TK delves on his creative tastes, musical inspirations & new single “Stacks”
Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself.
Thanks for having me. My name is Tk , I was born and raised in Toronto. Although I did move around to different parts of the GTA the west side of Toronto is where I call “home”.
What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
From I was born music was always around me as both my father and mother are music lovers themselves. My mother played the reggae/dancehall, as my father was more into rap. Both of their musical influence has shaped my knowledge and appreciation for the craft. As well, my uncle who loved hip-hop and would always freestyle and rap around me which was the coolest thing to me. He was very skilled at his craft, which gave me the push to be like him or better. From a young age I was interested in the creation of hip-hop and how it came to be. Instead of listening to the predominate artist of that time period, I went back and listened to a lot of older artist. I was intrigued. I started writing poems in school, which I became very skilled in. From writing poems my friends would hype me up to write a rap song like they all did. My first attempts were nothing of great but it was actually fun to me. From there I always seemed to practice my writing, flow, and content. Eventually through my constant practice and love for the craft I became decent. I wanted to be better than decent though, I wanted to be good, one of the best people have heard or known. So I practiced my craft in everyway I could until I became content with my skill. But before my actual interest and love for music, music was my safe place, where I didn’t feel alone. Growing up in rough environments and an unstable home can affect a young child. Music was my escape and what gave the feeling that I wasn’t alone.
Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?
My latest release titled “Stacks” is probably one of my favorite releases due to the fact the song all around is a good piece of work. From the production to the vocals and so much more. I like to be versatile and speak on different topics. A woman being empowered in anyway is something big for me and I use the topic from time to time in different songs. I have a song called “Black Queen” which is more of a bright political stance of empowerment, then I have “Stacks” which is more for the women who hustle are their own bosses in a sense. Both have the same message but I paint it in a different light as I believe that no matter what you do, or where you come from, you deserved to be recognized and empowered.
What makes your music unique? How would you describe it?
I would say my sound stands out because it doesn’t sound like the regular stuff coming out the city. Toronto has a pretty distinct style ands sound. I respect everyone doing his or her thing but being different is something really important to me. As I was practicing my craft a big thing for me was finding my sound. Its hard cause you want people to gravitate to what kind of is familiar but at the some time you don’t want to get lost in what’s going on with everyone else. You can’t compare me to any artist that out in the city or at all really. I have distinct voice, sound, and flow. Every song I release basically has a different vibe, flow, or aspect. I don’t have any songs that sound the same. Ill continue to strive to be different as that’s what will set me apart from others and make me stand out.
Who are your biggest musical influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
My musical influences are more from the old school era or what most would call the “Golden Era” of hip-hop. I learned my knowledge and built my craft from the older generation more so than the current. My favorite artist is “Tupac Shakur”. Everyone seems to be a Tupac fan these days but I really studied this man like it was a class you could take in college. Not only his music but also his talent in acting, being outspoken, a critical thinker, his compassion, and ties to the Black Panther movement really intrigued me. The thing that blew me away about him the most is that he was able to do all that by the age of 25. Some people can’t even be successful in one realm, yet alone multiple. Tupac, Nas, AZ, Biggie, Eazy E, Bone thugs and Harmony, Wutang, are a few of my older influences. As for this generation I would say people like J.Cole, Kanye, Cyhi, K Kamp and few others give me some influence.
Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
The proudest moment in music I would have to say is when I did my first stage show. I was real nervous at first but wanted to push myself coming out my comfort zone. Although it was first performance it turned out really well and the other artist were surprised when I mentioned it was first time ever performing and being on stage. It made me know that I can actually get it done if I put my mind to it. As well, the engagement towards my music video “Westside”. The support and feedback from the video was overwhelmingly good, which I was proud of as well.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?
Its hard to balance your music with your responsibilities, especially if you’re a person who has a lot on your plate. I honestly fit my music wherever I can. It that important to me that at the end of the day ill stay up a extra 2-3 hours to record or write something down. Sometimes ill write my music when I’m suppose to be doing other things. I will multitask in order to get things done. I don’t have much time myself due to my responsibilities but I ALWAYS find a way for my craft. Always.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
To aspiring artist. Take your craft and yourself serious. People are only going to take you as serious as you treat yourself. Don’t wait for anyone; don’t wait for any approval of some sort. If you want to do this and get it done, you will push yourself to do so. Don’t give up on yourself. There’s always set backs and times you feel like you shouldn’t be doing what you love. It’s apart of the journey. Nothing comes easy, if so, everybody would have it. Don’t feel bad if people you know don’t support you. It usually happens like that till. You may have a few people you know support you but a lot will not until they see the masses do. It sucks, but don’t let this get to you. Continue to do your craft and act as if the people you know don’t exist. Do it for yourself, not them. Work to get better. Don’t settle and feel that your skill level or where you’re at is the end. Always challenge yourself to do more or something different. This will only help you out with your craft and creativity.
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
A message to my fans, THANK YOU! It’s honestly the support that helps to drive me. I do push myself regardless but the support means the world. I have people who can barley speak English telling me how they love my music. It’s a special feeling.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?
I have a few single releases coming in the next months. After I release those and have some promotion for them I will be focusing on shooting a few videos. One for my latest release “Stacks” and another for one the singles I will be releasing.
Follow TK
