Interview

Exclusive interview with Teena, a female musician, and producer

Exclusive interview with Teena, a female musician, and producer.

Teena is an American singer, songwriter, and producer from Long Island, New York. She started playing with Garageband loops and gets really creative with some funky bass lines. In 2019, she released her first album called “Cranberry”.

If you aren’t familiar with Teena read on. We had a chance to interview Teena about her background and achievement so far in the music industry.

Hi Teena, Tell us about your background getting to where you are today?

Teena: I started out as an independent musician back in 2018. That’s when I released my first album, “Cranberry”! I started playing shows and meeting tons of new musicians. I was able to get connected and start collaborating with some lovely individuals. Things flourished over the years, and now I’m gearing up for the release of my first major project!

2: Where are you from?

Teena: I’m from Long Island, New York! 🙂

3: How did you get into music?

Teena: When I was in my freshman year of college at SUNY Fredonia, I got my first Macbook Pro. I started fiddling on Garageband and teaching myself the software. I started getting really creative and experimented with some funky bass lines. Before you know it, I was creating my own little projects. I was inspired to write my first album “Cranberry” over a breakup. It was really difficult to process, so songwriting was really cathartic. It helped me manage my emotions and become a better version of myself.

4: What is the most challenging thing you have overcome in your life?

Teena: The most challenging obstacle was learning how to love me for who I am. I knew I was gay from a really young age, and I had a few “friends” out me as I was growing up. This made me hide for so long and feel like it was wrong to be who I was. Once I started to own myself and love myself, it didn’t matter what people thought. I was able to come into a new version of myself! It was awesome to reach that stage of acceptance.

5: Are you currently signed or independent?

Teena: I am currently signed to Elton Audio Records. I connected with Louis Elton (an artist manager) who also runs the company, and since then I feel like my sound has only grown.

6: Who inspires you the most musically?

Teena: Caroline Polachek is my biggest inspiration. She’s been in the industry for quite some time. She used to be in this band called Chairlift that I really love. She’s got the most avant-garde, synthy, futuristic sound. It’s just so sonically pleasing. I’ve been creating so many of my own productions that are inspired by her sound. She’s so cool because she’s written and produced for artists like Beyonce, Travis Scott, Blood Orange, and more – but you never heard her name for years. Not until she started releasing her own stuff, and then it blew up. She’s got such a unique style and a killer voice. She’s a badass woman, and she’s a testament to the fact that you can be over the age of 30 and still be making it in the industry.

7: What do you want people to take away after listening to your music?

Teena: I aim to create a vision in people’s heads. I want them to feel the raw emotion of my music. I want to put them in the exact time, place, and situation of what I’m going through so that it creates this image. Most importantly, I want them to be able to relate and be moved by my messages. Empowering people is my biggest goal.

8: What is your greatest achievement as a musician?

Teena: My biggest achievement to date is working with Eren Cannata of Warner Chappell Records. He produced my song, “Strangers In My Bed”. Eren is an incredible musician, producer, and guy in general. He also produces for some major artists, so this opportunity was incredible to ha

9: Do you produce your own music? If not who do you work with?

Teena: I do produce, but my skill is not yet where I want it to be. This is why I work with producers! My process involves writing and then taking it to the studio. I just kind of free-write lyrics, and then I improvise a melody based on the words. I turn to producers because I want to create only the best, most polished version of my music. Some of the main producers I have worked with are Eren Cannata, Nikademis, and some others under my current label.

10: Who is one artist you wish you could work with?

Teena: Isaac Dunbar. Hands down! I am astonished by him. He’s not only an insane vocalist, but he’s an amazing producer. He’s able to experiment and flirt with so many different styles – especially in his new album “Evil Twin.” I find him to be such an inspiration. I also feel like our voices would sound incredible together.

11: Tell us about any new music you have coming out? When is coming out? What is it about?

Teena: I’m so excited about my new music! The release date is still being decided. My new album plays with the idea of astrology, retrogrades, space, and has an overall futuristic vibe. Star Wars fans will love it! It’s a breakup album, with an interesting twist in its concept

12: What does a day inside your shoes look like?

Teena: If you’re in Teenatown (ba dum tiss), you’re having fun! Haha. I really try to get out and just enjoy the sun. I love to write, produce, and find new musical influences. If I’m not doing that, I’m probably just doing some homework, to be honest.

13: Anything else you want the audience to know about you?

Teena: Go listen to “Teena” on Spotify, Apple Music, and all the streaming services! Also, check out www.teenatown.com for new updates! Thanks so much! 🙂

What do you think? Drop a comment below…

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Indie

Exclusive Interview with Elton Lee

Elton Lee is a visionary artist who seeks to tell stories through his music. With “Sentimental Curse,” he ventures into uncharted territories, blending instrumental prowess with narrative depth to create a truly unique listening experience. He took some time out from his busy schedule to answer a few questions for us.

Welcome, Elton. Please tell us about yourself, your music, and how being from Oklahoma City has influenced your music.

I was born in Roswell, New Mexico, and at a young age, I moved to Oklahoma. Growing up, my dad was a big influence on my music taste, introducing me to rock, country, and blues, while my mom taught me how to play guitar. As I got older, my musical influences ranged from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Megadeth; because of this, my music is not set on one genre. I think Oklahoma City has a very diverse and growing music scene, full of energy, that allows new artists to get noticed.

