Sareem Poems is an independent artist and songwriter part of the ILLECT Recordings family.
Balance the Grind spoke to Sareem about juggling a job with his music career, early influences, putting family first in his life, and plenty more.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your background and music career?
Born and raised in Long Beach California. RUN D.M.C, L.L. Cool J, The Beasty Boys, Whodini, Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince,Eric B & Rakim, Dana Dane, The Fat Boys, Big Daddy Kane were my introduction to hip hop.
I listened and memories lyrics for years. In high school i started freestyle with friends. One of our sessions got recorded and made it’s way around school. I was the last one to hear it. Everyone thought I dope and kept asking me rap all the time.
I wrote my first rap the summer I graduated. With Trendi & Great Jason of L.A. Symphony. Before we came up with the name Halieyoos Fisherman. We met Flynn & Pigeon John through Great Jason’s brouther Orlando.
Flynn put us on “Promise,” A song from his first project Louder. Little bit after that L.A. Symphony was formed. We toured the world, made crew and group and solo records. Now, I’m a solo artist making music for the love if it.
2) What does a typical day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent day?
I get up about 6:30am walk / run 2 to 3 miles at 7am. Get dressed for the work day. I am the account manager for Consumer Energies new home construction program. I help implement the rebate program to Builders & HERS Raters in areas where the utility is available.
Some days I work close to home. Others, I may have a 1 hour to 2.5 hour drive. After work changes a bit week to week. I either come home and have dinner with the family. Or I come home, change clothes and eat out.
Then attend one of the six events that I host and promote in Lansing. Two of the events are for a venue called The Avenue. 4 are for Blue Owl Coffee shop. Now that things are set and easy to manage, I’ll be attending the events less.
4) Do you have any tips, tricks or shortcuts to help you manage your schedule?
I plan my definites before bed. Clothes for the next day, driving route, breakfast. Everything after that is subject to change.
5) In between your music, life and all your other responsibilities, how do you ensure you find some sort of balance in your life?
My wife, she lets me know when I’m doing to much and she has no problem telling me I need to unplug for a bit. I also live four houses down from my brother in-law Ozay Moore. So, we check in with each other often. Which is easy to get the okay on. When you’re married to sisters.
6) What does work life balance mean to you?
Making sure my family is first. I can easily get caught up in things to do. Thing I must do every day. Is make sure my wife and sons feel loved. So everything I is before, or after the boys are in bed. Or I let my family know ahead of time. That I will be missing dinner, out late etc.
7) What do you think are some of the best habits you’ve developed over the years to help you strive for success and balance?
Research, review, rest, regroup, repeat. Research what you’re profession or passion is. Take what you want from the research and review it as much as possible. Rest, regroup and then repeat.
8) Are there any books that have helped you improve over the years? (They don’t need to about work-life balance)
The Power Of Habit.
9) What is the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day?
Use the note pad on my phone to take down notes. to make sure I don’t forget anything important. I also use my calendar on the spot when discussing specific dates.
10) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
If you can’t find love in the work you’re doing to provide the life you live, Actively seek change to find balance.
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