680
Like this is because I didn't want to make music that was like kitty, which is so funny that I'm a family children music artist because that wasn't the intention.
00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:26.319
It was like, I want to make songs that sound like regular music, uh-huh, but the content is about STEM.
00:18:26.880 --> 00:18:34.480
And so I took that song to a Nesby National Society of Black Engineers conference, performed it, had great feedback and the DJ the.
00:18:34.799 --> 00:18:35.920
That was a big deal that you got.
00:18:36.400 --> 00:18:42.000
And he even like, like, when he like was giving me back the jump drive, he was like, I need to, I need to play this song in the club.
00:18:42.079 --> 00:18:44.079
And I was like, stop playing with me, like don't, you know.
00:18:44.160 --> 00:18:50.160
But it just showed me that even people, even parents, you know, like non-kids were like vibing to it.
00:18:50.319 --> 00:18:54.799
And so after Sunday, so then Sunday Best happens that summer airs and everything.
00:18:54.880 --> 00:19:03.200
I'm like rock bottom because I just feel so embarrassed that like here I am on national television, Wichita's watching, and like, and I didn't do great or whatever.
00:19:03.359 --> 00:19:04.960
Meanwhile, Wichita's like so proud.
00:19:05.200 --> 00:19:07.920
But like, but I'm like, oh I wanted to like be, you know.
00:19:08.079 --> 00:19:16.960
I yeah, and so then it that was the final straw because I felt like I was at rock bottom musically, that I had tried this whole journey of RB gospel.
00:19:17.119 --> 00:19:18.640
I was like, you have nothing to lose.
00:19:18.880 --> 00:19:23.759
Just create this STEM music EP and create the company and see what happens.
00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:25.759
Yeah, and that's what happened in November of 2019.
00:19:25.920 --> 00:19:27.440
So we're coming up on seven years this fall.
00:19:27.680 --> 00:19:28.160
How crazy.
00:19:28.400 --> 00:19:33.200
What I think is so interesting about I'm gonna take this all the way back.
00:19:33.359 --> 00:19:36.960
You were like, no, I loved linear algebra, which was very like sequential.
00:19:37.039 --> 00:19:37.920
There's a roadmap.
00:19:38.079 --> 00:19:52.799
You followed this roadmap to being an engineer, and then you hate it, and then you did this roadmap to like get to what you thought being a musician, a singer would be, and none of it worked the way that you planned.
00:19:53.039 --> 00:20:11.920
It's just interesting to be like not yes, you can have a roadmap to accomplish your dream, but to your point, if you're not open to what shows up or what opportunities cross, or like really like listening to your gut and what is your magical little moment with the with the kids with the algebra.
00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:14.720
I mean, that's a really important thing to listen to.
00:20:14.880 --> 00:20:16.480
I think I felt that as a teacher.
00:20:16.640 --> 00:20:22.000
Like, there's just all these signals that we're maybe taught to ignore because it doesn't fit the roadmap.
00:20:22.160 --> 00:20:22.319
Right.
00:20:22.480 --> 00:20:22.640
Right?
00:20:22.880 --> 00:20:25.279
It doesn't fit this order that I'm saying it should go in.
00:20:25.599 --> 00:20:26.240
It doesn't make sense.
00:20:26.319 --> 00:20:29.200
That's what when I say back to, like you said, the open part.
00:20:29.279 --> 00:20:33.119
Um, I'm a person of faith, so I love God, but I also respect people who, you know, that's not your faith.
00:20:33.200 --> 00:20:36.640
So, like, what if you want to call the universe your voice, the voice, your gut, whatever it is.
00:20:36.720 --> 00:20:42.960
But like, I feel like we all have those moments where we know, like, maybe this is not gonna make sense to everybody.
00:20:43.039 --> 00:20:44.480
Because STEM music, like, what is that?
00:20:44.799 --> 00:21:13.519
Like, even now, as I'm gaining more clients and stuff like that, it's like when I explain it to them or even show videos of the performance, but when I'm there and I actually do a performance, it's they're like, oh my gosh, like because I think in family children music, like usually it's a concert where they're not like stopping to do STEM activities in between songs, like they're like just singing songs and it's great, but like the concert is genuinely like I'm singing a song about science, and then I'm bringing up kids and we're doing science experiments.
00:21:13.839 --> 00:21:20.400
I'm singing a song about technology, and then a kid is taking over the entire concert with a code that's made out of these different pieces of paper of different colors.
00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:23.920
Like, and that makes it a real entry point for kids.
00:21:24.319 --> 00:21:29.519
Whereas if you just hear a song and you're just singing Air Capital of the World, maybe that never like gets.
00:21:30.000 --> 00:21:33.680
It's it's like, and I wanted to make sure that kids were invited to do the thing.
00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:36.400
And and that happens in children's music, but they're doing STEM.
00:21:36.559 --> 00:21:40.000
Like when they're doing the thing, they're doing STEM, they're not just like singing along in a song or whatever.
00:21:40.160 --> 00:21:42.079
And so very important to do that.
00:21:42.160 --> 00:21:48.319
And I and I think that because we are like just hardwired to like you gotta follow this one thing or this one point.
00:21:48.480 --> 00:21:59.759
I think if you are if you do stay open, when I say the dream thing, like, because in my mind as an artist, I was like, okay, I have to quit my job and I have to do this thing full time to even be able to start to ascend to the dreams that I had.
00:22:00.160 --> 00:22:00.720
Have, you know?
00:22:00.960 --> 00:22:04.240
And then I surrender, which is a big part of this process.
00:22:04.400 --> 00:22:09.200
I make this STEM music stuff, survive the pandemic because I started doing virtual performances.
00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:11.119
Cause I thought it was over in March, right?
00:22:11.279 --> 00:22:11.839
Everybody, right?
00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:13.119
But I started doing virtual stuff.
00:22:13.200 --> 00:22:15.359
And that's really when I knew this is special.
00:22:15.759 --> 00:22:20.160
You're singing to your laptop in your apartment, making the most money you've ever made in music.
00:22:20.240 --> 00:22:21.519
And it was like$3,000.
00:22:21.759 --> 00:22:23.759
But like I had not made$3,000 in music.
00:22:23.839 --> 00:22:25.759
So I was like, something is happening.
00:22:26.079 --> 00:22:26.480
It's weird.
00:22:27.119 --> 00:22:28.319
And this is special.
00:22:28.559 --> 00:22:37.599
And then, you know, from there to getting brought into the children's music community, then there's this spin-off, One Tribe Collective, out of this family music collective.
00:22:37.839 --> 00:22:39.599
And then they're like, oh, we want to put this album together.
00:22:39.759 --> 00:22:41.039
Long story short, we make this album.
00:22:41.119 --> 00:22:43.359
I write a song called Black Lives Made Stim History.
00:22:43.440 --> 00:22:44.319
That's on that album.
00:22:44.400 --> 00:22:47.519
That album gets nominated for a Grammy in April 2022.
00:22:47.599 --> 00:22:50.240
I'm at the Grammys while still working at Spirit Earl Systems.
00:22:50.400 --> 00:22:52.079
I had pivoted to HR at that time.
00:22:53.039 --> 00:23:00.720
You could not have told me that I would be working a full-time job going to the Grammys as it as a part of a Grammy nominated group.
00:23:01.279 --> 00:23:02.000
That's doesn't make sense.
00:23:02.799 --> 00:23:05.440
Well, that's where it's you, they say the best like plans.
00:23:05.519 --> 00:23:07.440
Like God just laughed at you.
00:23:07.599 --> 00:23:13.200
Like, you thought, you know, and so it that and that really showed me, like, yeah, dude, you you gotta get out the way.
00:23:13.680 --> 00:23:22.000
You have to let it let go because God has a bigger plan if people want to say the universe or whatever, but like God has a bigger plan for you that you're not gonna be able to plan.
00:23:22.079 --> 00:23:22.160
Right.
00:23:22.319 --> 00:23:30.319
Like even this podcast episode, I was telling them before the podcast, like, okay, I put out this new album and I want to talk about it and start reaching out to podcasts, and y'all reached out to me.
00:23:30.559 --> 00:23:33.839
You know, so it's like, it's it's just like, yeah, just be open.
00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:35.680
Like, yes, I do believe in creating a plan.
00:23:35.759 --> 00:23:38.079
The engineer in me is like, the designer was like, you gotta plan.
00:23:39.200 --> 00:23:42.160
But but in that plan, just leave some room for something.
00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:53.759
Because I've you, if you would have told me in 2015 when I put out that first EP, oh my gosh, I'm gonna be a um children's music artist, and that's gonna be the way I get to quit my job and do music full time and tour the country.
00:23:54.000 --> 00:23:54.960
And what?
00:23:55.599 --> 00:23:56.880
There's no way I believe you.
00:23:56.960 --> 00:24:06.400
And funny, fun fact, like the EP that the first EP, so the first body of work of music that I put out, the title of that EP was Singing Takes Flight.
00:24:06.559 --> 00:24:09.200
And this debut album is STEM Music Takes Flight.
00:24:09.279 --> 00:24:14.559
And I just think that's a it's just a it's kind of and there's a 787 on the front of that R and B EP.
00:24:14.640 --> 00:24:27.359
Like, I just love airplanes, and so to see it full circle that now there's a whole album about them is just is well it's not very many people that get to marry almost like their hobby and their vocation in a way that you have.
00:24:27.519 --> 00:24:30.640
So in 2019, you started STEM music.
00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:38.319
Yes, and then how long were you doing that business as like a side hustle while you were still working at Spirit?
00:24:38.400 --> 00:24:40.160
And how did what did that look like?
00:24:40.480 --> 00:24:42.160
It looked like me not sleeping.
00:24:42.400 --> 00:24:51.119
Um and it looked like there was a lot of frustration um because I saw what's happening in my life right now.
00:24:51.359 --> 00:25:02.880
And I think that's one of the greatest gifts that I have, but it's also one of the like tortures of my life is I'm a visionary and not in like some dramatic, like egotistical way, but God has just given me the ability to see things before they happen.
00:25:02.960 --> 00:25:04.000
And I'm not a psychic.
