History

“In the beginning was the word”

Mastery Studios was born through the mud of failure. 

I planned (?) or at least hoped to release a signature album project entitled MOST VALUABLE on Black Friday 2016. All of – or not really (?) – my energy was directed toward creating and releasing this project, toward the obvious goal of “making it.”

By then I was year 5 into my professional music journey – writing, recording, and performing as CHRIS WI$E. 

Dwelling in the failure to launch this project, hurt, embarrassed after promoting MOST VALUABLE throughout 2016, I was supported by a book loan from my brother: Mastery by George Leonard.

The concept of mastery is stated plainly in the introduction: "the mysterious process during which what is at first difficult becomes progressively easier and more pleasurable through practice."

Regardless of how I felt about the missed deadline, the dropped ball – there was hope through Mastery. I also felt enlightened: how could I claim to be the MVP… when I had not yet achieved mastery through persisted practice?

Giving up was not an option: I still had my skills. The years I had put in. The new material I did create. Now I had a clear path forward: The Pursuit of Mastery. 

A new life strategy.

And a new album title. 

But wait.

That was 8 years ago.

And neither album has been released yet.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

There’s a blessing in that laughter: understanding.

Committed to the master’s journey, I know that there is just an unknowingly long process that it takes to reach the true finality of a project. Further, my cash register is no longer plugged in the music industry in the way that it was during my early to mid 20s [Nip reference].

Clarify: I am in love with music. In fact, more than ever before – because my headphones are higher quality these days 🤣. My ear is more refined. I’ve been writing music for 20+ years and recording professionally for 13, and it is great joy to return to the songs of my emerging and uncover new effects and sonic miracles. 

I’m paying attention now. I’m actively listening. 

That is MASTERY.

Evidence of growth over extended time through protracted commitment. 

–

Fittingly, Mastery Studios the brand and business has experienced its own stop/starts. I married in 2017, my wife gave birth to a miracle child in December 2020, and btw, do y’all remember that pandemic? Through it, I navigated a career pivot to education, becoming a high-performing middle school math teacher. 

Was it the original plan? No.

Has it been Mastery every day since? Absolutely. 

My music is no longer THE focal point. The jersey is not up yet. I won’t use a Udonis Haslem analogy yet either. It’s not over! Hope Dies Last: The Pursuit of Mastery, Vol. 1 will hopefully find its release date. I have a single that’s been in the tuck for at least a year. 

And if not…

My life has found its purpose. Through my family, I have entered the future. Investments at home will carry on far beyond my lived years on Earth. 

Worst case, as it pertains to my music, I love my lasting remark, Famous Last Words. I said what was needed and I left my mark on the microphone. There’s still hope for the album, I’ll always keep writing, and we’ll see what happens over the years.

Most important now is the foundation: building a sustainable business and a legendary brand to impact generations.