What is your name?
Tafari Anthony
What is your genre of music?
Soul/Pop
Give us a little bio about you.
I grew up in a musical family, so singing, writing and performing was always encouraged. It wasn’t until I took a break from those things that I really fell in love with creating and did it more because I needed to and not because I could.
Are you a signed?
Not yet!
You released your new EP ‘ Remember When’ what’s the story behind the EP?
I started the project the same way I did with “Die for You” – with no restrictions. I wanted to make sure it was just an honest representation of what I was into at the time. Turns out I was feeling a bit more Pop last year, so most of the songs ended up having that kind of feel to them.
How long did it take to write?
It was all written at very different times to be honest.
What was the writing and recording process like?
‘To the End’ was written around the time I was working on “Die for You” in 2014/2015, ‘He Changed It’ is by far the oldest song on the EP, that one was written back in 2012. ‘Set Me Free’ and ‘Remember When’ were written last summer.
This project was kept pretty small/simple when it came to recording. I pretty much knew exactly who I wanted to play on the songs. I did all the demos on my own at home, figuring out all the different elements I wanted and played a lot of the parts on these songs. Then I brought them to the studio, got in the musicians I knew would give the right vibe to what I was hearing in my head. Once we had the basis of the songs down, I did all the vocals and we went into mixing and mastering.
Describe each track in two words.
TO THE END – Chill Motivation
HE CHANGED IT – Real Talk
SET ME FREE – In Control
REMEMBER WHEN – Optimistic Heartbreak
Do you have any gigs coming up or maybe a tour of your own?
I’m currently touring with my Acappella band, Eh440, for the rest of the year. There are some plans in motion to hopefully do a couple solo shows before the year is up, but nothing solid to reveal just yet!
If so where will you be heading?
We just got back from playing the Voyage to Jarasum festival in South Korea, and will be playing Massey Hall here in Toronto on September 23rd, which is a dream venue of mine! After that we head back to the states for a string of shows. Specific dates can be found on my website.
Where is your dream venue to play in the uk?
I would love to play Royal Albert Hall! To be able to perform at the same venue as legends like Sting, Phil Collins, Elton John & of course Adele would be so crazy!
Where is your dream venue to play anywhere overseas?
Sydney Opera House
Do you have any collaborations with any other artists in the planning?
I recently connected with producer UNBLOOM and we definitely have something’s cooming up! I have a few more projects in the works too but can’t say much bout those just yet…
Would you consider collaborating with any other artist? if so how could the contact you?
I love collaborating, and I’m definitely looking to do more of it in the future! I’d love to collaborate with Kaytranada, MNEK, NAO, RAY BLK, & SG Lewis. They’ve all got such a great vibe and are all really shaping the sound of future funk, which I love! I mean…if any of then want to collaborate just call me up! …Please! hahaha
What made you go in to music?
I grew up in a musical house
Do you play any instruments?
I play a bit of piano and guitar
Who are your influences?
Ceelo Green, John Legend, Brandy, Prince, Kelly Clarkson
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
A lot of my inspiration comes from stories I hear of people around me.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I hope to be signed and working in partnership with a label, and having that breakthrough moment where the hard work, opportunity and support align to really propel a career.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
If I’m just chilling out; Netflxing, catching up with friends and family…sleep! haha I really love going to see concerts and theatre too.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
Hmm…It was actually an album really. Planes by Unbuttoned. When it came out I was at a point where I was working on music I thought people would like rather than making music I believed in and loved. I listened to that album on repeat and it really just spoke to me and made me reevaluate what I was doing.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
A great song will ultimately see it’s time.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
When it’s the hardest, thats when you have to work even harder. It’s very tempting to just want to give up, but if you really love it then you owe it to yourself to see it through.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Live your truth.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Water, vocal warm up, throat coat, preshow jams, after show chocolate
You are away from home on tour for ages and you get back, where is your go to place in your hometown?
I’m probably gonna want to grab a meal at my favourite place called Cranberries and hit up my favourite record store, Sonic Boom. Then just enjoy the comforts of my own home.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
