Part two of a conversation with the duo behind Just Try: how the record was written, what they cut, and what they have worked out about staying recognisable to yourself in an industry that rewards the opposite.
The creative process
Creating music that resonates with listeners worldwide isn’t easy, but YASSiN & Sean Terrio have found a process that works for them. During the podcast, the duo takes us behind the scenes, revealing the steps they follow to turn raw ideas into polished, emotionally charged tracks. Whether it’s brainstorming melodies or refining lyrics, they share how their collaborative efforts fuel their creativity, bringing their unique sound to life.🎶
Overcoming creative blocks
Like many artists, YASSiN & Sean have faced their share of setbacks, including moments of doubt and creative blockages. In this episode, they open up about how they reignited their passion for music after navigating the challenges of the industry. Their journey is a testament to persistence, and they offer valuable tips on staying motivated—even when the odds are against you. Spoiler alert: It’s all about staying connected to what you love.
The live performances
What’s a conversation with musicians without a performance? YASSiN & Sean treat listeners to intimate renditions of their original songs, “You & Me” and “Stuck.” These performances highlight their incredible talent and the infectious energy they bring to their music. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their sound, these live versions are sure to leave you captivated.
Advice for musicians starting out
For those looking to break into the music industry, this episode is a must-listen. YASSiN & Sean offer insights into building a loyal fanbase, navigating industry challenges, and, most importantly, staying true to your unique style. Their advice? Don’t let external pressures sway you from your path. Authenticity is key to long-term success in any creative field.
On staying recognisable to yourself
Throughout the conversation, one theme remains constant: the power of being true to yourself. YASSiN & Sean attribute much of their viral success to embracing their genuine selves—both as individuals and artists. They share how following their own path, instead of conforming to industry expectations, has allowed them to create music that truly connects with people.
Don’t miss this inspiring episode of House of Style! Tune in now to hear YASSiN & Sean Terrio’s story, and get ready to be inspired by their creativity, passion, and unwavering authenticity.
Watch Part 2 on YouTube
Missed Part 1? Watch Part 1 here
Stay tuned for more episodes, and keep creating! 🎶
Transcript
Yassin 00:00:00
Just about showing up. Showing up and giving yourself the time and giving each other the time. It might not go exactly as you planned in your head. It likely will not, but it will fall into place if you keep attacking it.
Grant 00:00:10
Style is more than just the clothes you wear. It's the essence of who you are, and it's in everything you do. Discover it here and unleash your style beyond what you wear. All right, welcome back. In part two, Yasin and Sean Theriault take us behind the scenes of their debut album. Just try sharing how they transform raw ideas into powerful tracks. They open up about overcoming creative burnout, reigniting their passion, and the secret to staying inspired when the industry might say no. Plus, more live performances that will leave you wanting even more. And the album when it comes out on October 18. Get ready to be inspired by their unstoppable journey. And welcome back. Welcome to House of Style again. And if you missed part one for viewers and listeners, be sure to check it out because they shared some incredible stories about their musical journey becoming viral and how they've kept their creative spark alive through all these challenges. And today we want to dive in further to that creative process behind their debut album, and we'll explore how they take a song from idea to completion and what makes their approach to music and their style so unique. And yes, those performances are going to be awesome. Thank you guys for being back. I'm excited to hear some more and chat some more. This has been amazing. I switched jackets because I was hot as hell. You guys still look great.
Yassin 00:01:34
Thank you. Great.
Sean 00:01:35
Thanks.
Grant 00:01:36
So I want to get into the creative process, and I think this is so interesting in what truly shows an artist and what they're about, what they believe in, what they want people to think and feel. When I. So you recently posted about just try had it done for a while.
Yassin 00:01:59
Yes.
Grant 00:01:59
And, you know, my first thought is, okay, it's coming out almost a year later, right? Yeah. Was there a point where you're like, oh, we should tweak any of these songs? Do you change things? Like, how does your process work from taking that first idea to what you're releasing next month?
Yassin 00:02:17
Right. So for the, the beginning of each song always starts the same. Like, it's either I can't come up with the gist of a song. Sean comes in with a lyric and a chord progression or vice versa. And I kind of say, like, hey, let's. Let's build on that. Or I show something to Sean and he's like, okay, that, that's something special. There. And I always, like, I have a producer's brain. Like, that's what I. I just wanted to be a producer when I was younger. So, like, when I write songs, I can often hear the next step, the. What I wanted to turn into when it's just. From when it's just piano and vocal or guitar and vocal to the big sounding thing we do. And, you know, I've been working with the same musicians and engineers and mastering engineers, everyone, for ten years. So I have a very good rapport with the people we work with, where I have that creative communication, where I don't need to say too much and they understand what I need. And, you know, Sean's now a crucial part of that equation where now everyone kind of works in this beautiful. I don't, let's say elevator, just because we referenced it for. It's a beautiful elevator with all these beautiful musicians, but it just works. And so once we finish the song, we say, hey, this is something. We need to take it to the next step. We often go to our right hand man, Kevin Dietz, who is an amazing producer engineer in Toronto. He has a bunch of Juno awards. Junos are like Grammys in Canada. And so we take it to him and we're like, hey, this is the song. This is where I want to take it. We kind of. He helps us with the technical side to get that sound to a bass level. And then, yeah, our session. Session musicians are the same dudes I've been working with since I was 18 years old. And they come in and I've. We were talking about this earlier, like, there's this beautiful thing when you bring in experts. Like, people are better at what they do than you could ever get close to. And I. We were lucky enough to play and jam with those people all the time. And so I know when my production style is, I bring these amazing musicians in a room and I say, this is the gist. What's your spin on it?
Grant 00:04:47
Cool.
Yassin 00:04:48
And we kind of let it go off. And another big part of our sound is sean singing about a million harmonies.
Sean 00:04:56
Stacking them right up. Yeah, they put me to work, but it's also. It's a lot of fun.
