We recently had the chance to connect with LeeTheSensei and have shared our conversation below.
LeeTheSensei, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I tend to find myself losing track of time when I’m watching some of my favorite anime series. My top three as of right now in life are Seven Deadly Sins, Hunter x Hunter, and Naruto Shippuden. There seems to always be hidden gems in whichever series I’m watching that correlates to my life. I recently just finished rewatching Shippuden and learned a lot about leadership and sacrifice, two key components in owning your own platform (Trndradio.com).
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m LeeTheSensei — artist, entrepreneur, and head of NeverDie Records, a St. Louis–born label dedicated to spotlighting authentic voices and untold stories. My journey started with recording songs in the break room in the Dillards in Galleria Houston, but it’s grown into building a creative hub where independent talent can thrive without losing their soul. My brand blends music, culture, and tech — from Trndradio, our nonprofit radio station that plays St. Louis artists 24/7, to innovative tech apparel that connects people directly to the music. Everything I do is about preserving our city’s culture while pushing it into the future. Right now, I’m expanding our reach into new markets, rolling out interactive merch, and developing programs that give artists real tools, exposure, and opportunities to win.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My grandparents taught me the most about work. To watch them take care of not only their family but generations on generations definitely was a big part of what molded my character and work ethic.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me the strength in resilience. Resilience is very powerful, especially in business. That’s how I even ended up creating TrndRadio. Not allowing ‘no’ to be the final say so.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
I don’t. I’ve been setting trend’s since the begin. That’s what I’ll continue to do, it’s all I know. But for answering purposes I can’t really describe it, it’s kind of like a sixth sense. Like when you can sense if someone isn’t genuine.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about Sensei is that he played a pivotal role in the history of St Louis Music culture. When I think of St Louis I think of family. That’s all I see and I just want everyone to win, especially the ones who deserve to. There’s way too many talented artists bred out of St Louis for us not to have a culturally known music scene.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://trndradio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leethesensei/
- Twitter: https://x.com/LeeTheSensei
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075854028578
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrndRadio314
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/leethesensei
