MTV featured, award nominated artist Von Tae' began writing and recording music in 2009. Growing up in a musically inclined family with singers and dancers, it was natural that Von Tae' would pick up what he was influenced by through family members. Playing around with his mom's cassette tapes and record player, he became heavily Influenced by the likes of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Luther Vandross, The Temptations, Missy Elliott, TLC, Ray Charles, and Usher just to name a few.
Hello Von Tae' its nice having you here. The last time I spoke with you was like 2years back ,it's been a long while. How has it been?
It’s been amazing man, been working on some amazing stuff. Just focused on life and living right. How have you been?
I have been making some changes, you they say change is the only permanent thing in life.
Haha, very true! Well I've been working on an EP; just released my mixtape and things are looking up. I've found peace within myself. I few years ago I thought everything was falling to pieces until I found courage and started to pray more and things seem to be happening for me.
And from the look of things you nothing has been the same. Tell me more because it's seems you have so much now. I see that you have improved. I can see you really put more effort into it. I like the mixtape. It's dope. Let's talk about upcoming EP ' 20 Minutes Past Late' how is it like? I mean the concept.
Thank you, thank you. I totally agree. And thank you for the compliments on the mixtape
My EP is very energized. It’s very cocky, and in your face. I think it'll help boost the confidence of its listeners. It definitely did for me. It was like therapy writing and recording it.
What inspired you to come up with such title 20 Minutes Past Late? There’s a bigger picture can you throw more light?
I decided to name it 20 Minutes Past Late because of my life. Everything's been late. Getting my license, my car, etc. Plus it’s been a minute since my last project so this album is kinda "late" to me and my fans. But I know when it’s done it'll be worth the wait.
I love your perception. Its meaningful it's a very clear one and I think people can't wait to listen to the music. Let's talk about you. You were featured on MTV and Rolling Out Magazine deemed you” The New Voice of Pop Culture” They gave you that to show you your work ethic? What do you have to say about being noticed and what does it mean to you?.
It’s a blessing being recognized for what you've worked hard for. I’ve come a long way since being a little kid growing up dreaming about these things and now they are happening. I’m so fortunate to have these things and the ability to reach out to others as an inspiration.
I can't imagine how you feel right now. Where do you see yourself in in 5 years from now?
5 years from now I see myself happy, still ambitious, a father of twins, still making music, touring, successful, one of the greatest entertainers of all time and giving back to my community where I was raised as well to other people who are less fortunate. I'm all about giving back and helping others in need.
Giving back? Many popular act said the same thing but they changed with time. What makes you think you'll you won't end up like them?
I could never because I have a heart. A lot of people say things just for attention, I don't. I have people in my family struggling so I will always be the one to give back because I see it every day.
Is that your motivation, giving back? What Provides You With Motivation? Are You a Self Motivator?
I'm always motivating. Its in my music. I don't do music for fun or a hobby. It’s my life. I share my life experiences (good/bad) to motivate. I'm nobody's role model and wouldn't say my music is anything of a role model, its just real and raw. Take it or leave it.
You know how music is in this century, if you don't make money it's seems like you're not making sense. Every musician this days is either bragging about what's his gotten or about girls. Are you following the trend or will your be different?
Nothing under the sun is 100% different. All I can say is that I'm being myself. Im doing be, not trying to follow trends. Everything from me is real. I'm telling my stories through my music. I can't speak on behalf of any other artist except myself.
Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?
I admire many but I really admire Michael Jackson. His passion for music and life was beautiful. I love how he cared so much not just for singing and writing but the detailed production behind it. Also loved how he gave back as well. Beyonce's drive inspires me as well. Very hard worker she is.
Michael was a hard worker. What's lessons have learned from him?
I've learned this industry is a tough industry especially when you're at the top. You’ve got to be a fighter and stand for what you believe in, while being the artist who makes great music. He worked hard, that's the biggest lesson.
How often and for how long do you write your song, do you freestyle ?
I write all the time. Even now that my EP is done, I still write songs. I have tons of unreleased music. It’s very therapeutic for me to write and record. Sometimes I can freestyle bars here and there but mostly everything is written and planned. I prefer it that way.
What's advice do have for upcoming musician who wants to be like you?
I say do it because you love it not because its a way out the ghetto or because it’s a trend.
The bullshit that comes with this industry, you won't be able to take it if you're not doing this from the heart. So do it because you wake up every day thinking about it, and never give up if it’s really what you're tryna pursue.
It's very nice having you here, thank for your time and I must say your mixtape is amazing. I know the EP is going to be great.
Thank you so much! And yes, the EP is amazing. Can't wait for the world to hear it. It was a pleasure being
interviewed.
You can connect with him through the following social media.