00:25:04.079 --> 00:25:06.960
I'm just saying like I have the ability to dream.
00:25:07.039 --> 00:25:10.640
Like I'm a dreamer, and I can I can my dreams are not just like, oh, that would be cool.
00:25:10.799 --> 00:25:11.680
I see it happening.
00:25:11.759 --> 00:25:16.079
I was taping the notebook piece of paper to the wall on tour in high school, you know.
00:25:16.400 --> 00:25:17.039
That's cool.
00:25:17.359 --> 00:25:18.720
I I'm that's how I am.
00:25:18.799 --> 00:25:28.799
And so as STEM music started to grow while I'm still working my full-time job as an engineer and then pivoted to HR for my last three years there, things were starting to happen.
00:25:28.880 --> 00:25:34.720
I'm starting to travel, I'm starting to gain some traction, and it's like, I just want to leave now.
00:25:35.039 --> 00:25:35.519
Like that.
00:25:35.599 --> 00:25:41.920
So that was a very hard um process and part of the journey when you're seeing stuff.
00:25:42.079 --> 00:25:45.440
I was leading orientation um at Spirit Aero Systems every Friday.
00:25:45.519 --> 00:25:49.519
I called it my residency because I would sing Stevie Wonder to open it up at 8 a.m.
00:25:49.680 --> 00:25:50.079
in the morning.
00:25:50.319 --> 00:25:54.960
And and this is like from shop floor workers to business engineers, like in orientation.
00:25:55.039 --> 00:25:56.640
And they're like, Are we in the right place?
00:25:56.880 --> 00:25:58.720
Like, is this orientation?
00:25:58.799 --> 00:26:01.920
But there would be so many people that would one guy threw money at me.
00:26:02.720 --> 00:26:04.079
Another guy was like, What?
00:26:04.160 --> 00:26:05.440
Why are you, why are you here?
00:26:05.599 --> 00:26:06.960
What the bleep are you doing here?
00:26:07.039 --> 00:26:15.680
And I'm just like, and so when you would hear responses like that, you it's it's you feel um grateful, but you feel very frustrated because you're like, they see it too.
00:26:15.839 --> 00:26:18.880
Like everyone sees that this should be a thing.
00:26:18.960 --> 00:26:20.640
Like I should be singing full-time.
00:26:20.720 --> 00:26:22.640
And so it was, it was quite the journey.
00:26:22.720 --> 00:26:35.599
But I will say this to especially if somebody's listening who is interested in starting a business or interested in, you know, turning that hobby or side hustle to a full-time thing, is like sometimes patience is your greatest friend as hard as it can be.
00:26:35.839 --> 00:26:40.079
Because when I did jump and take the leap, I went into my first national tour.
00:26:40.240 --> 00:26:44.000
And so I don't believe that that would have happened had I not been doing all the work.
00:26:44.400 --> 00:26:45.519
Yeah, you laid a foundation.
00:26:45.839 --> 00:26:46.160
Exactly.
00:26:46.319 --> 00:26:47.920
And I had a full-time job where I didn't have to work.
00:26:48.079 --> 00:26:50.880
So all the money I was earning for STEM music, I wasn't touching that.
00:26:51.039 --> 00:26:53.440
I was just living, and then I also got to invest.
00:26:53.759 --> 00:26:58.000
And um, for the West Coast market, I I saw this uh San Diego Science Festival.
00:26:58.160 --> 00:27:01.839
I was like, man, I know that I could go there and perform.
00:27:02.000 --> 00:27:03.200
And they would like love me.
00:27:03.279 --> 00:27:07.200
And so when I reached out, they were like, well, we don't really pay and we just it's volunteer.
00:27:07.359 --> 00:27:13.359
And so I I bet on myself and I was like, I'm gonna spend this$1,700 to go out here.
00:27:13.519 --> 00:27:16.319
I said, if I if I can make my way out here, can would you?
00:27:16.480 --> 00:27:26.559
And they said, Yeah, they gave me like two performance slots or three, and of course, knocked it out the park, did my thing, but they also asked, like, could you go on uh the local news and like help us promote?
00:27:26.720 --> 00:27:29.920
So I brought one of my little experiments, did that, did a great job with that as well.
00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:32.480
And so then they were like, oh my God, everybody's just talking about you.
00:27:32.640 --> 00:27:34.640
So then the next year they're like, could you come back?
00:27:34.720 --> 00:27:40.079
And I was like, Well, um, you know, and so then they they were like, okay, we have some budget, we wanna we're not gonna be able to match exactly.
00:27:40.160 --> 00:27:41.759
But then I came out, I did some.
00:27:41.839 --> 00:27:45.119
I'm in the airport in Denver on my way over, and they're like, uh, can you do a 5 a.m.
00:27:45.279 --> 00:27:46.079
slot or a 6 a.m.?
00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:47.440
You gotta be at the stadium at 5 a.m.
00:27:47.599 --> 00:27:47.759
today.
00:27:48.079 --> 00:27:48.319
Yeah.
00:27:48.480 --> 00:27:49.039
And I did it.
00:27:49.119 --> 00:27:49.200
Yeah.
00:27:49.359 --> 00:27:51.839
And I was like, yeah, let I'll I'll help promote this in the rain.
00:27:51.920 --> 00:27:52.880
We're in a tent in the rain.
00:27:52.960 --> 00:27:57.519
I'm like kicking and doing the experiment and like come out to the festival, rain or shine, we're still here, you know.
00:27:57.839 --> 00:27:57.920
Yeah.
00:27:58.079 --> 00:28:02.400
And then they were like, oh my God, the hosts aren't from the news network are not gonna be able to come because of whatever.
00:28:02.559 --> 00:28:03.200
Can you host?
00:28:03.359 --> 00:28:08.799
We need you, and I'm hosting, you know, and so I was just doing that to the point where, okay, now they brought me back a third year.
00:28:08.880 --> 00:28:14.240
And then because I was there, the LA, you know, uh Maker Fair and STEM Festival, they were like, Oh, can we have you?
00:28:14.400 --> 00:28:15.200
PST plus R.
00:28:15.440 --> 00:28:18.079
And so then I cracked open into the West Coast thing.
00:28:18.160 --> 00:28:20.480
But all that could happen because I was working at Spirit.
00:28:20.559 --> 00:28:22.640
Yeah, and I had the finances to be able to do that.
00:28:22.880 --> 00:28:27.039
So sometimes patience is your best friend, even though it's never fun.
00:28:27.279 --> 00:28:28.000
Yeah, yeah.
00:28:28.240 --> 00:28:29.519
Because you just want to do what you want to do.
00:28:29.680 --> 00:28:29.839
Yeah.
00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:30.720
What do you think?
00:28:30.880 --> 00:28:35.359
We talk a lot about values too lately, it seems like, but what do you what do you think?
00:28:35.599 --> 00:28:37.680
I went to school to be an investment banker, Roy.
00:28:37.920 --> 00:28:38.960
I'm not an investment banker.
00:28:39.359 --> 00:28:40.240
I do not know this.
00:28:40.480 --> 00:28:40.640
What?
00:28:41.039 --> 00:28:44.559
So, like there were values that I held that were in conflict, right?
00:28:44.640 --> 00:28:46.480
With like that being a fulfilling career.
00:28:46.720 --> 00:28:50.400
For you, what was it about being an engineer?
00:28:50.559 --> 00:29:00.480
Maybe like what values do you have that you're like, no, this this was the problem, is these are values that I have, and being an engineer wasn't meeting the moment of those values.
00:29:00.720 --> 00:29:04.160
I think, and it's interesting because you were saying like hated engineering, that's very close.
00:29:04.319 --> 00:29:08.960
I you know, but but I will say I did not try all the things in engineering that there are to try.
00:29:09.359 --> 00:29:17.440
So that's something I always say because especially just if there are, you know, young students listening or parents, you know, with kids, and like there's so much out there in engineering.
00:29:17.519 --> 00:29:19.279
So I'm sure there's probably something in there.
00:29:19.440 --> 00:29:24.400
Actually, my manager was like, I wish you were at, I wish we worked at uh Textron, because he came from Cessna.
00:29:24.640 --> 00:29:30.799
He was like, because they had sales engineering, and I just feel like you would be such a great sales engineer because it's the people, and this is I was like, oh, you know.
00:29:30.960 --> 00:29:31.359
Yeah, yeah.
00:29:31.519 --> 00:29:35.519
So so I just think I just want to say that that I think there's still some really cool things in engineering.
00:29:35.839 --> 00:29:36.079
Absolutely.
00:29:36.400 --> 00:29:42.000
I just didn't choose to discover because I had this music thing, you know, going on on the side, and I'm like, I want to do this music thing.
00:29:42.160 --> 00:29:47.759
And shout out to my managers too, because I would be in our like your performance review, and I'd be like, I just want to sing.
00:29:50.000 --> 00:29:52.799
And they're like, well, we're gonna find as many opportunities for you to sing.
00:29:53.119 --> 00:29:53.359
And I did.
00:29:53.599 --> 00:29:56.160
Shout out to Spirit Arrow systems by saying many national anthems there.
00:29:56.240 --> 00:29:58.799
They hired me for the family festival they had in 2015.
00:29:58.960 --> 00:30:01.519
Like, so they they did a great job of finding those opportunities.
00:30:01.680 --> 00:30:17.279
But um, I think values of uh just like kindness um and and collaboration, um, and I don't know, like being able to show people that they are seen, um, that they belong.
00:30:17.359 --> 00:30:21.359
And all the things that I'm saying do not like show up in engineering spaces, you know?
00:30:21.440 --> 00:30:22.960
And so I used to drive them crazy too.
00:30:23.039 --> 00:30:28.160
Because like, gosh, he's just trying to be so inclusive, or he's just trying to, you know, all these different things.
00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:29.839
And then when it comes to your performance review, right?
00:30:29.920 --> 00:30:31.839
Like you have to write all the technical things that you did.
00:30:32.079 --> 00:30:34.640
Um, and so then at the end, it's like, do you live the values?
00:30:34.880 --> 00:30:37.359
Transparency, integrity, collaboration.
00:30:37.440 --> 00:30:41.359
And all my peers would be like, Roy, what did you put on the on the last the three or four?