Yassin 00:05:02
It's turned into our sound, almost.
Sean 00:05:04
Yeah.
Yassin 00:05:04
Of just a lot of big vocals.
Sean 00:05:06
Mm hmm.
Yassin 00:05:07
And. And, yeah, once we. We get it to that stage, it's. We record it, we mix it, we master it, and it's finito and ready to go.
Sean 00:05:19
Yeah.
Yassin 00:05:20
And it's tough to. Yeah, we did that with every song on the album. And it was very fluent. It was very quick. It all kind of came together as one piece, and we kind of understood at an early stage, this is an album, and. Yeah, I feel like it was all. It felt like we hit a new tier of creativity when we were doing that stuff.
Sean 00:05:43
Yeah. And in terms of, like, listening to what we had as a finished product and, like, thinking about going back and re re working some things, we didn't. We kind of. Because part of what's tough is letting something go and putting it out there because, you know, you can. You can sit in the lab and work at it and tweak things, and it's like, I mean, one thing, if we. If we want to do something differently, we'll just do it different at a live show.
Yassin 00:06:09
Yes.
Sean 00:06:09
But we were. We're able to, you know, kind of part ways with it, in a sense, be, like, all grown up now and get out there.
Yassin 00:06:19
The beautiful thing is, it's our first album. There is no timeline. We are like, there's a timeline we put on ourselves, but creatively, like, we. We spent a lot of time making sure it was perfect. As perfect to us as it could be. And, like, yeah, there's a stage, like, five months after it was mastered where we were like, I'm still listening to it with producer ears on, where now I can hear it and be like, oh, that. That sounds really nice. Yeah, and Sean is exactly right. Like, when we play some songs live, it is like, we change arrangements completely on some songs, and it's like a whole different experience live than it is on the record. And I love that. I'd love imagine seeing, like, your favorite artist and they get to do a really cool arrangement of their most popular song live that, like, doesn't exist anywhere else.
Grant 00:07:11
Right. I love that. I think it kind of goes back to what we were talking about in part one with coverage in. In style and from a clothing perspective, I think what makes people stylish is. Is that difference and just contrast, whether. Whether it's textures and something that you wear or a certain color that makes people stop and be like, wait, that's not the normal. It's like, it takes people out of that just, like, coasting. And that's so interesting. And that's why. That's why I love covers and different arrangements. So I think that's really unique in an awesome way to go about it. Do you ever come up with an arrangement that you're like, oh, that might have been better than the original.
Yassin 00:07:54
Yeah.
Sean 00:07:55
For a cover.
Yassin 00:07:56
No, like, for originals, I think Caroline is a prime example.
Sean 00:08:01
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Grant 00:08:02
How did that start? Just. Well, that's a snippet how that started and, like, where it ended up, so.
Sean 00:08:08
Yeah. Cool. Yeah, you tell that one. That's a cool story.
Yassin 00:08:10
Yeah. So Caroline, again, it's one of our favorites on the album. It's going to be like, we just got a lyric video animated for. For the album release, which I'm stoked about, but so that song, what, again, we're in my parents basement, that. That was the creative stomping grounds for us for the whole record. And Sean started playing this thing on acoustic guitar. This beautiful arrangement is very Beatles II. Very, like, mesmerizing. Very. It was repeated itself.
Sean 00:08:42
Yeah, it was very simple. Very simple.
Yassin 00:08:44
But there's something about it. And he immediately started singing a melody with a few words here and there. And I literally have, like, a 20 minutes voice note of us writing the song because it's him coming up with a progression, him singing this melody. And then I was like, what if we wrote about this person, this thing?
Sean 00:09:03
Yeah.
Yassin 00:09:04
And, like, the lyrics just kind of came together right there. There. And then. Yeah, I finished. I polished the lyrics that night, and the next day it was complete, completed. And the production of it is really beautiful. I love, it's like acoustic guitar. 24 string. P like orchestra. 24 string. Like violins. Violence. It's this huge sounding orchestra playing behind just a vocal and a guitar, and I love it. And there's, like, a saxophone solo in it.
Sean 00:09:33
Oh, yeah.
Grant 00:09:33
I'm a horn. I'm a sucker for horns. I love horns. At any point.
Yassin 00:09:37
Yeah. Oh, dude.
Grant 00:09:38
Mouth trumpet.
Yassin 00:09:39
Yeah. And it's, uh. The mouth trumpet's a beautiful.
Sean 00:09:43
Yeah.
Yassin 00:09:43
But, uh, so that's what it sounds like on the record. But then live, um, it just turned into, like, I started playing through progression. This is the progression. This is very mesmerizing, very slow. And I started playing it like that, and it turned into a more of a thing where Sean really gets to flex his vocals a lot. And then now with the full. Then we, we brought in a band, and then all of a sudden, at the end, it turns into this hard rock thing for the very last verse in chorus. And I love it. Yeah, it's like. And it's completely different from the original. And, like, to just bring in loud guitars.
Sean 00:10:25
Yeah.
Yassin 00:10:26
So it's this mesmerizing, calming thing, and then all of a sudden, burner, like, yeah, that's cool. It turns into, like. Yeah, fly.
Sean 00:10:34
Wait. Yeah, yeah. There's a drama to me.
Yassin 00:10:40
Set the strings and the rock.
Sean 00:10:42
Very theatrical. And by the way, shout out to the lads. Brian Doll, Ethan Collins, Ethan Zabarello and Joel Saunders.
Yassin 00:10:49
That's our band.
Sean 00:10:50
The lads, the lads, the lads.
Yassin 00:10:51
They. They really helped bring that sound to. To life. Live. And now it's like. It's one of our most, like, engaging songs when we perform live. Because I always get. It's just acoustic guitar and vocal could get boring.
Grant 00:11:07
Yeah.