Your latest album is “Sentimental Curse.” Tell us about the project, how the concept came together, and the recording process.

“‘Sentimental Curse’ started as what was supposed to be a three-song EP. As time went on, I really got into instrumentals, then had the idea to tell a story through them, and at that point, three songs were not enough. Without lyrics, there is a freedom to where the listener’s mind can go. I try to use the song titles to guide the listener towards the theme of each song.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3iBp1etwW41GJneHHW2Uc9?si=StMT4TQtT2–62zX36jh0Q

What’s your favorite track on the album?

My favorite track on the album is probably ‘Shine’. The way that song came together was special. I also really enjoy Aodhan Mustain’s vocals on that one.

Live or studio, and why?

The album was studio-recorded. I am very lucky to have space at Onyx Studio to write and record music.

What’s next on your schedule? Another album, tour?

At the moment, I am already working on writing for future projects. While doing so, I will eventually start looking for musicians and form a solid band to perform.

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Fashion

An Exclusive Interview with TDKMULAA

Today, we have the privilege of delving into the world of TrillionDollaKidd, a brand that has risen to prominence over the past three years, captivating the fashion scene with its unique approach to clothing and unyielding commitment to quality. Join us as we sit down with TrillionDollaKidd’s founder, owner, and creative director, the visionary behind this iconic label, to uncover the driving force behind its success and to gain insight into what makes TrillionDollaKidd stand out in a crowded industry.

Q1: Can you share some highlights of TrillionDollaKidd’s journey over the past three years? What accomplishments are you most proud of?

In the past three years, TrillionDollaKidd has been to many places and met many influential people that others have trouble coming across, from packed-out shows selling merchandise to being in rooms with stars, influencers, and celebrities. We have also been in many other magazines throughout our journey.

Q2: How did you come up with the name TrillionDollaKidd, and what does it represent for your brand?

I came up with TrillionDollaKidd being in the car with my family and just chopping it up about what we wanted to do in life (this was around 2019). I came up with the name TrillionDollaKidd by thinking outside the box and wanting to be different. TrillionDollaKidd stands for individuals who see no limits in what they can do or achieve, and that’s with Anything. We see ourselves as overachievers and everybody around us as well.

Q3: As the founder/owner and creative director, how do you balance your creative vision with the practical aspects of running a fashion brand?

As the founder and creative director, I balance both positions by studying the game and business of fashion. It’s hard work, but being smart and studying particular niches will take a long way in balancing and staying on top of both positions.

Q4: TrillionDollaKidd is often called “the brand for all hustlers.” Can you elaborate on the inspiration behind this tagline and how it reflects in your brand’s identity?

Yes, the brand for all hustlers stands for individuals who see every day as a hustle with anything. That’s how you stay on top of the game and be strategic like a hustler. Hustlers are intelligent, bold, strategic, and risk-takers like everyone in everyday life. Working jobs is even a hustle, so everyone in the world is considered a hustler somehow, and my brand shows them this every time.

Q5: Quality seems to be a core value for your brand. Could you share more about your approach to ensuring the highest quality in your clothing?

Yes, We want nothing but the best quality materials here at TrillionDollaKidd. Without good quality, I feel like we are our customers and ourselves. As a luxury fashion business, it’s essential to give our customers the best, especially when it comes down to dominating our competitors.

Q6: TrillionDollaKidd focuses on limited pieces rather than fully stocked items. What’s the reasoning behind this strategy, and how does it benefit your customers?

We benefit from our one-of-one pieces, our limited edition collections, because everyone wants to feel special in their own way. So we make them feel unique and drop collections that, if sold out, will take a long time to restock or no restock. This makes customers feel they have exclusive one-of-one materials and gear from the best brands.

Q7: What do you believe sets TrillionDollaKidd apart from other streetwear and designer fashion brands?

Our collections, customer service, materials, and designs differentiate us. We try not to copycat but make nothing but authentic designs that are only for our brand. We make our patterns and more, marking our fashion industry path.

Q8: Could you discuss the importance of expressing your talents through fashion and how this passion drives your work at TrillionDollaKidd?

Fashion has always been my passion, but seeing others in my creations makes it 10 times better for me even to have a brand, making me push harder every day. Then, the fact of being different, I like how it separates me from other designers or entrepreneurs.

Q9: In the ever-evolving fashion industry, what trends or changes do you anticipate for TrillionDollaKidd in the near future?

We plan on making or dominating any way that comes in the fashion business with our designs and more.

Q10: How does the Chicago location influence the brand’s identity, and are there any plans to expand beyond this location?

Chicago or Illinois period is a good spot for us because this is home. People love to see someone from their hometowns become successful, famous, or whatever the deal is because it gives them hope. I give my people hope, which helps us more as a brand.

Q11: Lastly, what advice would you give aspiring fashion entrepreneurs who want to make their mark in the industry based on your experiences and success with TrillionDollaKidd?

I advise all upcoming entrepreneurs and designers to stay consistent, stay true to themselves and their dreams, study the game, and run their business. Don’t let the business run you. Don’t let any of that go over your heads. – TDKMULAA