00:30:41.599 --> 00:30:42.640
Like, can you help us with that?
00:30:42.720 --> 00:30:48.319
You know, so I think just some of those things of integrity, of collaboration, of transparency, of care.
00:30:48.640 --> 00:30:55.839
Um, and I think I get a chance to do a lot more of that uh within STEM music and within education, right?
00:30:56.000 --> 00:30:57.039
And working with students.
00:30:57.119 --> 00:31:01.279
And I love in my concerts just being able to, I don't know.
00:31:01.359 --> 00:31:03.200
I've I'm a sensitive person, okay?
00:31:03.279 --> 00:31:04.160
I'm super emotional.
00:31:04.240 --> 00:31:05.039
I'm a cancer.
00:31:05.359 --> 00:31:07.519
I don't know, I don't know anybody else's sign.
00:31:07.759 --> 00:31:10.160
This is I just know that I'm an emotional being.
00:31:10.319 --> 00:31:18.400
And so it's it's a beautiful thing to be able to go to a in concerts and to feel the energy and acknowledge the kids.
00:31:18.480 --> 00:31:23.599
Like there was there was one show I did recently, and a kid was like kind of really bummed out that he wasn't chosen.
00:31:23.839 --> 00:31:25.119
And I and it's like that's me.
00:31:25.200 --> 00:31:26.000
Like, I was that kid.
00:31:26.079 --> 00:31:28.400
I was the kid that was gonna cry, like I was a crybaby.
00:31:28.480 --> 00:31:30.319
And so I was like, I remember that.
00:31:30.400 --> 00:31:38.160
And so we had some kids come up and do science experiment, and then I was like, I know you moved to the back, but like, do you want to be my helper on the third song?
00:31:38.480 --> 00:31:43.359
And like just to see him like emerge and be like, maybe, and like you can change your mind.
00:31:43.519 --> 00:31:44.880
Like I say that a lot in my show too.
00:31:44.960 --> 00:31:46.559
Like, I want kids to know they have agency.
00:31:46.720 --> 00:31:50.160
You may be excited at first, but now you have all this intention on you and you want to do something different.
00:31:50.559 --> 00:31:58.720
But like just being able to um express some of those values of care, of kindness, um, you know, I I think those are important to me.
00:31:58.799 --> 00:32:01.200
And so I get to facilitate more of that within what I'm doing now.
00:32:01.440 --> 00:32:10.480
Yeah, I feel like you you have to seem like you really value what you were saying of like seeing it in action, seeing the impact and the joy and action.
00:32:10.640 --> 00:32:13.200
Whereas an engineer, I'm sure that's hard to do, right?
00:32:13.359 --> 00:32:14.000
I mean, like you're not gonna be able to do it.
00:32:14.720 --> 00:32:15.599
Yeah, you do it as a phase.
00:32:15.920 --> 00:32:16.640
You do it in a different way.
00:32:16.799 --> 00:32:27.920
Because, you know, you could say that with, I want to see it in action, designing and kitsia, and you know, making sure my models look great and doing my drawing sheets and getting them approved and all the corrections, and I don't have any corrections, you know, I did it right, all of that stuff.
00:32:28.000 --> 00:32:31.839
So, you know, you can do it in your your own way, yeah, no matter what field you're in.
00:32:31.920 --> 00:32:39.680
But I I do think I'm a very just a person who values connection and um kindness.
00:32:39.759 --> 00:32:48.160
And I was bullied as a kid, and which a lot of people didn't know, but like being a gay kid who was not out and like I'm 33 right now, about to be 34.
00:32:48.240 --> 00:32:48.960
I came out at 30.
00:32:49.200 --> 00:32:51.039
Okay, so this is like a newer journey.
00:32:51.119 --> 00:32:55.599
And I think I'm especially through therapy, shout out to my therapist.
00:32:56.079 --> 00:32:56.799
Shout out to all our guys.
00:32:57.039 --> 00:32:59.599
Yes, I 10 out of 10 do recommend.
00:32:59.680 --> 00:33:03.839
Um, and and it may take a couple times to meet the therapist that works for you, I would say that.
00:33:03.920 --> 00:33:04.079
Okay.
00:33:04.319 --> 00:33:17.039
So if it's a bad experience the first time, just but but what I what I'm realizing, what we talk about a lot, is the way that I show up in working with kids, why I'm so passionate about kindness, connection, belonging.
00:33:17.119 --> 00:33:20.640
When I start my concert, I start with like a five-minute like speech.
00:33:20.799 --> 00:33:22.960
And and I always in the speech I say, I know you're like, Mr.
00:33:23.119 --> 00:33:24.160
Roy, shut up talking.
00:33:24.240 --> 00:33:25.440
Like, let's go, right?
00:33:25.599 --> 00:33:30.000
But I try to tell the kids, if you're not selected today, it doesn't mean that you're not worthy.
00:33:30.480 --> 00:33:33.599
It just means that this is who was selected, and we're gonna learn how to celebrate our friends.
00:33:33.680 --> 00:33:35.039
Like, that's how I start every show.
00:33:35.119 --> 00:33:36.400
It's we don't jump right into the song.
00:33:36.640 --> 00:33:37.359
Why am I doing that?
00:33:37.440 --> 00:33:38.640
I'm doing that because of me.
00:33:38.880 --> 00:33:43.440
Like I was the kid that if I wasn't paid, you know, like I'm gonna have an emotional breakdown.
00:33:43.519 --> 00:33:45.759
And so I'm I'm you know, cognizant of that.
00:33:45.839 --> 00:34:04.240
But also as a kid who was bullied and not seen, like I had all the care from food, clothing, you know, roof over your over your head, but but battling all these things inside and not having anyone to talk to, which is why I believe my relationship with God is so close, because that was that's my rock, like that's who I was talking to.
00:34:04.640 --> 00:34:15.360
And so I just want to make sure that kids feel seen and heard, no matter what what their background is, or what like that's just something so important to me because I know that I feel like that wasn't something that I was uh beginning as a kid.
00:34:15.840 --> 00:34:17.440
Yeah, yeah, absolutely.
00:34:17.840 --> 00:34:24.800
Do you feel like you could have gotten to where you are today without having been an engineer?
00:34:25.119 --> 00:34:26.320
Do you think you could have flip-flopped it?
00:34:26.639 --> 00:34:31.920
Do you think that you being a musician, an entertainer, could you have gotten there?
00:34:32.719 --> 00:34:33.519
It's Kristen's question.
00:34:33.760 --> 00:34:36.079
She wrote it down, and I was like, I want to make sure I ask this question.
00:34:36.320 --> 00:34:36.719
Yes.
00:34:36.880 --> 00:34:39.039
Um I'm gonna say no.
00:34:39.280 --> 00:34:39.440
Yeah.
00:34:39.679 --> 00:34:47.920
I'm gonna I I'm gonna say that it really this this journey had to happen for this thing to be formed the way that it's been formed.
00:34:48.239 --> 00:34:55.679
And I think the order of it does matter because and here's why.
00:34:55.840 --> 00:35:04.159
I I I think you know, there's there's many, you know, children music artists or just artists in general, and talented artists and songwriters, they can like write songs about anything.
00:35:04.480 --> 00:35:10.239
So you could technically like write songs about STEM STEM or whatever, um, just as a songwriter.
00:35:10.960 --> 00:35:12.159
Do some research and write it.
00:35:12.320 --> 00:35:24.239
But I think having gone through the experience, there's so much um depth and weight that comes with that, to then be able to sing it in a song, put it in a song, uh, and to communicate it a certain way.
00:35:24.320 --> 00:35:27.920
I think that's one of the things I love the most about STEM music and create.
00:35:28.239 --> 00:35:32.719
I love when like I'm tasked with, okay, we need you to write a song about Artemis going back to the moon.
00:35:32.800 --> 00:35:43.360
And like, ooh, okay, it's like putting a puzzle together and and knowing certain technical pieces of knowledge, but then being able to say, okay, but how is everybody gonna understand that in layman's terms, you know?
00:35:43.679 --> 00:35:48.880
So sometimes I am sneaking in the actual technical, like the song Fly Like a Pilot, since I'm in a pilot outfit.
00:35:49.039 --> 00:35:56.960
And it's like, you know, step uh step in the airplane, sit in the cockpit, fly like a pilot, flying at push the throttle forward, pull the stick back, leap to the sky with the angle of attack.
00:35:57.119 --> 00:36:05.679
Not everybody might know what an angle of attack is, yeah, um, you know, which is the degree of the center line of the cord line of the airplane to the incoming relative wind.
00:36:05.760 --> 00:36:10.400
And so it's that angle in between that when your plane is, you know, flying and leaping to the sky.
00:36:10.559 --> 00:36:13.920
But it's like that's a great way to then have this conversation about that, what you just learned.
00:36:14.000 --> 00:36:15.119
Like, oh, there's an angle there.
00:36:15.360 --> 00:36:21.679
And for our listeners, Roy is literally wearing a pilot pilot uniform if you didn't catch that.
00:36:22.400 --> 00:36:24.719
Yeah, and so you should watch the promotion.
00:36:25.679 --> 00:36:28.880
Yes, because this is this is the STA music takes flight era.
00:36:28.960 --> 00:36:37.199
And so I was like, you know, I think I want to do, I usually wear a Stimusic t-shirt and I put out a jersey this summer, but I was like, I want to do something that's very aviation-related.
00:36:37.280 --> 00:36:41.599
And I kind of debated, I am not a pilot, but I was like, what do kids associate aviation?
00:36:41.840 --> 00:36:43.199
Like, yeah, they see your pilot.
00:36:43.280 --> 00:36:44.960
And I was like, you know, this this will be fun.
00:36:45.119 --> 00:36:49.920
Um, and maybe inspire me to to get my private private pilot's license, which is something that is kind of a goal.
00:36:50.000 --> 00:36:53.280
I did fly in an airplane when I was 16 in Olathe, Kansas.
00:36:53.519 --> 00:36:55.920
Okay, you flew the airplane or you flew in an airplane?
00:36:56.559 --> 00:36:57.199
The airplane.
