Meet Turtle | Artist & Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Turtle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Turtle, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in Imperial Valley California where its mostly crop fields, deserts and its really REALLY hot there. I lived there until I was age 17 and Moved to San Diego with my mom and 2 brothers. The jobs in the imperial valley are mostly agriculture, law Enforcement, and medical. There is not many opportunities that exist in the valley for creatives and musicians like myself. I stuck out like a sore thumb. Not a lot of kids around me shared the same interests. For as long as I can remember I have always been hyper, creative and had this passionate spirit in me. My parents let me express myself and encouraged me when I started making music. There wasn’t much to do in the Imperial Valley so I would spend all my time making music. I would go bike rides in the fields of the valley while listening to my own music. Once I moved to San Diego doors started to open up. Being from where I was and never seeing such an open field of opportunities here in San Diego. It made hungry. It motivated me so much because I knew back home these opportunities aren’t available.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My music is a one of a kind frequency that can’t be heard anywhere else. Ive put “Puppy Love” the first track on my Album “Seasonal Souls” is a Indie Rap song that starts off with pretty and sweet sounding guitars and live bass and ends with a swirling organ and hard hitting 808 drums. The following song “San Diego” which is a mix of psychedelic rock, reggae, and Hip-hop. I grew up with the internet in my hands so I was able to access all kinds of different music. I pull inspirations from a lot of places and when it all comes together, It makes me.

The diversity in the music itself is what I am most proud of. The range of sounds in my music is something thats never been heard before. My music brings a whole new energy to the table thats original and creative. I always try my best to keep a student mindset. I am no where near where I want to be professionally, I am only 18 years old and the future is bright.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my friend to Belmont Park! The beach there is lovely and I always loving going to Belmont. For some grub I’m taking my friends to In and Out and then to Torrey Pines for a lovely hike

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My older brother John. John has been filming my music videos since day 1. My brother is a cinematographer and he is as passionate about videos and directing as I am about music. Every music video I’ve put out John is the one that films it and comes up with ideas. We are like Batman and Robin lol. My friend Issac E, well the fans know him as Angelina or the Soul Snatcher. Issac has acted as many characters in our music videos and he has always been one of the first people I show my music to. We have always been on this journey together since the beginning. Its a Team effort.

Website: https://withkoji.com/@Turtleloves222

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turtleloves222/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2_XGkDnhXFqT_0MV9NnpCQ/videos

Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/4Utb5tPM18tjWkGzTFXVj4?si=VIO4CCmPS1mFiEVjROR1Qw&nd=1

Image Credits
John Lacuesta. Reid Blaise