Latino singer-songwriter Toly Rod talks about the journey of becoming an independent artist.

What does it take to become an independent artist?

I'm Toly Rod, a singer-songwriter and urban pop artist from the Dominican Republic. I moved to New York City with the purpose of developing my craft.

Being an artist is a calling that is usually discovered at a young age, and it is your responsibility to identify that passion and hone your natural skills.

Becoming an independent artist can be challenging. It is a very difficult and competitive industry. But with the right plan and execution, it can also be very rewarding.