00:36:57.360 --> 00:37:00.559
And so the the um pilot, he this was my 16th birthday.
00:37:02.239 --> 00:37:04.719
He he um he literally he's not.
00:37:04.880 --> 00:37:07.360
These are called, these are called discovery flights.
00:37:07.599 --> 00:37:09.280
So you can actually do this at any airport.
00:37:09.360 --> 00:37:20.079
So for yeah, any parents out there, people listening who are interested in a private pilot's license or their kid is, you can go to an um airport or uh a flying uh program, pilot program, and you can say, Hey, I'm interested in this.
00:37:20.159 --> 00:37:21.280
Can I do a discovery flight?
00:37:21.599 --> 00:37:28.960
And they will take you up, and then um a lot of times they'll give you the controls and they're there so they can help, you know, do what they need to do.
00:37:29.039 --> 00:37:30.559
But yeah, I got to do some turns.
00:37:31.440 --> 00:37:33.039
But he literally lined us up on the runway.
00:37:33.119 --> 00:37:36.719
He said, Okay, when I tell you, I want you to push the throttle forward, and then I will tell you to pull back on the stick.
00:37:36.880 --> 00:37:40.639
Diamond D20 aircraft for any airplane nerds out there, bubble canopy.
00:37:40.800 --> 00:37:43.679
So it's like, yes, very it looks like a dragonfly, you know.
00:37:43.840 --> 00:37:46.000
But yeah, so um definitely got to do that.
00:37:46.079 --> 00:37:54.480
And so I was like, yeah, this this will be a good outfit to showcase what this album is about and to communicate my passion for aviation and aerospace.
00:37:54.719 --> 00:37:54.880
Yeah.
00:37:55.039 --> 00:37:55.519
It's so fun.
00:37:55.679 --> 00:37:57.039
Well, talk about your new album.
00:37:57.280 --> 00:37:57.760
Yes.
00:37:58.000 --> 00:38:00.320
And what was that like to make it?
00:38:00.559 --> 00:38:05.280
So I don't know if you all I we may have talked about this, but um, I was born in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
00:38:05.440 --> 00:38:06.880
So my dad was in the army.
00:38:07.599 --> 00:38:12.960
And so, but I was born there, and then three weeks later, I was on a plane back to the States.
00:38:13.519 --> 00:38:19.440
So that is my unscientific theory, non-scientific theory of why I love airplanes so much.
00:38:19.920 --> 00:38:23.760
And I've said that my whole life because every kid loves airplanes.
00:38:23.840 --> 00:38:26.400
Every kid loves to go, shh, I'm obsessed.
00:38:26.559 --> 00:38:28.960
Like, you know, it's like, it's like, what happened?
00:38:29.039 --> 00:38:31.920
I'm like, it's because I was on a plane three weeks after I was born.
00:38:32.000 --> 00:38:32.159
Yeah.
00:38:32.400 --> 00:38:33.519
Not three months, people.
00:38:33.920 --> 00:38:37.039
Like, think about a three-week-old baby on a plane.
00:38:37.199 --> 00:38:38.079
That's crazy to me.
00:38:38.480 --> 00:38:46.320
And so um, I always, when I started STIM music, I was always thinking about kind of making a love letter to how I got into STEM.
00:38:46.559 --> 00:38:49.360
Because if you would have said, hey Roy, do you want to pursue mechanical engineering?
00:38:49.440 --> 00:38:50.960
Do you want to pursue biomedical engineering?
00:38:51.039 --> 00:38:57.280
Do you want to pursue no, I would not be an aerospace engineer, I would not be an engineer without airplanes.
00:38:57.440 --> 00:38:58.400
They are my first love.
00:38:58.559 --> 00:39:04.480
And so I was like, I can't wait for the day when I get to make an album about aviation and aerospace.
00:39:04.639 --> 00:39:15.280
Um, and so this album kind of the ideation, of course, started in 2019, but the really starting to think about it and trying to do stuff with it and starting to write little bits and pieces is uh 2023.
00:39:15.679 --> 00:39:18.000
And I thought, oh yeah, it'll be out in 2024.
00:39:18.159 --> 00:39:19.920
Like it's been a journey.
00:39:20.159 --> 00:39:25.519
But the blessing is in the journey, um, STEM music, I partnered with arts partners.
00:39:25.760 --> 00:39:30.719
Yeah, we won a grant um called the Arts Thrive Grant, uh, the National Uh Endowment for the Arts.
00:39:30.800 --> 00:39:32.159
And it was through the city of Wichita.
00:39:32.400 --> 00:39:38.079
And so they put out this competition, and we were one of the three um, you know, uh organizations that were selected for it.
00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:42.480
And we hosted our summer camp in the Learning Lab.
00:39:42.800 --> 00:39:43.360
That was so great.
00:39:43.840 --> 00:39:44.159
Right here.
00:39:44.559 --> 00:39:48.639
And that was such a so I'm so glad once again, patience and timing and that sort of thing.
00:39:48.960 --> 00:39:49.039
Sure.
00:39:49.519 --> 00:39:51.519
Because that may not have happened.
00:39:51.679 --> 00:40:02.079
And to be able to one, have some financial support for three songs and three music videos um for you know production and getting to work with um 17 students right here in the learning lab.
00:40:02.159 --> 00:40:08.159
We sat on those beanbags with the whiteboards, and we were genuinely writing songs that are on the album.
00:40:08.239 --> 00:40:12.400
So, y'all, you can listen to the album on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, all the places you stream music.
00:40:12.559 --> 00:40:20.559
And if you look into those writer credits for Let's Make a Plane, Air Capital of the World, and Born to Fly, you will see names of students who were in this learning lab.
00:40:20.800 --> 00:40:22.159
We were all writing together.
00:40:22.239 --> 00:40:26.960
Um, some of them who are featured artists on the song who had solos or rap verses.
00:40:27.119 --> 00:40:30.880
Um, and it just was a beautiful, I mean, that was such a beautiful experience.
00:40:31.119 --> 00:40:35.920
And those kids, most of them black and brown kids who may not have had exposure.
00:40:36.559 --> 00:40:39.440
And then what I loved about the learning lab, we thought we were gonna do it somewhere else.
00:40:39.519 --> 00:40:42.800
And the learning lab came at the last second, and we were so grateful to y'all.
00:40:42.880 --> 00:40:44.960
Um, Arts Partners is based in here now.
00:40:45.199 --> 00:40:49.760
And the space is just, it's such a welcoming and inviting space.
00:40:49.840 --> 00:40:58.960
Like, even the I remember the first day they walked in and they were just like looking around, like, wow, like they weren't, they haven't been exposed to a place that looked like this.
00:40:59.440 --> 00:41:01.760
And so I was so grateful that it was here.
00:41:01.920 --> 00:41:09.920
I even even told y'all before if y'all want to add other things that people can book here, do songwriting sessions because that little beanbag, I don't know, do you call it a certain area?
00:41:10.079 --> 00:41:10.880
Does it have a name?
00:41:11.119 --> 00:41:12.719
Um no, not really.
00:41:12.960 --> 00:41:15.280
But that bean bag, like with the big windows right there.
00:41:16.239 --> 00:41:18.159
I guess it's the ID8 space, is how to call it.
00:41:18.400 --> 00:41:21.440
It's such a great songwriting space because you're just like chilling out here.
00:41:21.840 --> 00:41:23.199
It is like a chill space.
00:41:23.440 --> 00:41:23.840
Yeah, yeah.
00:41:24.079 --> 00:41:29.440
Yeah, and I've been to a couple of songwriter rooms, and um, you know, they try to make it comfortable and stuff like that.
00:41:29.519 --> 00:41:30.480
So it just gave those vibes.
00:41:30.639 --> 00:41:33.840
So we did that, and then after that camp was over, so that was just three songs.
00:41:34.000 --> 00:41:43.039
I did, of course, some songs, you know, solo on my own, but then I I got to go partner with um Gordon Parks Academy, Mueller Aerospace Elementary, and Buckner Performing Arts.
00:41:43.119 --> 00:41:52.800
And so they are all on the album students from from um those schools, and then my niece from the song Taking Flight, um, which was so incredible.
00:41:52.880 --> 00:41:58.400
Lydia of just so my niece took her first flight summer of 2024.
00:41:58.719 --> 00:41:59.039
Uh-huh.
00:41:59.280 --> 00:42:01.840
And my mom sent me the picture, and I was like, oh my God, this is so cool.
00:42:01.920 --> 00:42:03.679
And I was like, I should write a song about that.
00:42:03.840 --> 00:42:07.920
Like how kids should take their first flight, because I don't think that's a song that exists.
00:42:08.559 --> 00:42:11.679
And then I'm thinking about it, mulling it over in the summer of 2025.
00:42:11.920 --> 00:42:12.079
Yeah.
00:42:12.159 --> 00:42:13.199
That's where we're here for the camp.
00:42:13.280 --> 00:42:15.599
And I run into Lydia, she's like, I'm like, what are you doing this week?
00:42:15.679 --> 00:42:17.440
And she's like, Oh, we're going to Florida.
00:42:17.599 --> 00:42:18.639
And she did not sound happy.
00:42:18.719 --> 00:42:23.039
And I was like, literally, people are pretty hype about going to Florida for vacation.
00:42:24.079 --> 00:42:25.519
And I was like, Why are you that excited?
00:42:25.599 --> 00:42:28.079
She was like, Well, my daughter, I love her.
00:42:28.239 --> 00:42:30.639
But last time we flew with her, it just was, you know.
00:42:35.039 --> 00:42:37.840
When she told me this story, I said, Oh my gosh, this is like confirmation.
00:42:37.920 --> 00:42:40.079
Like, I'm I've been thinking about writing this song.
00:42:40.320 --> 00:42:43.840
And literally that night, it was a night where thunderstorms were happening.
00:42:44.079 --> 00:42:44.719
It was raining.
00:42:44.880 --> 00:42:46.559
I went home and I wrote the entire song.
00:42:46.719 --> 00:42:47.280
That's every time.
00:42:47.440 --> 00:42:50.000
And I recorded it, a cappella, and I sent it to her.
00:42:50.800 --> 00:42:51.920
And I was like, That's so sweet.