Yassin 00:11:08
And, like, for me, when I'm playing. We're playing live, I'm really about the showmanship as well as being good musicians. I wanted to be entertaining, of course. And. And, yeah, like, with the band, they really brought it to life. And now when we do it, like, the crowd always goes wild.
Grant 00:11:23
Do you have a specific spot? You're like, we should open with this, or we should close with this, or stick in the middle in case there's a lull. How do you broader question. Think about placement of songs. I mean, there's gotta be so much strategy that goes into live performances and what you choose for your set list.
Sean 00:11:44
Yeah, I'll give some thoughts and you give the real answer.
Yassin 00:11:49
Done.
Sean 00:11:50
Yeah, yeah. Zach has it. Has our set down to a general science of it, where the energy gets big. How we start off also depends on the gig. You know, like, we've played rooms where nobody was really listening because that wasn't the whole event. It was something else, and we were just kind of like, shoo ba doo diba in the back of the room. Yeah, exactly. But in terms of the nitty gritty.
Yassin 00:12:20
The real, like, when I formed the. The set list, I mean, we've been able to play with our band now for the last year. I think we've had a lot, like, maybe a hundred shows. Like, it just feels like a lot. And so I had a general idea. Like, I feel like I'm pretty good at just kind of sussing out, like, okay, this, I think, will be a cool opener. And then let's turn it into this, like, because I like. I like a very dynamic set as a lot. Like, who doesn't? And. And it just. After playing so many shows, I've been able to refine it to a certain extent. And now we have, like, we know. We. I have an hour and a half cent list that we know rocks.
Grant 00:13:05
Sure.
Yassin 00:13:05
And there are times where there's moments where. Okay, I have to. I'm like, I'll just go to the band after a song, be like, okay, let's play this next. Because it's just feeling what the audience is feeling. Yeah. If it's. Sometimes you could tell, like, if you're really engaged with an audience, you can tell, okay, we just gave them, like, ten rockers in a row. Let's give them some. A ballad and. Or it's the other thing where they're. They're getting a little bored with a slow pace. Let's, like, really show them. We got a lot of energy and. And, yeah, you kind of figure that out with experimentation, and now we kind of have a down pat, especially with the songs, like the album songs and then the few covers we do live, we have mapped out. But there's many times where I just look at the band and I'm like, okay, let's do this. Now. I just get taken over by chaos live. When we're performing live, I'm just a chaotic mess where I'm like, let's do this. Okay. And then we're. We'll be playing a song, and there's a guitar solo planned, but then I'll be. I'll look at our saxophone. So player and be like, hey, you jump in right now, and it turns into this organic.
Grant 00:14:15
So you're still playing producer live?
Yassin 00:14:17
Yeah, yeah.
Sean 00:14:18
And that has conductor.
Grant 00:14:20
Yeah, there you go.
Yassin 00:14:22
I think that has to be my role because I see myself as, like, if we were a rapper, I'd be the hype man. I, you know, like, I can play instruments. I played, like, I could play key keys pretty well, guitar pretty well. But, like, our band is really good, and, like, I'm not the one singing. Sean is. And our, our guitarist and drummer have beautiful voices to harmonize with the guy. So it really. My job really, on stage is to, like, hey, you guys bored? Well, guess what? You're not going to be in a second. Like, I'm. I have to be the energy guy, the guy who dances with the crowd. That. That's. That's, like, what makes us unique.
Grant 00:15:00
Yeah.
Yassin 00:15:01
You know, like, I'm the front man that doesn't sing is my, my whole thing.
Grant 00:15:05
I like that. That's a good, that's cool with putting it. So, okay, so this festival show this weekend, where's Caroline gonna be in there?
Yassin 00:15:13
That is. It's usually now, like, a third of the way down the set, actually. So that that show, we only have an hour, not an hour and a half. So it'll like. Yeah, it'll probably be right down the middle. We kind of start with a good chunk of, like, high energy songs, like, more poppy, hooky songs in the middle. We do, like, a very ballady moment where we have a thing where all, like, our guitarist and drummer go around one mic with Sean, and they sing harmonies on one mic with one song. And then. So we slow it down for two or three. And that's probably where Caroline. It'll be at the tail end of the slot.
Grant 00:15:51
So you get back into it.
Yassin 00:15:52
Yeah. Cause it turns into this big, big jam.
Sean 00:15:55
Yeah. And then it's just happy birthday for the next 30 minutes.
Yassin 00:16:00
Yep.
Sean 00:16:00
Are you one or just impressions? Yeah. Yeah.
Grant 00:16:04
That's the music for today. I'm gonna do impressions for you. I hope you like these, too.
Sean 00:16:09
No refunds. No refunds.
Grant 00:16:12
I'd love to hear another song. Anything that you're particularly excited about.
Sean 00:16:17
We talked about it. You want to do a little?
Yassin 00:16:19
We can do Caroline. We can do Carol.
Grant 00:16:20
Whatever you're feeling.
Sean 00:16:21
Yeah.
Yassin 00:16:22
Yeah. You can do that. Or that. Or a cover. What do you want?
Sean 00:16:26
Let's do Caroline.
Yassin 00:16:33
Playing less rock and roll. Yeah. Since it's just piano and a bowl.
Mike (Camera Guy) 00:16:38
Are you ready to back? You built up a house and you called it your home? There were cracks in the ceiling and a hole where the love had gone? You are never sure what you want? Tell me why, Caroline, would you stay? Tell me why? Come alike? Would you stay? You've been driving in circles for ten whole years? Your friends they all hurt you? But you stayed? Cause you swear they care? They will never see what you heard?
Yassin 00:17:57
I.
Mike (Camera Guy) 00:18:00
Tell me why, coin? Would you stay? Tell me why would it change? Cause it'll never change? You stare at the pictures of a broken start? And on that day you were married you were crying? Crying in your car so bad things look like peace from afar? Tell me why, Caroline, would you stay? Tell me why, Caroline, would it change? You're too young to feel so sure? Go pick up your pieces that holds Justin open? Go be everything that you bless? Tell me why, Caroline, what you say? Tell me why? Come on. Fly away, fly away, fly away, fly away.
