Street Symphony (producer) facts for kids

Torrance Esmond, known by his stage name Street Symphony, is an American record producer and music executive. He comes from Memphis, Tennessee. A record producer helps artists create their music. A music executive works in the business side of the music industry.

Biography

Early Life and Music Start

Torrance Esmond grew up in both Memphis and Nashville. He decided to work in music after seeing an Outkast concert. His college roommates had music equipment. Street Symphony started making beats at night in his dorm room. He used turntables and drum machines. He was inspired by Sean Combs, a famous music entrepreneur.

At first, Street Symphony studied Electrical Engineering. But he loved music more. He changed his major and formed a hip-hop group called Player Way. He made the group with his best friends, Mike Sean and Lonnel Matthews. They performed at college parties. People noticed their talent.

First Steps in the Music World

Street Symphony's early mentor was Carlos "6 July" Broady. In 2005, NBA superstar Gary Payton signed Street Symphony to his record label, Rock Solid. This was a big step! Street Symphony learned a lot in big recording studios. He worked with artists like Yo Gotti and Starlito. He developed his own unique style of beats. He worked tirelessly, traveling and hustling to refine his music.

Moving to New Cities

After becoming well-known in Tennessee, Street Symphony looked to Houston, Texas. Artists like Paul Wall and Chamillionaire were very popular there. He wanted to be part of that success. He slept on a friend's floor and worked a day job. In the evenings, he would go to music stores. He played his beats for everyone to hear. Local artists and stars like Lil' Keke liked his sound.

Next, Street Symphony moved to Atlanta, Georgia. This city was another big center for rap music. There, he worked with Ludacris's label, Disturbing tha Peace. He made music with artists like I-20 and Dolla Boy.

Working with Lecrae

In 2009, Street Symphony reconnected with his college friend, Lecrae. Lecrae was a Christian rap artist. He wanted to reach more people with his music. Street Symphony helped him create music that fit his message. Street Symphony worked on Lecrae's Rehab album. His skills impressed Lecrae and his label, Reach Records.

For the next two years, Street Symphony helped Lecrae with his music. He worked as an A&R (Artist and Repertoire) and executive producer. An A&R person helps find new talent and guides artists. An executive producer oversees the entire music project. Street Symphony helped Lecrae's music become very popular. Lecrae's album Gravity (2012) was a huge success. Street Symphony won his first GMA Dove Award and Grammy Award for this album. In 2015, he won another Grammy for "Messengers."

Back to Mainstream Music

After his success with Christian hip-hop, Street Symphony returned to mainstream music. He focused on his own company, Track Or Die. He had worked with 2 Chainz before. 2 Chainz invited Street Symphony to help make his EP, Freebase. Street Symphony also worked often with artists like Yo Gotti and Starlito. Now, top artists often come to Street Symphony to have him create their music.

Track Or Die

After working as Vice President of A&R at Reach Records for two years, Street Symphony started his own company. In February 2014, he launched Track Or Die. This company is his own record label, music publishing company, and management company.

Awards and Achievements

Street Symphony has won many awards for his work:

• 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards (2012) - Won Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year.
• 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards (2013) - Won Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year.
• 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards (2013) - Won Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year.
• 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards (2015) - Won Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year.
• 55th Annual Grammy Awards - Won Best Gospel Album.
• 57th Annual Grammy Awards - Won Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song .