From Silence to Spotlight: Your Story Still Has Value - Even In The Pause
Last year, I received an email from VoyageSTL inviting me to be featured in their Conversations series. It was an honor. But at the time, I was in the middle of something I didn’t fully understand yet—stepping back from DJing and content creation altogether.
Truth be told, I wasn’t in the space to celebrate or even share my story publicly. The interview went live, but I never posted it. It felt out of season.
The Follow-Up I Didn’t Expect
Fast forward to last week—VoyageSTL circled back for a follow-up interview. This time, the timing felt different.
I’m back.
I’ve stepped into a fresh wave of purpose.
I’ve begun releasing new Christian Hip-Hop & R&B mashups, building community, and pushing forward on what I’ve been called to do.
As a Christian Hip-Hop DJ based in St. Louis, I’ve learned that timing matters—but even when things don’t look active on the outside, there’s value in the pause.
When VoyageSTL asked me for an update, it made me realize something important about timing, seasons, and sharing your story.
The Lesson Hidden in the Pause
👉🏾 Even when you feel like you’re in the middle of your story, that story still has value. Seasons of pause are just as meaningful as seasons of acceleration.
Looking back, the first VoyageSTL interview captured me in transition. This next one will reflect where I’m headed now. Together, they tell a story of growth that doesn’t look linear—because it never really does.
Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or leader, don’t underestimate the power of sharing your journey, even if it feels unfinished. Every chapter—pauses included—carries weight.
Sometimes, it’s not about having the perfect ending. It’s about showing up honestly, because your story might be the one that inspires someone else to keep going.
Revisiting the Original Interview
For those who are curious, here’s the original VoyageSTL interview with Andre Arkade I never shared until now. It’s a snapshot of me during that quiet season as a faith-driven DJ.
And soon, I’ll share the follow-up—capturing where this new chapter is taking me.
Closing Thoughts
The next chapter is already being written, and Arkade Archives will be the space where I continue pulling back the curtain—whether it’s stories from the road, reflections on Christian Hip-Hop culture, or lessons from the DJ booth.
If you haven’t yet, you might also enjoy:
🔥 How One Question Sparked 4,000 Students Going Wild: The Christian Hip-Hop DJ Moment Nobody Expected
🚀 How Christian Hip-Hop DJs Build Bridges Between Faith & Culture
Stay tuned—the story continues.