Yassin 00:20:43
There it is.
Sean 00:20:44
There we go.
Grant 00:20:45
Goodness, goodness.
Yassin 00:20:48
Thank you, thank you, thank you. That was the first time we heard you flip up like that.
Sean 00:20:53
Oh, yeah.
Grant 00:20:54
Love, oh, yeah. So I typically take my daughters to daycare in the morning, and one of the things that I've loved sharing with Aspen, my older daughter, is music and my love for it. And she loves music. And it started. The first song she was able to sing was Nora Jones Sunrise. There's a part that's just a bunch of oohs and, like, that was the first thing she's saying. And music is something she loves so much and now it's something. Our younger daughter, who's eleven months, you can tell she already loves music so much. But when I take her in the car, and whether it's someone like Adele or we're listening to the soundtrack from wish, whatever it is, I'm like, aspen, if you can hit those falsettos, you're gonna be good. You're golden. Let's work on these falsettos. She's like, yeah, I'm three and a half. Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Let's get into the next part. It's kind of overcoming those creative blocks. So you're going through that creative process and you meet a roadblock. What's that? I mean, what's that? Like, what's the feeling you go through? Does it make you question kind of the arrangements to make you question that creative process that, you know, you work so hard on, were so involved in, and put all the passion into? Like, what's that feeling?
Yassin 00:22:30
Like, it's. It's tough. It's like, I. Like, I feel like I'm almost going through kind of a creative funk right now, and it stems from what we talked about in part one of, you know, we made this album and I. Then what? Like, we. We didn't have an answer yet. We were talking to labels and all sorts of people, trying to get it off the ground so people could hear it. And for me, like, I can't. It's. I struggle to divide the two things. Like, I'm like, I can't think about another creative thing or, like, writing another song until I know these babies are out and loose and I don't need to think about them anymore and worry about them, like, growing up, as Sean said earlier, and, like, and so I really. That's something I need to work on, like, because I feel like it's been a year where I feel like I've. Since these songs were done, this album's been done where I'm like, I want to think about what's next, creative wise, song wise, because I know we have so much, so much more to say, so much more that we need to talk about and sing about. Like, it's bubbling up in both of us, but there's this challenge of, like, but I need to make sure these things are complete and out in the world first. And, yeah, it's just. It's hard, it's tough, and I've been through it enough times where I know, like, the day will come where. Okay, yeah, the song will just come pouring out again, but I feel like I need to improve upon this thing of, like, being so focused on this something so intensely where it. It takes away from me being able to be creative right now.
Grant 00:24:13
Sure.
Yassin 00:24:14
And that's something I really, really struggle with. And, like, there's been times, like, over the last year where Sean has some lyrics. I have some lyrics, but it's hard to, like, really dive in, like. Like we did for this album. But again, it's just about showing up. Showing up and giving yourself the time, giving each other the time to be like, hey, let's talk about the crazy things that's happened this year and just write, which is just a challenge. When things get busy, and especially in music, it's like, we get distracted. We have all these shows coming up. We have all these events, like, corporate things, and we got to do the social media thing. We got interviews, and then the creative side gets pushed aside. Yes, it's tough.
Sean 00:25:01
Yeah. And, I mean, I think I have a bit more luxury here because, you know, Zach puts a lot on his back in terms of he's managing us, he's booking us shows, being the primary songwriter, producer, composer, like, what have you. There are a lot of hats on him. So, you know, like, obviously, I got to show up to all the things, and I have to do the thing that I do and, you know, lend what I can offer to it. But there's also this feeling of, fortunately, I haven't felt, personally, that we've had to force it.
Yassin 00:25:38
Yeah.
Sean 00:25:39
You know, kind of letting it happen, which, you know, that's not a luxury everyone has. They feel there's a hot, red hot poker.
Grant 00:25:48
Yeah.
Sean 00:25:49
At their back.
Grant 00:25:49
I was gonna say, like, for. I often feel a lot of guilt and a lot of pressure.
Sean 00:25:56
Yeah.
Grant 00:25:56
And I like pressure. Pressure helps me, and I imagine you feel quite a bit of pressure, given all these hats you're wearing in your position. When I have to rely on somebody else, even though it makes total sense, something that I can't do, I'll still feel guilty about it, and that changes my ability to do other things, to do the things that I'm supposed to be doing that I'm valuable doing. Like, do you ever feel guilty? I mean, it sounds like you're in a healthy spot where it's at least not preventing you from, you know, doing what you need to do.
Sean 00:26:31
Yeah, no, but I totally have feel that, and I don't. I don't like. I guess I don't talk about it often, but before all these great things started happening for us, I had definitely had this image of my mind that you know, I had to be the best at everything when the reality was so far from it. Thinking that way almost stops you from even starting to approach that, which is, you know, it's like, play to your strengths. There's going to be opportunities to learn new things, but ultimately, a team is such a, such a beautiful way to achieve any big thing, but, you know, giving, delegating responsibility, having, trusting your vision to someone else, and just the idea, the, like, the, the anxiety of it, making sure. It's like, if you want something done right, do it yourself. Like, do it yourself. It's like, well, yes, ideally. And until we can clone ourselves. Yeah, we're gonna have to surrender a bit, you know?
Yassin 00:27:32
Yeah.
Sean 00:27:33
And I think, yeah.
Yassin 00:27:35
I feel like, yeah, and Sean's strength is, he always shows up, like, and that's the best thing about this duo. It's like, yeah, like, I can. Yeah, I do a lot of things, but, like, what I need from the man. And he know, it's like, as long as he's showing up, and he always does, and he even, and, like, we know it's like, there's some days where neither of us want to show up or we're busy with other things in our lives, but he always shows up, always ready to do his best, even if it's. He's mentally not feeling it's his best. It's better than most people. Like, he's. He's the artist.
