Our 'ON THE SPOT ' interview series highlights individuals throughout the creative community for their contributions to art and culture. Putting these artists "on the spot" we created a space where creatives and innovators tap into the conversation to uplift and continue to inspire the creative community. Next up is...TEE.
TEE introduced his innovative concept project 'LOOP' last November, a narrative expressed through music and visuals rather than an EP or a series of singles. Recognized by 1Xtra, Rinse, Atwood Magazine, and other platforms, the project has received notable support. In the upcoming year, the emerging artist will unveil his debut full-length EP 'Valley FM,' commencing with the release of the lead single 'Getaway' in February. Entirely self-produced, 'Getaway' showcases detuned guitars complementing TEE's velvety vocals, accompanied by dynamic drumbeats that emphasize his eloquent lyricism. Serving as an initial glimpse into TEE's artistic landscape, this introductory track sets the stage for what lies ahead in 2024. Having honed his skills as an arranger, producer, and bassist, TEE has been recognized with two Youth Music Awards for Best Lyricist and Best Performer. His experiences touring with esteemed acts like Little Simz, Ghetts, Cleo Sol, and N-Dubz, where he served as a live show programmer, have further enriched his musical journey. By observing and refining his techniques, TEE continues to expand his own musical repertoire.
How would you describe your artistic/creative style?
My style is based around storytelling. I take a lot from other art forms, poetry, film etc. So for me it’s about using what I can do to tell the best story.
Are there any artists or social movements that have influenced your creativity; and how do you showcase this in your work?
Of course, everyday I find something dope, something inspiring. I don’t think that it is as much I want to do the same thing, or I wanna to copy someone, I just appreciate how other creatives push the boundaries and it is inspiring to find my own ways to break out of the mould.
Can you recall the best thing you've done, simply because you were told you couldn't?
I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by people that are supportive through whatever. The 2021 Youth Music Awards was a near enough life changing event for me. I won 2 awards, best lyricist and best live performance. It wasn’t so much that I was told that I couldn’t do it, but it was more that was an affirmation of where I am supposed to be.
What's a project or moment of your career that you are most proud of?
I don’t know that there is a moment that I am most proud of. But my last project ‘LOOP’ we had a single release. It was amazing to just see all of the people that support me, that have poured into me as an artist be in the same room and show love. That’s the stuff that I live for.
What had been the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
The hands will never surpass the eye. It’s a quote which means that if you rely on your muscle memory that you can only get so far. You have to push yourself each and every day.
Have you ever had a "this can't be happening" moment? Tell us more about this experience.
I think a lot of those types of emotions come from expectations. If I try to concentrate on numbers, or engagement or any of the things that make social media make you feel are important. You are never going to be satisfied by the output of the music you make. So I have had it, where I am expecting certain songs, videos etc to do better than they did. But I also realise that my music is the gift. Being able to share my story with the world is the part in which I enjoy most. So that moment of, this can’t be happening, or why is this happening to me change very quickly when my mainframe changes.
What have you grown to love and/or outgrown in the past year? What was the last thing to make you happy?
Peace. Being able to enjoy my downtime has created a better life for me. Viewing my art as work and being able to go to the studio, work and then leave, and leave it there. As a musician it is always hard to balance. When you aren’t practising/making music there is always a feeling of guilt. For me being able to compartmentalise, has created a better working environment, with more aim and focus. Also a better environment at home where I am able to have peace.
If you had to title this era of your life, what would you call it? And why?
This is my Valley/Montage era. I have done a lot of things in music, and It has taken me about 8 years to finally to start to settle down into the things that I love. Now it’s the time to put in the 10,000 to those things and reap the rewards of that.
How do you feel about AI art? What impacts do you think it will have on creators in the future?
As long as it becomes a way to assist the music-making process I welcome it. It becomes weird when it starts to do things for you, rather than assist what you are trying to create.
What creative sources or outlets do you often visit to get inspiration and renew your creativity?
My circle, I am surrounded by talented people, who keep me focused and determined. A phone call, a studio session, a catch up with any of my peoples and I feel like the fire is ignited again.
How do you show up for yourself? As in, what does self- care look like for you?
Taking the time to compartmentalise. Knowing when it’s time for work, time for family, time for games. And putting 100% of myself to each thing, when it comes rather than trying to multi task. That is when I am doing my best.
These past years have been life-changing. What’s something new you've learned or discovered about yourself? How have you applied that to your work?
I spent a lot of time learning about different sides of music from production, to playing instruments, to programming, to live, to mixing etc. I thought that it was best to do it all by myself, but now i'm realising the power of a great team. The power of having people help and helping people so we can all achieve greatness together.
What do you want to see more of in the creative space?
Individuality, everyone has something amazing and different to give, so I want to see more of that, rather than hopping on the band wagon of what’s cool atm.
Our passions drive our purpose, what recurring messages or themes do you often explore in your work?
Vulnerability. I realise as an adult how much strength and power there is in there. How important it is to let go of Ego, to learn and to serve. That is something super important to me at the moment.
What still amazes you?
The feeling of music. That is something that can never go away.
You're building your dream creative team, who's on it?
I’ll take the people that I already have around me, maybe with a dash of rick Ruben, and kanye can visit every now and then.
What's next for you artistically?
Growth, doing more, feeling more, writing more, creating more.
If you were to write a message in the sky, what would it say?
Stream my tune x GETAWAY X
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