00:42:52.159 --> 00:42:53.440
I literally just wrote this song.
00:42:53.760 --> 00:42:58.559
I think, you know, and she um played it and she texted me back and said, We're dancing in the kitchen.
00:42:59.440 --> 00:42:59.920
Oh my gosh.
00:43:01.119 --> 00:43:03.840
And then I and then I was like, oh my gosh, my niece should be on it.
00:43:03.920 --> 00:43:05.679
And so my niece introduces each segment.
00:43:05.760 --> 00:43:07.840
Like, Teo, why is the plane getting faster?
00:43:08.000 --> 00:43:09.440
Teo, why is the plane shaking?
00:43:09.519 --> 00:43:17.920
Teo, and so we have just all these different, you know, portions of the song that talk about what kids can expect on a flight, even breathing exercises for turbulence.
00:43:18.079 --> 00:43:18.960
Like, oh, I'm scared.
00:43:19.039 --> 00:43:21.360
And so there's a there's a, you know, breathe in.
00:43:22.239 --> 00:43:23.519
The album sounds so cool.
00:43:23.760 --> 00:43:26.239
And do you imagine like families?
00:43:26.400 --> 00:43:28.960
Like, can educators bring it into their classroom?
00:43:29.039 --> 00:43:30.719
Like, what's the best way to end up?
00:43:30.960 --> 00:43:31.679
Yeah, I think so.
00:43:31.760 --> 00:43:35.199
There are a couple music videos that exist, and we definitely want to make more.
00:43:35.440 --> 00:43:38.880
Um, also working on some like curriculum that I want to introduce with it.
00:43:38.960 --> 00:43:41.920
I'm in a master's program at Wichita State for learning and instructional design.
00:43:42.000 --> 00:43:42.960
So master's education.
00:43:43.360 --> 00:43:46.079
No, either that's I know there's so much going on.
00:43:46.320 --> 00:43:48.960
If everything goes right, my summer class ends tomorrow.
00:43:49.199 --> 00:43:52.239
But if everything goes right, I should be graduating May of 27.
00:43:52.480 --> 00:43:57.039
Um and so, really just putting what I'm learning in the this degree program into STEM music.
00:43:57.440 --> 00:43:59.760
Um, and so yeah, like you can play it in your classroom.
00:44:00.159 --> 00:44:04.000
It could be great for bell work of just like, let's learn about the four main forces of flight.
00:44:04.159 --> 00:44:07.920
Oh, we're gonna listen to airplane forces or let's learn about the control surfaces on airplanes.
00:44:08.000 --> 00:44:08.960
Let's listen to this.
00:44:09.119 --> 00:44:18.880
Um, you know, and so it just it promotes the science of flight, but also talks we give love to manufacturing um, you know, workers because I worked at Spirit Arrow Systems, so we had to show love.
00:44:18.960 --> 00:44:20.320
Like, what are the different parts of the plane?
00:44:20.400 --> 00:44:23.840
And so we have a song that we made with those students here called Let's Make a Plane.
00:44:23.920 --> 00:44:32.639
And we're like, say tail, tail, wings, wings, engines, engines, and don't forget about the fuselage, because you know, that's a big part of Witch's Haw.
00:44:32.880 --> 00:44:35.039
And so, of course, there's a song Air Capital of the World.
00:44:35.119 --> 00:44:44.480
So if teachers want to uh teach the history of aviation, maybe you're gonna take a field trip to the Kansas Aviation Museum, and you're like, what's a great way to like showcase the history in a sound bite?
00:44:44.639 --> 00:44:47.599
Boom, you got a four-minute song that's all about the air capital of the world.
00:44:48.159 --> 00:44:49.119
So is the album out?
00:44:49.199 --> 00:44:50.159
Like out.
00:44:51.360 --> 00:44:51.440
Okay.
00:44:51.760 --> 00:44:52.960
It came out Juneteenth.
00:44:53.039 --> 00:44:54.639
So just yeah, it's okay.
00:44:54.880 --> 00:44:57.760
Okay, I was like, just as we're recording this just this past Friday.
00:44:57.840 --> 00:45:02.480
Um it's brand new, it's fresh, it's out, and it's on all streaming platforms.
00:45:02.639 --> 00:45:06.400
Uh, we will be having, so when this airs, July 8th, I saw on the sheet.
00:45:06.639 --> 00:45:06.880
That's right.
00:45:07.119 --> 00:45:13.039
July 9th is um the very next day, and that's the album release concert at the Kansas Aviation Museum.
00:45:13.119 --> 00:45:14.559
Oh, yeah, 6 to 8 p.m.
00:45:15.280 --> 00:45:19.599
And the cool thing about that is that is also the first day of Sunflower Summer.
00:45:19.760 --> 00:45:20.159
Oh, nice!
00:45:20.559 --> 00:45:28.400
And so if you download the app, Android or Apple, you your kiddo can get in for free with one um parent who can also get in for free.
00:45:28.480 --> 00:45:36.559
So that's another thing is like you can see this amazing attraction and hundreds of others across the state of Kansas, 20, I believe, in Wichita through the Sunflower Summer app.
00:45:37.199 --> 00:45:38.320
So yeah, it's a perfect day.
00:45:38.400 --> 00:45:43.360
Like when Ben and I, shout out to Ben Sauseda, we were talking about this idea because I've just done so much with the museum.
00:45:43.440 --> 00:45:44.800
We shot music videos there.
00:45:44.880 --> 00:45:47.599
Like, I was like, what if we do the release concert there?
00:45:47.679 --> 00:45:48.559
He's like, that would be great.
00:45:48.639 --> 00:45:53.360
He's like, what if we do it the first day of Sunflower Summer is a great way to encourage people to come out to the museum.
00:45:53.440 --> 00:45:55.920
So yeah, we're I'm just excited about it.
00:45:56.000 --> 00:45:57.199
I think it's it's the perfect.
00:45:57.599 --> 00:46:01.599
Like when I listen to the album, I'm like, this is the album I wanted as a kid.
00:46:01.760 --> 00:46:06.960
Like if this album existed when I was a kid, I would have my parents would have been like, shut that off.
00:46:07.119 --> 00:46:10.719
Like, this is so, you know, but it's it's such a beautiful love letter.
00:46:10.800 --> 00:46:15.280
Um, and the other special thing about this album is all four of my living grandparents are on the album.
00:46:15.519 --> 00:46:16.559
Well, that's really a comment.
00:46:16.880 --> 00:46:22.480
And so there's a flying lessons interlude where two of my grandparents are like just talking about what it means to be born to fly.
00:46:22.559 --> 00:46:26.960
Because there's a whole seven-minute gospel song that's called Born to Fly on the album at the very end.
00:46:27.119 --> 00:46:29.760
And then the last song is me, my father, and my grandfather.
00:46:29.920 --> 00:46:31.199
So all three Roy are on the same.
00:46:31.760 --> 00:46:33.119
Wow, how crazy is that!
00:46:33.519 --> 00:46:39.920
And then my grandmother, my other grandmother, ends the album, and like what she says is just like you have to, that's a tease.
00:46:40.000 --> 00:46:40.480
You gotta go listen.
00:46:40.719 --> 00:46:46.800
Well, listen listen to what my grandmother says at the end, because she literally summed up like what, why I'm doing STEM music.
00:46:46.880 --> 00:46:49.840
And it was just the the most precious and beautiful way.
00:46:50.000 --> 00:46:52.719
And that last song is called Um By the Grace of God.
00:46:52.880 --> 00:46:56.239
So it's like flying lessons interlude, born to fly, by the grace of God.
00:46:56.320 --> 00:47:02.000
Like that's how the album, because everything else is like children, your family music before, and then it's just it's just a nice way to end it.
00:47:02.320 --> 00:47:10.000
So are you going on a tour, like an album tour, or are you just continuing to do kind of the same stuff that you've been doing?
00:47:10.159 --> 00:47:13.519
I'm I was wondering, I thought, sorry to ask you 10 questions.
00:47:13.760 --> 00:47:14.639
No, you're good, you're good.
00:47:15.039 --> 00:47:21.360
But it was really fun to have you working with kids for even like that camp.
00:47:21.440 --> 00:47:23.119
I mean, it was days at a time.
00:47:23.280 --> 00:47:27.119
And you know, we kind of got to see you do the songwriting with some of the kids.
00:47:27.519 --> 00:47:31.840
And I do think that was an opportunity that they might never get anywhere else.
00:47:32.000 --> 00:47:36.639
So I was just wondering, is that part of your plan as you move forward with your business?
00:47:36.800 --> 00:47:43.360
Like, are you gonna continue to offer like these direct educational experiences or is it always gonna be incorporated in a concept?
00:47:43.679 --> 00:47:44.400
In a concert, yeah.
00:47:44.559 --> 00:47:45.760
No, that's a great question.
00:47:46.000 --> 00:47:49.119
I uh we wanted to do it again, you know, this summer.
00:47:49.280 --> 00:47:51.760
Um, but you know, funding and different things like that.
00:47:51.840 --> 00:47:53.840
And so um I would love to.
00:47:54.000 --> 00:48:02.000
One of the things that I am starting to do now is um the STEM music workshop, and so um, that's a really fun thing for middle school age students.
00:48:02.079 --> 00:48:05.039
So I just did one with uh in Joplin with their trio program.
00:48:05.119 --> 00:48:09.920
Oh no, um, and I've done some with KU Trio Talent Search um based out of the Kansas City area.
00:48:10.079 --> 00:48:10.400
Yeah.
00:48:10.559 --> 00:48:24.559
And um basically I'm I'm teaching students STEM topics, and then they have to build a hands-on, you know, STEM activity, and then once they're finished with that, they're challenged to make a poem, a song, a rap, and then perform that, like present that.
00:48:24.800 --> 00:48:28.719
And so that's a kind of a little microcosm of what we were doing last summer.
00:48:28.800 --> 00:48:34.159
And so I'm starting to get to do that a lot more uh with schools, with organizations, that sort of thing.
00:48:34.239 --> 00:48:35.840
But yeah, I think it would be amazing.
00:48:36.000 --> 00:48:36.639
Here's the vision.
