ARTIST OF THE WEEK INTERVIEW
ST8 SHOOTER ARTIST OF THE WEEK INTERVIEW
Q. Please tell us your name:
A. Teniele Graham
Q. Stage Name:
A. Teniele G. aka LIL T
Q. Where do you live (city & state)?
A. Stafford, VA
Q. What kind of music do you do?
A. Hip Hop and R&B
Q. How did you get started in music?
A. I always use to sing along to other mainstream artists songs whenever they were played when I was younger, and from there I sang in school and church choirs. By the time I was in the 5 grade I attempted writing what I thought were full length songs, and my singing shifted to the form of rap.
Q. What’s your source of inspiration?
A. My source of inspiration would be witnessing the best artists in the game who have done their thing; ranging from any genre in music, and at the same time my daily encounters inspire me to write what’s on my mind.
Q. Why is it your inspiration?
A. Those are my sources of inspiration, because it shows that being the best will make people listen and take you seriously, and when you can get people to listen then they’ll understand the messages or thoughts that I have put together from everyday experiences, things that I see, or just about how I feel in general. This helps gain a fan base and then all can relate to at least one thing.
Q. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as an independent artist:
A. Some challenges that I’ve faced as an independent artist are that most known name venues won’t look at you twice when seeking to perform as an artist. They basically say if your name isn’t being recognized mainstream there’s no need in having you at their events. Personally I believe if an independent artist has noticeable talent, then they should be given a chance, it’ll help with getting their name recognized. Also, when they do allow artists to perform, they want to charge you a fee to perform. Most people just don’t take independent artists seriously or they look down on them until they witness them about to do something major.
Q. What keeps you going in spite of the challenges?
A. In spite of the challenges, I keep going and pushing myself, because I know I have great talent and what I write about anyone can relate and enjoy. Overall, I love music, so I can’t quit on something I love.
Q. How far do you wish to go?
A. I want to go as far as I possibly can with my music and with everything else in the entertainment industry.
Q. What other artists are similar to you:
A. I really don’t know what other artists are similar to me, but I’ve had people come up to me after performances and say, “I haven’t seen anyone perform like that since Lauryn Hill”, or I remind them of Tupac or MC Lyte. It’s sort of nice hearing them refer to those names, but I’d rather be in my own category.
Q. Is music what you do solely/only for a living?
A. No, music isn’t what I do solely/only for a living.
Q. If not, what’s your side hustle (i.e what do you for a living):
A. I’m involved with so many different things, because I’m interested in a lot. I play basketball, I’m fascinated with the criminal law, which is why that is my college major, and I’m a part of the United States Air Force.
Q. What is something about you that no one knows?
A. Hmmm, I’m scared of scary movies at night time, but I’ll be fine watching them during the day.
Q. What is the strangest thing you’ve ever owned?
A. The strangest thing I’ve ever owned, I can’t recall.
Q. Say something funny:
A. This is an independent artist interview; I’m not a comedian.
Q. What advice would you give your fellow artists?
A. Always work hard for what you want.
Q. Where can you be found on the web?
A. On my website www.tenielegraham.com and from there you can view anything from my bio to upcoming projects, and there is a contact tab where you can find any other sites I am on; www.twitter.com/teniele, www.facebook.com/Teniele, etc.
