Check Out Jakub Hastings’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jakub Hastings.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Ever since I was a kid, music has always been my outlet. A pIace to channel what I didn’t know how to express any other way. I’ve always been drawn to the pen and page from an early age but I think I started actually writing lyrics when I was around 12, just scribbling in notebooks and freestyling for fun. Over time, that turned into a passion I couldn’t shake. I taught myself how to record, mix, and produce. All with no formal training, just trial, error, and the consistent desire to grow and learn as an artist.

I’ve been building as an independent artist ever since, constantly experimenting with new sounds while staying rooted in storytelling and emotion. These days, I’m hands-on with everything I work on…from writing and recording to designing merch and running the visuals. Every part of the process is personal to me. I’m currently based in Colorado, still evolving, still independent, and still driven by the same love for the craft that got me started.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have always been ups and downs throughout the whole musical journey so far but nothing has caused me to rethink my purpose. I would say one of the biggest struggles for me, personally, is the fact that I haven’t had anybody around me who shares much of a similar interest or vision so it’s been a lot of figuring stuff out in solitude. I don’t mind that at all but it would be nice to have others around who I could learn from or vice versa. Just some like minded people focused on doing something good with their art. I’ve always kind of wondered what it would be like to have some sort of team. But ultimately, I love what I do and I have learned a lot about myself having to pretty much learn how to do what I do alone. My focus is on growth and I realize I still have a lot to learn. I’m looking forward to branching out, networking, and collaborating.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
BiONYK is an independent artist based in Colorado, specializing in rap and hip-hop with over 14 years of experience in songwriting, freestyling, vocal recording, and mixing. Known for versatility across a wide range of styles and vibes, all while maintaining a unique and authentic sound. Fully self-taught and hands-on in every aspect..from music production to merch and digital design. Focused, independent, and always evolving. Also, as the designer of all my own merch, cover artwork, etc., I can be sure to maintain my own identity and personality with all aspects of my art.
A lyrically driven artist with many inspirational messages hidden within the music even though a lot of it tends to sound rather “dark” at times. This has been a form of therapy for me and I aspire to help others feel more comfortable with their own hardships as far as mental health, loneliness, addiction, insecurities, etc. Whatever the issue may be, I would like to help the ones who do listen to know that they are not alone in this world. I think it is important to understand that the darkness inside of us (fear, addictions, depression, etc.) is simply one side of the coin. We must love and accept our inner darkness as much as our inner light because I believe through balance brings authenticity of self and in doing so reveals truth. Then, once your truth is revealed to yourself about who you are and who you choose to be, the clarity of your sense of purpose becomes much more clear.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
One thing I love about Denver is how quickly the scenery can change. You can be in the heart of the city one moment and surrounded by mountains the next. There’s a whole mix of environments just a short drive away, which keeps everything feeling fresh and inspiring.

If I had to pick something I dislike, I’d say the cost of living has gotten pretty high, which can make it tough for independent artists trying to get established.
Sometimes it feels like the city’s growing faster than its soul can keep up when it comes to consistently working on more and more new buildings and housing and the more people moving here and living here brings more traffic, but less of that genuine Colorado feel…and much less space for artists to just exist.

Pricing:

• BiONYK Shirts – $30-40 each (prices may vary)
• Verse/Collaboration – Prices range depending on project/request
• Digital Design (cover art, logos, business advertisements, etc.) – Prices vary depending on project

Contact Info:

• Website: https://BiONYKmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionykofficial
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiONYKofficial
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bionykofficial
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/CB4Mntr5us598yt4Eu
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1vCvWmrQz1IFrJJaNFUc7W?si=f2DApDWQR3OInLWrHCn7kA

Image Credits
Live Performance images – Photos by Mark Rodina, Kynzer Riddell, Siobhan Hastings
Merchandise, Cover art – Designed by BiONYK
Recording & Poster images – Courtesy of BiONYK