00:48:36.800 --> 00:48:37.280
Here's the vision.
00:48:37.360 --> 00:48:40.639
I'm gonna say it on the podcast because we are gonna submit this album for the Grammys.
00:48:40.719 --> 00:48:45.519
That is an intention, and that I told that to the students the very first day of camp here last summer.
00:48:45.920 --> 00:48:49.519
So that is something for best children's music album in that category.
00:48:49.679 --> 00:48:51.679
And so the hope is that we get a nomination.
00:48:51.760 --> 00:48:52.880
Of course, the hope is that we win, right?
00:48:52.960 --> 00:48:54.320
We're gonna try to do all the work.
00:48:54.400 --> 00:49:02.880
Um, but even if we were able to get a nomination, I would love to do a um fundraiser, go fund me through Arts Partners, nonprofit 501c3.
00:49:03.039 --> 00:49:06.239
So it's, you know, you can write it off on your taxes or whatever.
00:49:06.400 --> 00:49:10.159
But I would love to do like donations to help get these kids to get to go to the Grammys.
00:49:11.519 --> 00:49:16.000
But on top of that, if you want to give more, whatever's left over, because it's not coming to Roy.
00:49:16.079 --> 00:49:17.119
That money would not be coming to Roy.
00:49:17.199 --> 00:49:18.559
It'd be going to Arts Partners.
00:49:18.719 --> 00:49:20.639
We could use those funds to do another camp.
00:49:20.800 --> 00:49:20.960
Yeah.
00:49:21.119 --> 00:49:22.320
Like that's that's like the vision.
00:49:22.400 --> 00:49:24.000
So I'm like, I gotta work really hard.
00:49:24.159 --> 00:49:25.280
I gotta promote this album.
00:49:25.360 --> 00:49:30.400
If you know any Grammy members, tell them to consider the project when the voting time comes up in September.
00:49:30.559 --> 00:49:37.840
Um, but that's a vision, like a true, and since day one, like starting it with those kids, I was like, these songs we write are not like throwaway.
00:49:38.320 --> 00:49:40.960
These are gonna be on the album, your name is gonna be on the album.
00:49:41.039 --> 00:49:46.800
Um, and I have the intention to submit it for even the album cover was designed partly by one of the students in that camp.
00:49:46.960 --> 00:49:47.440
That's so cool.
00:49:47.599 --> 00:49:50.400
Um, so yeah, that that would be so that we can do more.
00:49:50.559 --> 00:49:55.280
I would love to do more camps and offer this to um students all over, you know?
00:49:55.519 --> 00:49:56.400
Yeah, yeah.
00:49:56.639 --> 00:50:03.280
What is kind of your long-term, like, what do you hope for STEM music for the work that you're doing?
00:50:03.760 --> 00:50:09.440
That's a great question because I'm in a season right now where I'm I'm thinking about some things and I'm kind of like, you're crazy.
00:50:09.599 --> 00:50:11.519
Like, no, this is so much work.
00:50:11.679 --> 00:50:13.440
Like, it might involve a PhD.
00:50:13.599 --> 00:50:15.039
You know, it's like, why?
00:50:15.199 --> 00:50:20.480
We wanted to be an artist and sing and do, but I think I'm just in this master's program, I'm learning so much about learning.
00:50:20.800 --> 00:50:26.400
I'm learning so much about things you can do to make an impact in a real way.
00:50:26.559 --> 00:50:30.880
Um, from learning theories to educational technology that you introduce and stuff.
00:50:31.039 --> 00:50:44.239
So I think one, there's an idea of having multiple artists under a STEM music label that make their own concerts about a STEM topic because there's like so many STEM topics and they're touring, yeah, you know, and doing anything that that was from the beginning.
00:50:44.320 --> 00:50:45.679
That was an idea that I had from the beginning.
00:50:45.760 --> 00:50:47.280
But that definitely would take a lot of work.
00:50:47.519 --> 00:51:05.119
Um, I think overall, though, with STEM music, I would love for this company to make a huge impact on getting underrepresented black and brown kids, girls, people who who kids who are typically not afforded the opportunity and exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math.
00:51:05.599 --> 00:51:09.519
It would give them a realistic uh entry point and then support.
00:51:09.599 --> 00:51:12.079
Like we give out STEM music book scholarships,$250.
00:51:12.400 --> 00:51:18.880
I would love to be paying for entire college educations with, you know, STEM music support, um, through maybe a STEM music foundation.
00:51:19.360 --> 00:51:38.239
Um, but then also trying to figure out a way to systemically change how we are introducing STEM to students, that teachers could adopt what we are doing, what I'm currently doing right now, and not feel like they need to be a singer or an artist to use music to introduce and encourage students in STEM.
00:51:38.400 --> 00:52:10.000
Because that's the whole premise of STEM music is trying to introduce a topic that sometimes can feel scary, sometimes can feel foreign, but with the power of music, changing the attitude, changing the feeling, changing the vibe, as the kids would say, and making it something that's uh palatable, that that people can embrace, that kids can embrace, and teachers can embrace, and bringing more black and brown, you know, professionals into STEM, more girls into STEM, um, and just make give giving people more exposure and opportunity to succeed.
00:52:10.079 --> 00:52:13.360
Another part of STEM music too is like helping parents on that journey.
00:52:13.760 --> 00:52:18.159
I got to do a parent workshop with KU Trio Talent Search in December, cried my eyes out on the way home.
00:52:18.480 --> 00:52:23.920
Nothing but black and Latino parents in there and just getting to share with them that there are resources.
00:52:24.320 --> 00:52:25.760
Because sometimes it's overwhelming.
00:52:25.840 --> 00:52:27.920
Like I had to navigate that journey myself.
00:52:28.239 --> 00:52:31.360
You know, my parents believed in me and stuff, but like they weren't doing calculus.
00:52:31.679 --> 00:52:31.840
Right.
00:52:32.639 --> 00:52:38.559
They weren't doing statics, dynamics, all these different classes, but that there's like the Kansas City Public Library offers free tutoring.
00:52:38.639 --> 00:52:47.920
So I was telling that community, like, oh, you can if you have a library card, you can sign up to tutor.com and get free tutoring for your student and a STEM topics that maybe you don't understand.
00:52:48.079 --> 00:52:59.280
So I think that's what I see for STEM music is just just being a change agent within the the um educational journey of getting students into STEM and helping them succeed in STEM.
00:52:59.440 --> 00:53:05.519
And then on the side, just showcasing the to the world, you can do multiple things at once and they can work together.
00:53:05.679 --> 00:53:05.840
Yeah.
00:53:06.159 --> 00:53:08.880
Things that maybe don't seem like they should go together or will go together.
00:53:09.760 --> 00:53:10.639
I love that's what I love.
00:53:10.719 --> 00:53:18.000
When I'm doing concerts and stuff, even I'll even have engineers, you know, who parents who will be in the audience, I'm gonna pick up my violin today.
00:53:18.400 --> 00:53:31.519
And I'm gonna figure, like you just show me, and I love that because it's like you can you may not be able to do everything at the same time, even telling kids that, like you can change your mind, you can pivot, and you can do if you love multiple things.
00:53:31.599 --> 00:53:37.280
You love basketball and you want to play D1 and maybe go to the NBA, but you also love physics, do both.
00:53:37.440 --> 00:53:39.039
Yeah, yeah, there is no restriction.
00:53:39.519 --> 00:53:45.760
You know, yes, you may lose some sleep, you may have to work really hard, you may not be able to do everything at once, but you can do these multiple things.
00:53:46.239 --> 00:53:47.280
Yeah, absolutely.
00:53:47.519 --> 00:53:55.920
Well, Roy, I like to ask everyone who comes on our podcast um, what are your non-negotiables?
00:53:56.079 --> 00:53:58.400
What are the things you won't compromise on?
00:53:58.639 --> 00:54:00.800
The hills that you would die on.
00:54:01.280 --> 00:54:02.719
I haven't personally professionally.
00:54:03.119 --> 00:54:04.079
I've died on a couple of them.
00:54:06.159 --> 00:54:13.039
Um I'm I'm a huge proponent of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and I understand that's like under attack at the moment.
00:54:13.199 --> 00:54:20.000
Um, but I will fight tooth and nail for my black and brown kids, specifically black and Latino, because I'm black Puerto Rican and Mexican.
00:54:20.239 --> 00:54:28.400
Um I will die on the heel of respect, kindness, and care, um, and and being intentional.
00:54:28.559 --> 00:54:34.079
Like those are things that I really care about, whether it's from dating to professional life, um, to music.
00:54:34.559 --> 00:54:42.559
I just cannot exist in a space where I'm not being respected or others aren't being respected, where kindness is not at the forefront.
00:54:42.800 --> 00:54:47.679
I I think uh in this world today, it's like it's very hard to hate up close.
00:54:48.239 --> 00:54:54.639
Like you could like be saying stuff, but the moment you get like close with somebody and you actually listen to their story, or you still may not agree with them.
00:54:54.800 --> 00:54:58.320
Yeah, but kindness is just something that's so powerful.
00:54:58.480 --> 00:55:02.159
Uh intentionality, I I cannot stand when, like, oh let's do the thing.
00:55:02.239 --> 00:55:08.159
And then there's no intention, like there's there's no like thought process behind why you're doing what you're doing.
00:55:08.320 --> 00:55:09.599
Um, and then care.
00:55:09.679 --> 00:55:13.840
I think back to what I said earlier as a kid, like I'm just so passionate about that.
00:55:13.920 --> 00:55:16.719
I want people to feel seen, I want people to feel cared for.
00:55:16.880 --> 00:55:19.199
And so those are some of the heels that I will die on.
00:55:19.280 --> 00:55:30.000
Like, even in my professional life now, fortunately, um, the VP at the time was was on board, but like we were headed to a National Society of Black Engineers conference, and there was no black engineers on the team.
00:55:30.159 --> 00:55:31.199
You know, we had 15 slots.
00:55:31.280 --> 00:55:32.800
I'm thinking, like, what is going on?
00:55:33.039 --> 00:55:34.800
And I was like, I'm gonna get fired today.