Grant 00:28:13
10% of him at his best, or what do you think is still better than 99% of.
Yassin 00:28:18
Yeah, I strongly, I strongly believe that. Like, and, and I, again, I feel very lucky where the, like, yeah, I get to steer the ship a little bit, but, like, the people around us have, like, Sean, like, he trusted me from the get go with this, this grand idea of what we can both become individually and together. And his trust has let me get us to the position we're in now. And I couldn't do it without him. He couldn't do without me. And, like, it's, it's, it's the perfect bond that way.
Grant 00:28:58
I often. Guilt is unnatural feeling. Yes, but it's usually, you know, self placed, and it's not something the other person's not trying to make you feel guilty about it at all. Like, there they might be trying to help you, that they want to be a part of it. And, like, I find very often for creatives and those I work with, they want to be a part of it.
Yassin 00:29:20
Yeah.
Grant 00:29:21
I still feel like a burden sometimes that it's, like, in until house of style becomes this household name, and we get the outrageous amount of funding we need to blow it up into this iconic global lifestyle brand. Until that happens, I'm going to feel guilty, but once it happens, I'm going to be like, see, I told you.
Yassin 00:29:42
I told you.
Grant 00:29:42
Helping me out now, I never doubted.
Sean 00:29:45
Myself for a second.
Yassin 00:29:47
I'm the exact same way. I'm the exact same way. I feel like that all the time.
Grant 00:29:52
But do you feel like you lack a few people point out to me with how much I work, how little I sleep, and how I have a. I do a really poor job celebrating milestones? Yeah. You know, I was on GMA last year and that was a huge deal.
Yassin 00:30:10
Yeah.
Grant 00:30:11
Like, I left that and texted the PR person that was helping at the time saying, like, all right, when can we get on today? Like, what's. What's the next thing? She's like, congratulations. I hope you had fun doing it.
Yassin 00:30:23
I was like, oh, my God.
Grant 00:30:24
Oh, you're right. Like, this was. This was a blast. Like, I had so much fun. And I often feel that the amount of work that goes into something and the. The guilt, the concern for its success and, you know, the urgency and the pressure, all of that kind of rob you of some of the joy of what we're talking about in part one. It's like you're still experiencing success right now.
Yassin 00:30:49
Yeah.
Grant 00:30:49
Do you find. Because I know you talked about losing some of that joy over the last year and it picking up over the summer kind of. Do you find yourself now feeling a bit more joy? What was it that, you know, picked up that made you be like, you know what? We can feel joy and we might still have these concerns. Both of these feelings can be present at the same time.
Yassin 00:31:13
Right.
Grant 00:31:13
But how did you find that joy again?
Yassin 00:31:16
Well, yeah, so, like, exactly what you said. Like, I. I'm the same way. I. After something big happens, I'm like, more now how? More now how? That's the next album. But, um.
Grant 00:31:30
From the backseat.
Yassin 00:31:31
Yeah, yeah, exactly.
Sean 00:31:32
More now how. And a backseat writer.
Yassin 00:31:34
A backseat writer, yes. And in show Ontario. But anyway, so, like, like, I need to really force myself to celebrate. And it makes, like, I find, like, I try to surround myself with friends and people I love. Like, with Sean and our close group of friends. I'm like, let's go out right now. Everyone come over. I'm barbecuing. Like, I want to make a moment so we can all remember and, like, kind of bask in the celebration. But my fiance Katie will tell you, like, if it's just her and I. And she'll tell me, like, hey, I'm proud of you. You did all these things, and it's great. I have a hard time accepting or saying, like, thank you for, like, ignoring. Like, I'm just like, yeah, but I need to do more. I. Like, that's usually my response right away. I need to do more. Like, there's nothing to be proud of yet.
Grant 00:32:23
100%. Oh, God. Like, that. It's really hard for me because Cory, my wife, has been. She's been the, like, the bread and butter winner. She's been the backbone of our family financially. As I've been building up G. Alexander and launching house of style and to build up J. Alexander, then be like, hey, I'm putting this on pause after it finally, like, really hit and was landing with everything I wanted to say. I'm going to start this crazy new venture to have that attitude. And, like, I feel immense guilt often because even though there are big wins that come from, you know, doing each episode of this podcast and having you guys, having the people that we've had on, I should be celebrating each one. They've been unbelievably fun conversations. Forget the numbers. Forget how they do.
Yassin 00:33:15
Yeah.
Grant 00:33:15
I've learned something in each one. I've felt so wonderful in each one and feel like I've grown as a person through each episode. That's worth celebrating, but started this to change the lives of millions of people and to change my family's life and to provide the lifestyle that I want to. It doesn't. In my head, I'm like, it doesn't really matter.
Yassin 00:33:39
Yeah.
Grant 00:33:40
What little successes I have because I'm not providing what the dream is. Like, what I know house of style is going to become in one year, three year, 510, whatever it is. Yeah, that's a. That's a tough part. It's exactly what.
Yassin 00:33:54
It's exactly like, yeah. It's like, I see so clearly the potential of what we can become, what Sean can do. Like, I see it so clearly in my head where, like, yeah, that's exactly why when it's just like, me and Katie, I react like, yeah, but wait, it's not anything yet.
Grant 00:34:15
Isn't that funny how you do that with the people that love you most? I know the strangers that are like, congrats. You're like, yeah, thanks.
Yassin 00:34:20
Yeah, and, like, I need to make a celebratory moment, like, very grand. Like, I. Like, I need to be like, everyone come over. I'm. I'm. I brought. I bought a bunch of wine. Like, we're gonna do something. We're gonna have a feast. Like, I needed to be like that. And, like, I can have those moments with my fiance, of course, like, we've had many, but, like, a lot of the time in, like, the day to day, it is that thing. Right? And, yeah. To get back to the original question, like, yeah, this year, it started off, like, really, like, a real struggle. But, like we said before, but again, the thing that got us to feeling, I. I feel very joyful, very happy, very satisfied right now. I could say that very look joyful.
