While she was bred in Chicago, Tarrey Torae is a southern belle at heart. The multihyphenate artist’s earliest singing memories reach back to childhood family pastimes, but her heart’s desire at that time was to become Chicago’s first black female mayor. A political science/pre-law graduate of Mississippi Valley State Univeristy, Torae is a two-time Grammy Award winner for her work with Kanye West and John Legend and a four-time winner at Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater.
She could no longer resist her creative callings: singing, acting, songwriting, and designing. She’s performed with The Roots, Common and Stevie Wonder; shared the stage with India.Arie, Jill Scott, and Gil-Scott Heron; and her songwriting skills have appeared on the albums of platinum and gold artists like Jay-Z and The Last Poets. Her first recorded single “Still Will Love You” was featured in Showtime’s original film Rain.
The Sweetest Survivor is her latest album and forthcoming album book. Here, she discusses her art, creativity and goals.
Do you most often actively seek inspiration or does it find you? Or is there a combination of the two?
The beautiful thing about inspiration for me is that it is always unpredictable. I am always surprised by it and where it comes from. It can come from something as simple as a color or the weather, the sound of a car driving by or smoke from a cigarette. It can wake me up out of my sleep or come from remembering a dream. I seek inspiration, but I never find it. It always finds me.
What led you to art in general and to your art form(s) in particular?
I have been surrounded by it my whole life. I believe that I was conceived because of art, music and social movement. So being led to art was more like just being reminded of my original foundation. It was always a natural part of my being. Art is the reason why I am here. It is my existence.
Have you and your artistry ever been involved in traditional business? If so, how?
My involvement in traditional business has been through connecting my art in partnership with corporations and brands for sound tracking and writing in an effort to enhance their images and marketing concepts.
Brands like Ford, Verizon, Toyota, General Mills and Allstate Insurance are some of the brands that I have written and sang on national campaigns for. Another way that I have connected music with traditional business is through sponsorships, community service and annual events, festivals and in-house corporate entertainment.
In addition to mastering their art, what other skill sets do you recommend that artists develop if they want to be successful?
I believe that the important things that an artist needs to master is time, time management and communication skills. I would also tell them to read everything. As an artist myself, this is what I also need to continue mastering. I certainly know first hand that staying creative and handling business is a juggling act that requires intense focus. Sometimes we can get overwhelmed. Mastering any one thing is an amazing task, gracefully speaking. We are all works in progress… so if we can manage our time with major focus then we are already ten steps ahead of the game and when I say read everything, I really do mean it! It will save you a lot of heartache and educate you at the same time.
How do you stay at the leading edge of your craft?
I sing and write everyday and I do my best to stay original. I am my only competition. So, I lead my own race and try to beat myself everyday. I also practice a lot and spend time mapping out my shows and performances as much as possible without interrupting the natural flow of stage creativity. Staying at the leading edge is a game of mental strategy and believing first in yourself before asking someone else to. Edges are sharp and you should be too!
Do you think that there are any widely held misconceptions about art and/or artists?
If so, what are they and how do you work to dispel them? Yes I do think that there are some misconceptions about art and artists. I think that the biggest one is that some believe that being an artist isn’t a real or hard job. I have been a full time singer since 1999 and it has been the most challenging job I have ever had. I have been my own toughest boss and have been more involved in changing lives and communities more than any other career that I have ever pursued. I believe that sometimes artists and those observing the profession mistake the glitz and glam for easy. It is not something you can just pop in the microwave. Anything that easy is not trustworthy in my book. Artists have to work hard. There are no shortcuts unless you are okay with just five minutes of fame. I am here for the long haul and will feed my children from the legacy that I build.
How do you map out your goals? How do you measure your success?
Mapping & Measuring my goals and success would depend on which goals we are talking about. Professionally speaking, there sometimes is no real map. As an artist, we sometimes have to figure out what works independent of a plan as we go. On the business side of things, you can set a goal based on your dream with practical ways to achieve the moments. You can set deadlines and numbers for demarcation. You can write out a one-year, two-year-, five-year and 10-year plan. Release albums and score the next big movie soundtrack. I usually write it all down and give it a chart for what needs to happen in order to make my plans work, including point people, resources needed and an estimated time line but what I have learned in this business is to have a Plan A – Z ready to go. In this business, if it is not nailed down to the concrete, then it can change. We have to be ready for anything. I have learned to take more “no’s” then “yes’s” and to have a short term plan, a long term plan and a “just in case” plan. I have also made it extremely mandatory to set time to the side for myself and my creative moments so that I don’t loose me in the flux of the music business. Mapping out a plan is knocking out small bullet points that lead you to the bigger goal. Measuring success may be for me as simple as knowing that I am happy, comfortable and stable. Success may not have a strict definition in my world simply because I will probably never be satisfied. Creatively speaking, there is no map, just art! Success for me isn’t just financial or professional. Success is a whole view of life! I read a quote this week that said “You aren’t wealthy until you have somehtin mone can’t buy.