00:55:35.360 --> 00:55:37.599
But I was just like, that's a heel that I'm willing to die on.
00:55:37.679 --> 00:55:40.880
And fortunately, leadership did the right thing, you know, and I'm and I'm grateful.
00:55:40.960 --> 00:55:47.440
I'm I love that I can say that, but it it took a lot to, you know, because in corporate, you're going through hierarchy, right?
00:55:47.519 --> 00:55:48.079
All these channels.
00:55:48.159 --> 00:55:51.599
And I'm like, okay, at a certain point, I can't do the paperwork anymore.
00:55:51.760 --> 00:55:53.119
Like, I need to share that.
00:55:53.199 --> 00:55:58.960
Like, if we're going to recruit black engineers at a black conference, we ought to have we didn't we don't have many black engineers in the company.
00:55:59.119 --> 00:56:04.400
And that's many, you know, STEM engineering companies across the board, which is why I'm so passionate about the work that I'm trying to do.
00:56:04.480 --> 00:56:04.800
Yeah.
00:56:05.119 --> 00:56:06.719
Um, but we we we ought to be intentional.
00:56:06.800 --> 00:56:08.159
There goes that the word intention again.
00:56:08.239 --> 00:56:10.000
We gotta be intentional about how we show up.
00:56:10.079 --> 00:56:10.239
Yeah.
00:56:10.400 --> 00:56:15.199
So that these students see people who look like them and say, like, oh, maybe I'll consider this company.
00:56:15.360 --> 00:56:18.400
Um, and so yeah, those are some of the things that are are non-negotiables.
00:56:18.559 --> 00:56:19.760
Respect is a big deal too.
00:56:19.840 --> 00:56:26.239
I think since coming out and and going on that journey, it's like, okay, like if you can't respect, then we just we can't engage.
00:56:26.400 --> 00:56:28.480
Like this is just not a gonna be a thing for me.
00:56:28.559 --> 00:56:34.639
Because I try I try to live my life giving people respect, being kind, even frustrated.
00:56:34.719 --> 00:56:37.199
I was in Maryland, rented a car from Enterprise.
00:56:37.360 --> 00:56:38.480
They did not have a car.
00:56:38.719 --> 00:56:40.719
They put me in a car with a stranger.
00:56:41.119 --> 00:56:43.199
Oh, they didn't have a car?
00:56:43.679 --> 00:56:45.840
Because I usually rent from the airport where they have plenty of cars.
00:56:46.000 --> 00:56:50.159
But the way the the tour was set up, I needed to get it in Maryland.
00:56:50.320 --> 00:56:53.760
And so, because I was using the metro for the trip to lesson learned.
00:56:53.840 --> 00:56:54.239
Don't do that.
00:56:54.400 --> 00:56:58.000
If you're touring, get you a rental car from Jump and then do it, okay?
00:56:58.239 --> 00:57:05.599
But um, so the place they didn't have it, so they were like, we're gonna, we're gonna, this other person is looking for needing a car, so we're gonna drive you guys to Bethesda.
00:57:05.760 --> 00:57:07.760
So they put us in this Jeep Waggoneer.
00:57:07.840 --> 00:57:11.280
The people driving the Wagoneer did not know how to turn the AC on.
00:57:11.360 --> 00:57:12.880
It is summer, it's August.
00:57:13.119 --> 00:57:14.800
I'm in the back, sweating out.
00:57:14.960 --> 00:57:16.719
I have a show in an hour and 30 minutes.
00:57:17.039 --> 00:57:19.679
Because I'm thinking, like, oh, I'm gonna get in the car and I'm gonna go.
00:57:19.920 --> 00:57:20.320
You know, yeah.
00:57:20.480 --> 00:57:22.800
Get to Bethesda, they're like, oh, we have plenty of cars here.
00:57:22.880 --> 00:57:23.840
They just need to be cleaned.
00:57:24.000 --> 00:57:29.440
And I'm like, okay, I understand that you want to clean the cars for good customer service.
00:57:29.599 --> 00:57:33.599
I will take whatever car that you have that has at least half a tank of gas because I need to go.
00:57:33.840 --> 00:57:38.400
They pull the car around and I'm about to get in the car, and the lady goes, So how was your experience today?
00:57:38.639 --> 00:57:46.400
You know, that's an opportunity to be like, but even in that anger and that frustration was just very valid and very real.
00:57:46.719 --> 00:57:52.239
I said, I love Jesus and Jesus loves me, and he is helping me get through this moment right now.
00:57:52.320 --> 00:57:53.280
I'm very frustrated.
00:57:53.360 --> 00:57:55.679
So I'm just gonna take the keys and I'm gonna leave.
00:57:56.000 --> 00:57:57.199
I hope you have a wonderful day.
00:57:57.599 --> 00:57:59.119
And she just kind of looked at me.
00:57:59.280 --> 00:58:04.400
But but I share that to say, I'm not perfect, I'm human, but that is how I try to live my life.
00:58:04.639 --> 00:58:08.320
So I, and maybe it's a high standard, but that's what I want in return.
00:58:08.559 --> 00:58:08.719
Yeah.
00:58:08.880 --> 00:58:16.400
If I'm gonna engage with someone or engage, whether it's making music, whether it's doing a camp, whether it's being here in the learning lab with our students, like I know you all.
00:58:16.480 --> 00:58:18.400
I know how you lead, I know how you serve.
00:58:18.480 --> 00:58:18.559
Yeah.
00:58:18.800 --> 00:58:22.880
So I felt comfortable when Ella said, hey, we're thinking about the learning lab, whatever.
00:58:22.960 --> 00:58:26.400
Now, we really didn't have a choice, but you always have a choice.
00:58:26.880 --> 00:58:31.679
It felt good to know, like, I'm gonna be in an environment where I know that that the kids are gonna be taken.
00:58:31.840 --> 00:58:35.119
And I even know the kids, but I'm like, yeah, once I know I'm working with kids, they're my babies.
00:58:35.199 --> 00:58:37.360
Whoever, whoever the kids are, it's like I'm very protective.
00:58:37.440 --> 00:58:38.400
So yeah, yeah.
00:58:38.639 --> 00:58:39.039
No, it matters.
00:58:40.480 --> 00:58:41.519
It was really fun.
00:58:42.000 --> 00:58:46.239
I think I just wanted to comment on your master's degree.
00:58:46.480 --> 00:58:55.119
Um I think it's so interesting and very neat that you are being it's intentional, right?
00:58:55.360 --> 00:59:05.920
Like of like, you know, you understand how you went through school and learned, and math wasn't always easy for you, and you want to make it accessible for these kids.
00:59:06.159 --> 00:59:14.559
So instead of just trying your willingness throw spaghetti at the wall is what we say a lot in education, you're like learning how to do it.
00:59:14.639 --> 00:59:18.159
And I feel like that can only make your content yeah, absolutely.
00:59:18.880 --> 00:59:20.320
It has already improved so many things.
00:59:20.400 --> 00:59:24.800
And and not only that, it's showcased stuff that I'm doing naturally just because of how I am.
00:59:24.880 --> 00:59:28.480
And like, oh, that's connected to behaviorism and that's constructivism.
00:59:29.039 --> 00:59:30.239
I oh, this is so cool.
00:59:30.400 --> 00:59:32.880
You know, so it's been very, and and it really was because of teachers.
00:59:32.960 --> 00:59:35.840
I went to South by Southwest EDU and I did the Stip Music Workshop.
00:59:36.159 --> 00:59:43.920
And I just I just presented it because I don't know, I was like, I got to do a keynote the year before, and I was like, well, you can't apply for a keynote again, like, because you don't have a different story, you know.
00:59:44.000 --> 00:59:44.880
You already told your story.
00:59:44.960 --> 00:59:46.320
So I was like, I want to present again.
00:59:46.400 --> 00:59:47.679
Maybe we'll do a workshop this time.
00:59:47.840 --> 00:59:54.320
So I just drummed up this idea just from bits and pieces of stuff I've done throughout the years at Wichita State with Robin Road Heroes, all the things.
00:59:54.480 --> 00:59:57.039
And I presented it, the teachers had a great time.
00:59:57.119 --> 00:59:59.760
And then afterwards, everyone was just like, So do you have curriculum?
00:59:59.920 --> 01:00:01.679
Like, do you and I was like, What?
01:00:02.159 --> 01:00:04.320
I wasn't well I was never thinking about that.
01:00:04.559 --> 01:00:09.119
And that started the process of like maybe you could create curriculum.
01:00:09.280 --> 01:00:12.719
Oh, but what if, but do you know how to do like, oh, what if there's a program?
01:00:12.960 --> 01:00:24.159
And I had looked at masters of education before at Wichita State, but you know, like principal and that's I'm not trying to be in the classroom, but when I saw learning and instructional design, I was like, ooh, yeah, this might be the thing.
01:00:24.320 --> 01:00:26.559
Someone who worked at Spirit, I think she still works there.
01:00:26.719 --> 01:00:27.280
She was new.
01:00:27.360 --> 01:00:30.000
I was leaving and she was coming in, and she just finished that degree.
01:00:30.159 --> 01:00:33.679
And so I got to ask her about it, and she was like, Yeah, I think it would be great for you.
01:00:33.760 --> 01:00:35.119
And told me everything.
01:00:35.199 --> 01:00:48.159
And so now I'm in it, and I can say it is definitely the fact that I'm even considering another degree beyond this is like, wow, like this degree really has transformed me in the best way because I'm learning a lot.
01:00:48.320 --> 01:00:50.800
I'm working on STEM music in my assignments.
01:00:50.880 --> 01:00:54.239
So there's a thing called applied learning at Wichita State that they're really big on.
01:00:54.320 --> 01:00:55.679
And this is applied learning.
01:00:55.760 --> 01:00:58.079
Like I'm actually applying like that Joplin workshop.
01:00:58.400 --> 01:01:06.159
I did my regular STIM music workshop, but because I was in this emerging educational technology summer course, we had to pick a technology to, you know, study and whatever.
01:01:06.320 --> 01:01:07.679
So mine was gamification.
01:01:08.079 --> 01:01:10.559
And I was like, oh, this workshop is coming up.