Grant 00:35:05
Thank you.
Yassin 00:35:05
And my necklace. Custom necklace.
Sean 00:35:09
Tone a bit. You're a little too joyous.
Yassin 00:35:11
Yeah.
Grant 00:35:11
So we gotta tone down the joy.
Yassin 00:35:14
But, um.
Grant 00:35:15
I'll need some gills, if that helps.
Yassin 00:35:18
But, uh. But, yeah, no, you know, it's just about. You just keep going. You keep trying. You just try. Like, that's. It's the album.
Grant 00:35:27
It's way to link that.
Yassin 00:35:29
It's our.
Grant 00:35:30
The mantra.
Yassin 00:35:31
The mantra of healing. Yeah. And. And we just. If you keep going, you're gonna find it again.
Sean 00:35:37
It's.
Yassin 00:35:37
Everything's a wave, right? Like, it goes up and down all the time. And it was a rough few months, but one small thing happened. Okay? That small thing. If you are aware that, to me, when we walk into a room like this or a show or anything, I always say to myself, this can lead to an opportunity that can change our lives. Absolutely right.
Grant 00:35:59
100%.
Yassin 00:36:01
I strongly believe that. And it just took one little moment that led to another one. Another one. And then all of a sudden, we have a summer full of amazing shows, amazing new opportunities we've never experienced before. And, yeah, like, all of a sudden, I'm like, whoa, this has been an amazing year. And I forget the sad.
Sean 00:36:20
And, I mean, for every. Every time that you, like, you get caught up in guilt, which, when you try to explain it, people might be like, why do you feel like, what's going on? It's also as shitty as that feels. It's like an opportunity to know that, oh, man, I might be the same degree on the other side of the. The feeling spectrum or what have you, and, like, the guilt in and of itself is. It might just be either a twisted or incomplete feeling. You know what I mean?
Yassin 00:36:53
Yeah.
Sean 00:36:54
Because you're. We're too close to ourselves.
Grant 00:36:57
Sure.
Sean 00:36:58
So we can't have that perspective just to be like, listen, we're going pretty good, and you need to not feel bad about this. No, we're right in that. So how can you. How can you see the crowd if you're, like, literally walking amongst it instead of flying overhead?
Grant 00:37:13
Absolutely. I think a big part of what I want is to help people see and understand from aspiring musicians, ones that are currently. I mean, you guys are mid blowing up. It's like you can have all of these feelings, but if you keep going, like, take action.
Yassin 00:37:35
Yeah.
Grant 00:37:35
If you're doing what you like and you're taking action, you're gonna have all these feelings. Those are totally natural. It's normal. Probably be weird if you didn't have some of them.
Yassin 00:37:43
Yeah.
Grant 00:37:44
That's what's going to lead to success and taking action. You know, when I'm in somebody's wardrobe, I'm like, you need to just try something new. The smallest little tweak, see if you like it or not.
Yassin 00:37:57
Yeah.
Grant 00:37:57
And that helps you. Okay. You just went to point b. Now do you like c or D? And you help figure out your style, whether it's within your wardrobe, in closet and clothing, or if it's in life, the smallest action will help you figure out your style, and if you're true to yourself, lead you to those big opportunities that, you know should and can happen anytime you walk into that room. Like you said, like, yeah. Hearing you guys live, like, I already felt just by listening to on the Internet that there was something special, but hearing it live, and I think so many people that love and live and breathe live music just more and more is going to up. Each little show you do, it's going to be just another big opportunity. And, like, one day, you guys are going to be on stage, you know, both the music and the voice together. You guys are going to be doing just belting and rocking on the Juno stage in the Grammys. Like, you guys are just gonna be crushing. Like, I feel it. And that's what I want other people to feel is, like, there are all these feelings and this is very normal.
Yassin 00:39:06
Yeah.
Grant 00:39:07
Successful people, no matter if you're just starting or if you're the global icon.
Sean 00:39:12
Yeah.
Grant 00:39:13
Everybody in between has these feelings and you just got to keep going.
Sean 00:39:17
Yeah. That's something. I wish if I could go back and tell my 16 year old self or my 29 year old self, and I'm 30, by the way, so that was, like a few weeks ago. Yeah. Just despite feeling a certain way, don't let it stop you because there's so many times that I would just let feeling a certain way and it not being perfect stop me.
Grant 00:39:38
Well, I think what's really interesting, and I don't think we've brought up. So you guys met at the open mic in 2019. You weren't singing before. That means you were 25 before this voice was shared with the world. That blows my mind. And I think that's a separately powerful message that you just have to have 1 second of courage. Be like, I'm gonna go up and take that. That 1 second of courage will take. Change your life.
Yassin 00:40:14
Yeah.
Grant 00:40:15
And that's all it takes. Like, if you hadn't had the 1 second where you're like, I'm going, I'm gonna get up. You could have went and got scared and be like, I'm not doing it. Like a lot of people probably do.
Sean 00:40:25
Yeah, my mom went with me the first time. Cause I'm such a mom is boy. Like, definitely, like, yeah. Just clinging to her, like, oh, stage 5.0, mom, what's going on? Yeah, but I agree.
Yassin 00:40:40
Yeah, you just got to shoot your shot, always. And, like, if you walk into every room in your life thinking, like, hey, like, anything could happen, this could change everything. It, like, it could, and it's going to. And it's going to. At some point, it's going.
Grant 00:40:57
Yeah, it might take a while. It might be longer than you want.
Yassin 00:41:00
Yeah.
Grant 00:41:00
I know that first handling. It's going to be longer than you want.
