We’re looking forward to introducing you to gavinhuntr & Beat Priority . Check out our conversation below.
gavinhuntr & Beat , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think one common misconception about Beat Priority is that we’re just a traditional recording studio. In reality, we’re a collaborative collective of creatives who work together to bring projects to life. Our team includes
videographers, audio engineers, producers, and more, allowing us to tackle a wide range of creative endeavors. Our multidisciplinary approach to the industries we work enable us to stimulate our local economy in unique ways.
Stimulating and building up the overall music and creative industry in Jacksonville to be competitive with all the major creative cities in the United States is one of my biggest life goals. Traveling across the country and throughout the state to shed light towards our direction is a huge strategy of ours, which is why i’m here doing this interview today.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m gavinhuntr, a seasoned Audio Engineer and Vocal Producer based in Jacksonville, Florida. As co-founder and COO of Beat Priority, and the co-owner of the two studio rooms we operate out of, l’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of artists and labels across the country. While our focus lies in the underground rap scene, I’ve had the opportunity to work with major artists and labels, including Atlantic, Interscope, Playing For Legacy (OVO), Kodak Black, YK Osiris, and Lil Poppa to name a few. One of my most notable projects was working on Quando Rondo’s ‘Here For A Reason’ album rollout with Atlantic Records. What made this project stand out was the unique circumstances – Quando was on house arrest, and his label, Atlantic, brought him to one of our Savannah studios for interviews with prominent music journalists like VladTV and DJ Akademiks, all amidst the closing of one of the biggest rap beefs in history. We did a lot of work with a lot of people within a 4-5 month span, which i’ll always be proud of. At Beat Priority, we offer a wide range of music services, and I’m excited to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the music industry.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a kid, I believed that there were limits to what an ‘average person’ could achieve.
Growing up, my family encouraged me to set
‘obtainable goals’ and be realistic about life.
As l’ve grown older, l’ve come to realize that the only boundaries that truly exist are the ones we set for ourselves. I’ve learned that people who achieve great things often do so because they’re willing to push past conventional limits and believe in the impossible. There’s a certain… let’s say,
‘bat-s*** craziness’ that drives them to succeed. I think that’s what’s behind every person living their dream – a healthy dose of unconventional thinking and a willingness to take risks.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
To be honest, l’ve often found myself tempted to throw in the towel, especially when navigating the complex social politics of the music industry. It’s challenging to stay detached from the drama, politics and fragile egos that can come with the territory. There have been times when l’ve felt caught in the middle of situations that seemed pointless but at the same time almost insurmountable. I remind myself of my core motivation: I believe that everyone deserves the right to express themselves creatively. This conviction drives me to keep pushing forward, I believe the reason i was put on this planet is to make sure that is true. It’s a daily reminder that helps me stay focused on my purpose and gives me the motivation to overcome obstacles.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the music industry, that seems to be more prevalent as time goes on, is that you need to conform to a certain image, persona, or sound to succeed. I’ve noticed that a lot of people try to project a certain image or attitude, usually always driven by pride and ego. But honestly, I think the only person who’s really concerned with being ‘cool’ is the person trying to be ‘cool’. In my experience, authenticity is what truly sets you apart in a crowded industry. When you’re unapologetically yourself, you create a unique identity that can’t be replicated. By embracing your individuality, you’re more likely to stand out and build a genuine connection with your audience.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I stripped away my name, title, and material possessions, I believe what would remain is a community of creatives who’ve found their own path in their respective fields. My ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impact on my hometown, elevating its cultural, musical, creative, and educational landscape. Even if I were to disappear tomorrow, l’d want to know that l’ve contributed to making the world a better place than when I entered it. That’s the legacy l’d strive to leave behind.
