FLINT, Michigan — On a warm summer day at the Flint Institute of Arts, sunlight filtered gently through the museum’s high glass windows. Inside The Palette Cafe, located in the museum’s north entrance hallway, echoing with the soft shuffle of visitors, became the setting for my conversation with the creative force, Anthony Feimster, better known as Feimstro.

Wearing a bright yellow sweater, blue jeans, brown circular glasses, and a cap adorned with an eclectic array of buttons, Feimstro appeared effortlessly in his element — blending bold style with a deep sense of intentionality.

“I’m on day 73 [of] reading The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron,” he shared, animated by a newfound clarity in his journey. “It exposed me to more of what I was already doing. Some things I was afraid to mention [and do]. I started to notice this creative block I had — it wasn’t only unblocking the musical side of me, it was unblocking me as a creative.”

Feimstro has never been content with limiting his artistry to one lane. As a musician, writer, student, community leader, and artist-in-residence, his life is an ever-expanding musical tapestry orchestrated with personal growth, emotional vulnerability, and a profound connection to culture and community.

What separates him from others, however, is how seamlessly he fuses those identities with discipline and self-love — two themes that continuously resurfaced in our conversation.

“I’m learning how just to express myself to the fullest capacity each moment,” he said. “Whether that’s walking in the park, shaving my beard, or getting into fashion, I’m doing it without apology.”

This sense of freedom is hard-earned. In the past, he’s mentioned the difficulty of finishing projects — a creative tension many artists know well — and smiles thoughtfully when I ask if he’s gotten better at it. 
Courtesy photo“Discipline is important because your motivation will run out,” says Feimstro.
“Consistency is not always giving 100% every day. Sometimes, it’s 5%, 28%, or 95%. In that moment, what happened needed to happen. Perfectionism is egotism. You’ll never accomplish perfection. Once I got that out of the way, it was easier to finish.”

That awareness, Feimstro admitted, wasn’t always natural. It came through intentional routine, self-inquiry, and learning the power of rest.

“Discipline is important because your motivation will run out,” he expressed intently. “Discipline is the theme that keeps me going, and then you get addicted to it.”

This internal foundation enables him to balance a multifaceted life, including earning his master’s degree in jazz from Michigan State University, fulfilling multiple residencies (one at the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library), and producing a new album that reflects his maturing voice as an artist.

At the core of his latest music project, Dis Aint No Joke, lies a deep reverence for genre fusion and cultural storytelling. The album, a textured blend of jazz, R&B, gospel, and blues, is not just sonically ambitious; it’s deeply personal.

“I’m a big Ray Charles fan,” he said. “I spent time just creating from within and saying this is what I want to do. Musically, Dis Aint No Joke was quirky. It was fun. It was goofy in some moments, but there were serious topics. I was becoming comfortable coming out of my shell to speak about how people ain’t been the same since COVID.”

Despite increasing recognition and creative success, Feimstro remains grounded. His vision of impact centers not on accolades, but accessibility and representation. His residency with the library, for example, has focused on integrating music therapy with literacy.

He beams when talking about chalk drawings on the sidewalk, musical chairs on the lawn, and the joy of seeing children connect with their imaginations.

“While they’re reading stories to the kids, I’m playing guitar in the background. Or we’re doing musical chairs, and I’m playing the song,” he explained. “Sometimes the kids come up and make their own songs while I’m playing. It’s about showing what’s possible through music and literature. It’s creating a safe space for children to understand how they feel with music.”
Courtesy photoFeimstro's residency at the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library signals a desire to mix music and literature.
One of the most moving moments occurred when discussing emotional labor and the subtle shifts that accompany personal growth.

Another book Feimstro’s reading, The Let Them Theory, gives him space to process the moments of having to let people go, while also allowing him to evolve and grow. 

“Some family and friends fell off,” he said, with quiet acceptance. “Some of them understand. But I’ve been telling people I am no longer accepting mediocrity around me. I’m a good seed, and I deserve good soil. Whoever left can leave; whoever stays, that’s my focus as I’m working on my internal self.”

Feimstro’s desire to teach, to share, to evolve pulses through everything he does. With his master’s studies in jazz performance, he’s not only seeking technical mastery but linguistic fluency.

“Jazz is a language. Once you understand it, you can say whatever you want,” he said.

“I want to do with jazz and soul what Robert Glasper did with jazz and Hip-Hop.” It’s also affected his approach to performances. “I used to focus only on performing at my best level. Now, I take my time. I consider the audience. I have the courage to stop mid-show and acknowledge someone in the crowd.”

It’s this courage and care that sets him apart. Toward the end of the conversation, Feimstro reflected on the season of life he’s currently in.

“If I had to describe it, I’d say Spring. I’m blossoming. I’m in a season of growth and emotional awareness. I’m waiting, but I’m working. And I’m learning that anger isn’t bad — it’s fuel. I want people to know that wherever you are in life, it’s okay to be yourself. Don’t stop believing in yourself. Continue to dream as big as you can.”

“I just keep doing what I feel is right. Who knows, y’all may look up and see me doing my Grammy speech.”

And if his story is any indication, we’ll be listening sooner rather than later.

Click here to learn more about Feimstro and to check out his music.