Yassin 00:41:04
If it was up to me, I would have been. I would have been Justin Bieber when I was 18. Like, like, you know, like. Like, I would have been a star or something, like, when I was a kid and I had. I was not even close to ready. And I feel like everything that's happening to us now, mentally, physically, everything, I feel, like, so, like, prepared for and so, like, understanding of what, like, the universe is doing for us.
Grant 00:41:32
Yeah.
Yassin 00:41:32
And. And, yeah. Like, it took me all those years. No time. Like, no one's timeline has to be the same. And, like, I'm so stoked that, yeah, we only met when he's 25. I was 26 then, and that's when things started making sense. Like, we all need to go through our own thing, and we all need to just keep. Just. If you keep trying to exist and keep trying to be better, like, it's amazing things will happen. And if you say yes to, like, things that make you anxious. Oh, my God. I. Like when I went to the moonshine, the cafe shout out. Yeah. When we. I went there. Yeah. My buddy's dad invited me to go have a beer with him and watch him perform. I don't hang out with my buddy's dad. That's weird. I, like, I don't drink beer. I'm a wine guy. So. But I just said, yeah, why not? I'll hang out. And my buddy, my buddy wasn't there. It was literally just me and his dad and just talking about life. And then all of a sudden, Sean Theria walks on stage, and, like, that was just me being like, yeah, why not? Who knows what could happen? And that is, I'm like, why not? Why not? And opposites attract.
Sean 00:42:53
Yes.
Yassin 00:42:54
That is a real thing.
Grant 00:42:56
So if we're talking to aspiring musicians or, I mean, so much of this is entrepreneurs, creatives, whatever it might be, you know, I think that the line that we've talked about in part of the album, the just try to live your dreams. It doesn't have to look like anybody else's.
Yassin 00:43:12
Yeah.
Grant 00:43:13
You know, what does that, guys, what does that mean to you? How do you use that to, you know, how would you encourage others using that to make some small change today, just to change their mindset? How would you guys share that?
Yassin 00:43:30
Well, I would say to any artist or creative listening, we've been through every experience. It feels like every kind of experience an emerging artist could have. And I've been trying to succeed in the music industry since I was 18 years old, and I had no clue what I was doing. I had no idea how to record a song. I had no idea what a song even should sound like. I just felt I needed to do it, and it was bad. And the point is, it doesn't matter if it's bad. You should listen. Or if you're in music, you should be listening to something you did five years ago and be like, ugh, I.
Grant 00:44:14
Could do better than that if you like. I would regularly look at some of my favorite artists from when I was growing up in their interviews. Now, so much is spent on that. Like, one of my favorite, obviously going back to my favorite punk emo, taking back Sundays, like, one of my all time faves. And, like, they hate performing their old songs, but it's like, it's what resonates with, it's a whole separate thing of, like, how do you, how do you balance that after decades of. Of doing it? But it's spot on that it's like they. They're like, that sound is so gross. And, like, literally said gross. I was like, how is that? Like, growing up, those. My formative years, those aren't gross.
Sean 00:44:57
Say to the band who perform, you, like, how dare.
Yassin 00:44:59
How dare you? How dare you?
Grant 00:45:01
Of your own song?
Yassin 00:45:02
Yeah, yeah. And it's so. It's funny, but it's like, yeah, just every amazing thing that's happened in my life, creatively, career wise and personally, has been just like, the idea that there's more out there. This isn't it. There's something more to experience. And just because you feel stuck in a circumstance doesn't mean that's going to be it forever. Go out, try the thing. Keep pushing in any aspect of your life. It could just be personal. It's like, hey, my group of friends have all moved away and now, like, I don't have anyone to see and spend time with. Go join a volleyball league or something like that. Right?
Grant 00:45:44
Like, do something.
Yassin 00:45:44
Yeah. It's about just taking action and understanding. Like, there's more out there. And the thing that gives me peace of mind to this day when I'm struggling is everything does happen for a reason. I really believe that. And every, like, I feel like the universe gives you what you need when you need it. And even the bad stuff, like, what the. I understand. I can look back in the beginning of this year when we were struggling, and now we're in a position where it feels really good and everything's falling into place. I understand what that taught me to make this feel even better. And if you're able to just look back and understand where this journey is taking you and why you're exactly wherever you're supposed to be, like you're going to be, you're going to end up in a happy position.
Grant 00:46:35
Yeah.
Yassin 00:46:36
Yeah.
Sean 00:46:37
I mean, yeah. And I think, like, returning back to something I said in part one return of the style is that no one else is going to. So subtle, the last subtle, no one else is going to. No one else is going to do things for you or pursue your dreams. And obviously, like, you may live in a more privileged point in your life, but if. I guess it's taken me a while. If you have a natural liking to something, even natural talent for something, it's almost try to make it an obligation for yourself to at least explore it and try it. Because years can go by of you telling yourself one thing and delving too far into comparison. Because comparison. My mom always says a comparison is the thief of joy.
Yassin 00:47:29
Absolutely.
Sean 00:47:29
But there is something to. Something to say to be like, look at a person and be like, I like the way they roll, so to speak. And yeah, you look at the things in their life and it's not necessarily the things or exactly what they do. It might be how they do it.
Grant 00:47:45
Their style.
Yassin 00:47:49
Take it back.
Sean 00:47:50
And also, and I had, I think, a lot of people do this. It's like you see something that you want, and you see the exact form of it as it appears in reality right now in front of you. And it's like you can. You can get as excited as that person looks and get as happy as that person looks, but it's not. Doesn't have to look like anybody else's, you know? Yeah, right.
