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...Tayoh.
Tayoh, is an Edinburgh-based artist, who intricately fuses genres such as Blues, Soul, Hip-Hop, Dance, Alternative, and Pop. His propensity for songwriting, nurtured since early high school, has been expertly transformed into universally accessible art.
Take us back, do you recall the moment you told yourself "I'm going to make this my career", describe that moment. What made you pursue this career?
I had just received a decent amount of reviews from people I did not know and realized people actually did enjoy the music I make so why not make more...
How would you describe your artistic style?
Experimental I’d say, in the sense that I am willing to try out a different style or genre of music if I think it suits the lyrics I have written.
What are you most passionate about? What themes or concepts do you explore in your music?
I love love, it’s just pure and honest and easy to write about cause it’s a feeling I like but I have written about heartbreak, dancing, and I actually wrote a song about falling in love with an alien but ill be working on that song with my band TLDR.
Are there any specific artists or movements that have influenced your work?
Mac dermaco, Tame impala, Duckwrth, and Masego.
If you had to title this chapter in your life, what would it be?
Prologue, cause I'm still working on many plans in the background before fully beginning my journey.
When was the last time you did something for the first time? What did you learn from that experience?
I made an album for the first time and realized it was much easier than I thought. I hope to make a lot more before any traces of creative burnout.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Just keep releasing music. I believe this helps because you don’t know which ones people will absolutely love.
What’s one something you had to “learn the hard way”
People are always ready to take advantage of you.
Has there ever been a time when you felt like giving up and starting a new path? What keeps you focused?
There has never been, my love for music keeps me going. I am literally my biggest fan.
What has been the most exciting thing that has happened to you recently?
Receiving feedback on my songs and realizing which are people's favorites. It helps guide my path in music.
In your opinion, whom do you consider to be a visionary? What about them do you admire most?
Aurora, her music is so beautiful and artistic. I admire the fact that she’s such a free soul, She is my favourite artiste.
How do you show up for yourself? As in, what’s self-care look like for you?
Listening to Aurora’s albums, best self-care routines honestly haha, but actually lately I've been knitting beanies while listening to audiobooks or pondering lyrics.
The past years have been life-changing. What's something new you've learned or discovered about yourself in the past 3 years? How have you applied that to your work?
Save costs wherever possible, just because something is priced high doesn’t mean its worth it.
What was the inspiration for your new project? Can you tell us more about the meaning behind the music?
Nothing actually, I had planned to make an EP and just had the revelation, why not make an album? The album is supposed to signify a start, a platform to let myself understand that I am a musician, the songs themselves are their own individual stories, I would love to talk about them in detail someday.
How does your new music compare to your previous releases?
I would say the songwriting has gotten better.
Describe the creative process. When did you know you had the final cut?
I had written and completed these songs by July. Through the months, I would record and send the files over to Osirus my producer and he would work his magic then I had 13 songs completed. A week before I uploaded it, I felt I could finish up ‘You and I’ and we finished it. The album was able to be released in August. I am so glad ‘You and I’ made it to the album.
What do you feel has been your biggest growth as an artist?
I have grown more comfortable with my songs and I am no longer scared of people's opinions or criticism of them, I believe I need them to grow.
Following your dreams comes with many ups and downs. What would say is the hardest thing about following your dreams?
Money and funding, I NEED THEM!
In your opinion, what do you think is not fair about today's music industry?
The fact I have to dance and create trendy things on social media. It’s so scaryyy
How do you hope your music resonates with viewers or impacts the world?
I want people to enjoy my music, I want to create music for different moods so anyone will find at least one song of mine that they will LOVE.
What's next for your career?
I hope to work with more artists moving forward from now, I believe it’s the best way to form more and stronger connections.
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