For this episode, we thought we’d do something different. We usually interview seasoned musicians, but this time we invited a guest who’s on the rise.

And what a rise it’s going to be.

Any description of a white high school sophomore that includes the word rapper is going to come freighted with certain images. But no one is more aware of these preconceptions than Neso, who in fact happens to be a sophomore at Homestead High School, and who in fact happens to have just released his first rap album.

But trust me when I say your expectations are about to be dashed.

Long before he was Neso, Colin Mick came to Alicia for piano lessons, and she just didn’t know what to do with him. He already knew more about music technology than she did, and he picked up any elements of music theory she tried to teach him before she could even get done explaining them.

That’s why when Colin reached out to her saying he’d just released a self-produced album she was eager to get him on the podcast. And he doesn’t disappoint. I had to keep reminding myself that I was talking to a 15-year-old. Take a listen for yourself and you’ll see why it’s so hard to believe.

We talk about his early influences, the journey he’s taken to reach his current style and genre, and what he hopes for in the years to come. Listening to him talk about the songs on his album, you’ll be amazed at the precocity that fuels his creative drive. And, if you’re like us, you’ll be eager to take a listen to the songs.

Here he is on Spotify. And here’s the link to 9th Life on Amazon. He’s also on Apple Music.

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