Yassin 00:48:13
And just to write off what you're saying, it's like, another huge thing is there is no timeline. If you're creative, if you are someone with a passion or ambition, there is no timeline. Like. Like, you can make it happen whenever you want it to happen. And, like, it might not. It might not go exactly as you plan in your head. It likely will not, but it will fall into place if you keep attacking it. And, like. And you don't have to think, especially now, if you're in the music industry, like, there's no world where you're like, oh, I'm 30. I can't make it right. No, there are no rules. There's no rules to dreaming and just keep going. And another thing, too, right enough. What you were saying is, yeah. It is a privilege, I feel, to have this, a creative ability. Some people have it instinctively. People are born with it. Some people work really hard to get it, but it's a privilege when you have it. And I feel like it's a responsibility. Like, that's what I put on myself and on both of us. Like, it's a responsibility. Like, go live your dreams, and, like, we're lucky enough to. Our parents work really hard to, like, provide a certain type of life for us where we have the freedom to, like, go.
Sean 00:49:29
Yeah. And to even conceptualize that and think and.
Yassin 00:49:33
Exactly. So you. You better go for it, because.
Grant 00:49:36
Better go for it.
Yassin 00:49:37
Yeah. Strike.
Grant 00:49:38
Before we wrap up, I want to have one more song. Whatever song you want that could represent everything you've went through. It could just be like, I'm super pumped to play the song. Whatever you want to leave everyone with right now. These performances have been incredible. This conversation has been amazing, and I want to give people one more to just take away.
Yassin 00:50:02
Okay. I think I know which one we could do. I think so. We'll play our first. The song that's really started getting us a fan base. We first created, we wrote the song, we put it out in the world in 2020, and it was like, it shocked us, the reaction people had to the song, and all of a sudden, people were listening to us, wanted to know more. I think people have used the song like, ten people have used this for, like, their first dance at their wedding.
Grant 00:50:39
That's cool.
Yassin 00:50:40
That's really cool. That's something I never thought could ever happen. And it has. And so we made, like, a slow ver. It's an upbeat bop normally, but we'll play the wedding version of it for you. Yeah. The song's called take my time by Yassin in Shawntario.
Mike (Camera Guy) 00:51:08
And I slipped out of bed with fresh pictures from my dreams of you? I put flowers in your car with my heart say I do oh, I do love you? Your mind's like a malibu sky? Oh, you get me high I do within no way I feel the way but, baby, I want you? We could make love when the world gets complicated if I never hurt I have no problems waiting I take my time with you? Good things offend you I take my time with you? Good things offender? Only time will tell what the hell? Yeah, get who's to say the best thing I can do? Shoot my shot and give you all my loving and loving? And everything works out the way you need to so why my lift you up? Because it feels good.
Sean 00:53:35
Yes. I don't really.
Mike (Camera Guy) 00:53:39
Going anywhere I'm with you? We couldn't make love when the world gets cold we can die? He found a fat heart. I have no problems? I took my time with you? Good things offend you I take my time with you? Good things offend you take my time with you? Good things offend you I take my time with you? Good things offender.
Yassin 00:55:31
Nice.
Sean 00:55:33
Nice.
Yassin 00:55:36
Sweet, guys.
Grant 00:55:38
This has been such a treat for me when. When I say that no matter what happens with any of either one of our trajectories, whether I go absolutely nowhere and completely burn out, which obviously won't happen, but no, you guys are gonna go to stardom. So just remember me only if you remember us. Deal? I mean, since I'm gonna be telling you, you know, monthly covers to play, yeah, you have to be around me. But when I say, like, no matter what happens with this video, with the numbers associated to that we've been talking about that, this was one of my favorite experiences I've had as a creative and a creator and designer. And this was beautiful to me. Like, genuinely, I love what you guys are putting out. I love your vibe. And I think that everybody is going to feel that too. And for everybody that's listening and watching, get this album, just try comes out October 18. Thank you so much. Anything you want to share with the world, share about the album, whatever. This is the last words I would.
Sean 00:56:49
Like to say likewise. This has been such an enjoyable experience for us. Thanks for reaching out and, you know, putting. There's a little faith that goes into that being like, I'm gonna tie my name to these guys for at least an episode or two.
Grant 00:57:01
Vice versa.
Sean 00:57:02
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Grant 00:57:03
But you said yes before we even had episodes out.
Yassin 00:57:07
It's about the energy, man.
Sean 00:57:08
Yeah, yeah. Just for the folks out there, keep doing what you're doing and, you know, shit may seem crazy sometimes, whether it's just in your own life or on the greater scheme of things, but you can just keep doing things and, yeah, what a specific message. Do things and be people.
Yassin 00:57:31
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you again for having us. This has been the best time. It's great to be in Chicago and we hope to do it many, many more times.
Grant 00:57:41
Oh, yeah. This is not the last.
Yassin 00:57:43
And please make me many suits for my wedding.
Grant 00:57:46
Absolutely. We can do that. He's having ten looks for his wedding.
Yassin 00:57:49
Yes.
Grant 00:57:49
At least.
Yassin 00:57:50
Yes.
Grant 00:57:51
Well, today we went deep into the creative process with Zach and Sean in learning how to take a song from idea to completion, from how they stay inspired, find joy, even when sometimes you might lose sight of that and navigating the ups and downs of the music industry. Life, everything that's involved in being a creator, an entrepreneur, a person, and what I love about their story, and there's so much to love, is that it's a reminder to all of us that success doesn't come easy. You don't know when it's going to come, but if you're willing to just try, you can find your way and you just got to show up. So even if it doesn't look like anyone else's, that's such a big part of what we believe here at House of style. It doesn't need to look like anyone else's dream, anyone else's life. It should be your own. You should have your own style. And I can't thank them enough for sharing their journey and music with us because this was goosebumps all around. You can check out our Patreon for some additional performances and random bonus content. Like some I'm really excited for some impressions, but for everyone listening or watching, make sure to check out their album. Just try out on October 18 and keep an eye on their social media for incredible and hilarious content that you don't want to miss. I know it's going to make you fall in love even more with them. Until next time, remember, style isn't in your closet. It's in you. We'll see you soon.