01:01:10.639 --> 01:01:20.639
What if I put some, you know, and so I didn't use actual technology like a you know, cahoot or something like that to do it, but I used the principles of gamification and the engagement went up.
01:01:21.039 --> 01:01:21.519
Yeah, I'm sure.
01:01:21.840 --> 01:01:26.800
Because I was like, if you use a definition in your song, if you use musical instruments, I brought like maracas and trying this stuff.
01:01:26.960 --> 01:01:30.960
If you do the you get more entries into this drawing that we're gonna do for prize at the end.
01:01:31.039 --> 01:01:32.400
And it was like, ooh.
01:01:32.559 --> 01:01:32.719
Yeah.
01:01:32.880 --> 01:01:37.519
So it's just stuff that like you're learning and you're just you know applying directly and yeah, exciting stuff.
01:01:37.840 --> 01:01:38.320
I love it.
01:01:38.480 --> 01:01:45.440
I always think mu music is such a I love the way that you do the music and then the experiments in the shows.
01:01:45.599 --> 01:01:56.079
Like, so when I think about um creating learning experiences where you have kinesthetic and visual and auditory, and you're all your five senses are triggered in some way.
01:01:56.159 --> 01:02:02.239
When you can like check off all those things, it's it like puts it into their brains so much more deeply.
01:02:02.320 --> 01:02:03.840
And that's music is so special.
01:02:04.320 --> 01:02:09.760
What I'm learning too is music is so disarming and and inviting and encouraging.
01:02:09.920 --> 01:02:16.960
At that Joplin workshop, the these teachers were like, Yeah, we're gonna kick this kid out the program because he's just doing a lot that morning.
01:02:17.199 --> 01:02:20.079
That morning, literally, they so she was telling me this afterwards.
01:02:20.159 --> 01:02:23.599
She's like, the kid who got up and did the rap, you know, that once I was like, Yeah, I did such a great job.
01:02:23.679 --> 01:02:25.360
She was like, We were kicking him out of the program today.
01:02:25.840 --> 01:02:26.800
I was like, What?
01:02:27.119 --> 01:02:32.239
She was like, Yeah, but like just watching him in this workshop was just and and and I've heard that.
01:02:32.320 --> 01:02:39.360
Like, I've gone done concerts at elementary schools, and they're like, You picked the trouble kids, and we were so worried when they like came up to do whatever part of the show.
01:02:39.440 --> 01:02:43.920
And I'm like, but that's the power of music and the power of this style of learning.
01:02:44.320 --> 01:02:48.239
Usually you're in a classroom, you have to sit still, you have to be quiet.
01:02:48.400 --> 01:02:50.239
And it's like not everybody receives that.
01:02:50.320 --> 01:02:58.800
I've even had parents who are like, Man, I wanted to bring both my kids today, but one of my kids is autistic, but I wanted him to be with his brother, and I was just so worried.
01:02:58.960 --> 01:03:01.039
And they had such a great time.
01:03:01.119 --> 01:03:03.599
And the fact they were, and I was like, you know, I don't know this though.
01:03:04.079 --> 01:03:06.239
I'm just like coming and doing doing what I do.
01:03:06.320 --> 01:03:13.840
And so the fact that I'm getting to learn about why that's happening, and the fact that it is just in general happening is a beautiful thing.
01:03:13.920 --> 01:03:17.360
Because you're once again, it's it's back to the intention, but also the access.
01:03:17.599 --> 01:03:18.880
Because now everybody can learn.
01:03:18.960 --> 01:03:22.159
The first line of the math song is me and math really haven't been friends.
01:03:22.559 --> 01:03:24.480
But can I tell you that's not where this story ends?
01:03:24.639 --> 01:03:29.360
And the more like I get to see kids' eyes go, oh, I can be included in this.
01:03:29.599 --> 01:03:33.199
Because when you say math, like people are like, including myself, right?
01:03:33.280 --> 01:03:33.840
Like, nah.
01:03:34.239 --> 01:03:39.199
But the moment you hear me and math really haven't been friends, but can I tell you that's not where this story ends?
01:03:39.360 --> 01:03:42.239
Kids are like, Oh, let me, what is he about to say?
01:03:42.400 --> 01:03:45.519
Like, what maybe I do want to, you know, lean into this.
01:03:45.599 --> 01:03:46.800
So that's the power of it.
01:03:46.880 --> 01:03:50.960
And I'm just literally never thought I'd be doing this in my life.
01:03:51.119 --> 01:03:53.760
And I'm so grateful that this is how it's been.
01:03:53.840 --> 01:03:54.079
I love it.
01:03:54.239 --> 01:03:57.920
It's really fun for me to kind of watch from the sidelines since 2018.
01:03:58.239 --> 01:03:59.519
And thanks for believing in my dream.
01:03:59.760 --> 01:04:13.119
Like, because when we did meet and we talked, she was definitely someone who was like, and and shout out to the city of Wichita, I will say, because so many people, mentors, and just people that I've shared STEM music with before it was a thing, and even as it's been growing, it's really been a lot of support.
01:04:13.199 --> 01:04:18.159
And like, no, Roy, like we believe you can do this, but way back when that sounds really cool.
01:04:18.320 --> 01:04:21.440
Yeah, like you should you should pursue that or you should do that.
01:04:21.519 --> 01:04:23.280
I'm like, because I just want a city pool.
01:04:23.679 --> 01:04:24.719
I'm like, oh my god.
01:04:24.880 --> 01:04:27.679
I was just a nuisance to everyone.
01:04:27.840 --> 01:04:29.280
I was like, I just want to sell it.
01:04:29.440 --> 01:04:30.320
I think it's awesome.
01:04:30.639 --> 01:04:33.519
And then you, yeah, you came by the temporary space when we were building.
01:04:34.960 --> 01:04:39.920
And that was the first time I met you, but and that's when you had made the decision and you were like, yes, I am leaving.
01:04:40.000 --> 01:04:40.639
What was it, August?
01:04:41.039 --> 01:04:41.519
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
01:04:41.679 --> 01:04:42.960
And then it ended up being September 3rd.
01:04:43.039 --> 01:04:43.280
But yeah.
01:04:43.679 --> 01:04:44.559
And so it was, yeah.
01:04:45.039 --> 01:04:48.000
And it was a year to the opening of the learning lab.
01:04:48.079 --> 01:04:55.039
And I remember sitting in that parking lot with the flyer, like, cuz, you know, I was quitting my job and I was like, Well, are you gonna move somewhere?
01:04:55.119 --> 01:05:01.280
You know, like there were these ideas, and and I just felt like that was a sign from God that, like, no, this is exactly where you're supposed to be.
01:05:01.440 --> 01:05:11.039
Like, this is not a coincidence that you like talk to them, they're like, oh, we wanted you to be a part of the opening, and there's this space that I didn't even know would be a part of this album, that I didn't even know would be a part of this camp.
01:05:11.199 --> 01:05:17.360
But like I sat in the car and I knew this space is gonna be a part of STEM music's journey in a special way.
01:05:17.920 --> 01:05:21.599
And I was just thinking, oh, you're gonna perform at the yeah, but like we did a whole camp.
01:05:22.400 --> 01:05:23.199
That's not anything.
01:05:26.559 --> 01:05:26.960
It's over.
01:05:27.519 --> 01:05:29.840
I was gonna say that there's a little bit of a special things to come.
01:05:30.000 --> 01:05:31.039
Yeah, special things to come.
01:05:31.199 --> 01:05:32.960
We like middle school kids doing STEM.
01:05:33.360 --> 01:05:37.360
Yes, and I know you and others had reached out about the like workshops.
01:05:37.519 --> 01:05:39.119
I'm like, I would love to do some workshops.
01:05:39.199 --> 01:05:40.480
I just need to figure out time.
01:05:40.719 --> 01:05:41.119
Yeah, yeah.
01:05:41.360 --> 01:05:44.320
When you're not traveling, it's hard to when it makes sense.
01:05:44.480 --> 01:05:44.880
Let us know.
01:05:44.960 --> 01:05:45.119
Yeah.
01:05:45.280 --> 01:05:45.440
Yeah.
01:05:45.519 --> 01:05:46.320
We would love to have you back.
01:05:46.480 --> 01:05:47.760
Well, thank you, Roy, so much for coming.
01:05:48.400 --> 01:05:48.800
So much fun.
01:05:49.360 --> 01:05:50.960
Yes, y'all listen to the album, okay?
01:05:51.039 --> 01:05:52.320
It's on Spotify Apple Music.
01:05:52.400 --> 01:05:55.119
STEM Music Takes Flight, and it's under my name Roy Moy the Third.
01:05:55.599 --> 01:05:56.239
Stream the songs.
01:05:56.320 --> 01:05:59.599
There's songs about pilots, how to park the airplane, airplane forces.
01:06:00.079 --> 01:06:02.000
I just posted, go on Stim Music Instagram.
01:06:02.239 --> 01:06:07.199
Um, one of my friends who works at the airport, I asked, like, can you get a video of a person parking the plane?
01:06:07.360 --> 01:06:10.480
And literally the lyrics that I wrote in the rap, I just posted it today.
01:06:10.559 --> 01:06:12.239
They go right with like what he's doing.
01:06:12.880 --> 01:06:14.960
Which makes me so happy because once again, intention.
01:06:15.039 --> 01:06:15.920
I was like, no, I wrote it.
01:06:16.000 --> 01:06:17.360
And I wrote that song on the treadmill.
01:06:17.440 --> 01:06:22.480
But I was like, I wrote it within mind, like, no, and then the show, kids get to park the plane.
01:06:22.559 --> 01:06:23.599
I have mistakes.
01:06:23.920 --> 01:06:24.239
That's fun.
01:06:24.559 --> 01:06:30.239
And they they get to um be the marshal, and one kid gets to be the inflated plane, and so it's a cute little thing, yeah.
01:06:30.960 --> 01:06:31.280
So fun.
01:06:31.440 --> 01:06:31.760
Awesome.
01:06:32.159 --> 01:06:32.800
Thank you for having me.
01:06:32.960 --> 01:06:33.440
Yes, of course.
01:06:33.920 --> 01:06:34.639
Thank you.

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