Atlanta Artist Guru Pluggy Simmons Sits Down With Springfield Rising Star Sekunda for a Wide-Ranging Conversation on Music, Creativity and the Independent Grind

[Caden Burks]

Atlanta, GA — Independent artist and industry personality Guru Pluggy Simmons  recently sat down with rising Springfield, Missouri artist Sekunda for an insightful conversation featured through Tha Purple Shell and Indy Industry Network, touching on everything from viral social media strategies and genre-bending music to international travel, personal experiences and the challenges of building an independent career.

The conversation quickly turned toward social media when Pluggy asked Sekunda how he managed to generate more than 1.5 million views on Instagram Reels. Sekunda's response reflected the mindset that has become central to his independent approach: every day is another opportunity to create momentum.

Sekunda explained that every day he posts represents another chance to potentially break through, emphasizing that he takes his career one day at a time rather than becoming consumed by trying to predict when the next major opportunity will come.

That philosophy appeared to resonate with Pluggy, who also showed appreciation for Sekunda's willingness to consistently put himself and his creativity into the public eye.

“Make It Happen” Gets Pluggy's Attention

One of the standout moments of the conversation came when Pluggy discussed Sekunda's hit single “Make It Happen.”

Pluggy praised the record for sounding different and recognized its potential to become a hit. Sekunda revealed that the song was inspired by a Will Smith film, explaining that the inspiration helped shape his vision for creating music that could contribute to changing the narrative surrounding artists and music coming out of the Springfield, Missouri area.

Rather than limiting himself to one established sound, Sekunda has continued experimenting with different styles, audiences and creative concepts.

Pluggy recognized that approach, praising Sekunda for how he “covers ground” with his music and suggesting that other independent artists could benefit from approaching the industry in a similar way.

The 417 Mafia 7-Day Lock-In Challenge

The discussion also touched on the “417 Mafia 7 Day Lock In Challenge,” an ambitious concept centered around Sekunda committing himself to an intense seven-day creative environment.

Pluggy acknowledged the difficulty of the challenge, describing the idea of being locked into a room for seven consecutive days as a “tall task.”

For independent artists, challenges like these can represent more than just content or competition. They can test an artist's discipline, creativity and ability to consistently produce under pressure.

From Springfield to Major Stages

Pluggy also highlighted Sekunda's growing list of accomplishments as an independent artist.

Sekunda has opened for major names including Soulja Boy, Waka Flocka Flame and Mexican OT, while also making appearances at major events such as South by Southwest (SXSW).

For Pluggy, those opportunities represent significant milestones, particularly for an independent artist coming from a market like Springfield.

He gave Sekunda his flowers for taking an unconventional approach to his career and embracing the process of putting his personality, creativity and ideas directly in front of audiences.

A Journey to the Top of a Mountain

The interview took an unexpected turn when Sekunda discussed an international experience involving traveling up a mountain to receive a tattoo from what he described as the oldest tattoo artist in the world.

Pluggy immediately reacted to the story, saying it sounded almost like a ritual.

Sekunda explained that reaching the destination required approximately 24 hours of travel, with the journey itself becoming part of the experience. The story highlighted a side of Sekunda that extends beyond music — a willingness to travel, explore unfamiliar environments and seek out experiences that ultimately become part of his creative identity.

He also spoke about experiences he interpreted as examples of divine intervention, including being in Philipeans shortly before a volcanic eruption. According to Sekunda, the hotel where he had been staying was later affected by a volcanic event, while the mountain near the area where he had been riding reportedly became active only days after he had left the region.

Sekunda additionally recalled being underground in Taiwan during an earthquake, adding another extraordinary chapter to a collection of international experiences that have shaped his perspective.

Pluggy Reacts to “TMU”

Pluggy also listened to Sekunda's most recent release, “TMU,” and immediately recognized the record's unconventional character.

“This is definitely different,” Pluggy said, before going on to praise Sekunda's creativity and ability to reach different audiences.

He continued:

“You definitely different, I hear a bunch of creativity, and a lot of markets being touched.”

Throughout the song, Pluggy could be seen bobbing his head and clearly engaging with Sekunda's creative direction.

The reaction reinforced one of the biggest themes of the interview: Sekunda isn't necessarily trying to fit neatly into one established musical box.

When Pluggy asked what genre Sekunda considers himself part of, Sekunda described himself as half hip-hop and half pop, ultimately summing up his philosophy with a simple statement:

“I got music for everyone.”

A Birthday With Historical Significance

Another memorable moment came when Sekunda revealed that his birthday is September 11, 2001.

Pluggy immediately reacted with disbelief and emotion, recognizing the historical significance of the date.

“Damn, that was the day. That was the actual day. Wowww,” Pluggy exclaimed.

Pluggy then recalled being in middle school when the September 11 attacks occurred, creating an unexpected moment of reflection during an otherwise music-focused conversation.

Pluggy Gives Flowers to Sekunda and Caden Burks

By the end of the conversation, Pluggy continued emphasizing his respect for Sekunda's independent approach.

From experimenting with multiple genres to traveling internationally, performing alongside major artists and consistently creating content, Sekunda's career reflects an artist who appears determined to build his own lane rather than wait for traditional industry approval.

Pluggy's message was ultimately one of encouragement: continue putting yourself out there, continue creating and continue finding different markets.

The conversation also included Pluggy showing support for Caden Burks, giving him a public shoutout and encouraging viewers to “tap in with my guy.”

The interview between Guru Pluggy Simmons and Sekunda offered more than a traditional artist conversation. It provided a glimpse into two different sides of the independent music world while highlighting the importance of creativity, consistency, networking and taking chances.

For Sekunda, the message remains straightforward: take it one day at a time, keep creating and make every post, song and opportunity count.

Article By - Kendrick Miles