Who do you consider to be your peers in your field? Who do you see/use as examples for you to emulate?
I am more of an old soul. I find myself in the attention of the legends in the business both alive and passed on. One of my favorite artists that connect with my spirit the most would be Phyliss Hyman. Another great connection for me is Teena Marie and Minnie Rippleton. Luther Vandross, J. Ivy and Musiq Soulchild are also great energy sources for me. I am not sure that my music is in a specific peer field, but I do know that it is moving in the same line as all of my fellow soul singers. I believe that each chapter comes with new peers. And it is only difficult for me to answer because I have worked with the best and I already have 2 Grammy’s. As an independent artist that is a thin line and I communicate with a lot of artists, both independent and signed – C-list to A-list. It just depends. They are all my peers with different tax brackets.
Name two of your top role models: one in the art world and one from outside of it.
Jada Pinkett is a huge role model for me in the art world and on the outside of it I look up to Dr. Angela Davis. It is the balance of my two passions between both music and politics. Other than the well know folks, my life has been modeled after my parents and grandparents most certainly.
Name three books, works, performances or exhibits that changed how you view life and/or yourself.
The book Embraced by the Light, the album Here My Dear and the movie Sparkle help set an field of interest, believe and inspiration for me. It help change and set my position of how I saw the world of music and myself.
Why do you consider continued learning important?
I graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a BA in political science with an emphasis in pre-law and a minor in English. I started my masters in urban planning at UIC [University of Illinois – Champagne] and was accepted into three different law schools. Continued learning is important no matter where or how you get it. I can land where ever I want to with enough cushion to keep pushing if I want to and when I want to if it is needed. With continued education I have a choice! I don’t believe that it is always college that you have to go in extending your learning in, but I do believe we must grow and study abroad some how, somewhere. It is important because it helps make us better at being ourselves first and then in that we are able to contribute to the world in a productive, responsible and beautiful way. Continued learning ensures that the world can depend on minds that are trained to think constructively. Continued learning can come from many places and be for any thing above and beyond basic education that helps to improve ones life. It is a key element in helping our communities become stronger and more stable. I say yes to continued education even if it’s an internship or a job placement program. Continued learning these days can even come from Youtube.com It’s all about creating bigger and better options for yourself!
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success? “I am the best!” “God Is Bigger!” “Excuses are tools for the incompetent used to build monuments of nothingness” and “Finish!”
What role does art have in the community? What role would you like to see art play in the community?
I think that art is the first form of independent expression that a child has. The role that art has in the community is to open up a childs mind and give them a voice. It is also a connecting bridge for race, gender and ages. We need art to live together and inspire each other. Life without art is like a movie with no sound. What good is that?
What role does technology play in your day-to-day life? How do you utilize it?
I am not the biggest fan of social media but I am on the computer often and almost daily to update my fan base about my latest news and future shows. I use a Mac, an iPhone and an iPod daily. Technologies role in my life is to express myself on a world platform that would have not been afforded to me otherwise as an independent artist.
What software, app or other technological innovation has made the biggest difference in your life and/or career?
The iPhone, because with I am within reach of it, I am able to operate a business and make calls. It is definitely the biggest difference in my life as it relates to technology. Smart phones to me are the best. The most life altering app is Pay Pal and Square One, because it allows me to sell product while I am on the move. My favorite application in the social media Forest is Instagram. I believe the computer and wireless gadgets have completely changed my ability to affect people and expose them to my music.
Please define your personal brand.
I make music to match life not trend. I hope that my music will remind you of a moment, inspire action, change and promote hope. I could care less if it gets played on the radio. I only hope that it makes a difference” – Tarrey Torae – (extended personal brand defined). I used my voice as a singer and my song writing and lyrical abilities for bringing powerful messages to those who love soul music. Known for my vocal and lyrical strengths, I sing for myself and then those who need to hear it. Using straightforward messages in my words musically, I help shape a new energy in our musical world by providing positive fearless lyrics to my fanbase. Through my lyrics, I serve a higher purpose.
What is your favorite vacation destination and why?
My favorite spot on earth is Hilton Head, SC. There is a peaceful energy there that I haven’t found anywhere else. The beach is really nice there, too.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Racism/prejudice
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
My ability to bite my tongue! I definitely speak my mind a little too much at times. We are all works in progress. I have many things that I will improve and grow into; that is what life is all about.
What does it take to be iconic? In your estimation, who has achieved that status?
To be iconic, one must be comfortable with being themselves in their own skin. This originality is what sets you apart — along with will power and incredible focus. I believe both Oprah and President Obama are iconic.
