An Interview with Artist Tey Yaniis for our Indie Spotlight Series + his new single “Southside Lounge”.
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The best music tells a great story and that’s exactly what up and coming neo-soul artist Tey Yaniis is looking to do with his upcoming debut EP “The Soul Jones Connection”.
The minute you turn on the first single ‘Southside Lounge’ with his laid back lyrics over smooth jazzy beat you know you’re going to be taken on a musical story filled journey.
Yaniss will be releasing “The Soul Jones Connection” on October 27th and we’re lucky enough to have him share the first single with us for our Indie Spotlight Series.
Check out the single and let us know what you think and make sure to support your indie artists and cop the EP.
An Interview w/Artist Tey Yaniis
Describe your music for those who have never heard it.
For people who haven’t heard my music I would describe my style as Neo Soul driven mixed with an eclectic vibe. I do music from the heart so listening to production I usually go for the joints that I really can vibe to and tell a story of some sort.
I like to mix it up every now and then because I really take the definition of being an artist seriously because I look at my recordings as a blank canvas. I want to paint a very vivid picture with each song to show my unlimited creative thought process.
Tell us about your new single “Southside Lounge”.
My latest joint “Southside Lounge” was created from my experiences in lounges and different jazz clubs. It’s a feeling that you get when you’re in a spot and you become one with your surroundings and people of similar interest.
The track was produced by my boy Luke White. We were looking to capture a positive nightlife vibe for people who enjoy soulful music and surroundings. Everywhere I’ve lived in my life I’ve always lived on the Southside of town so that’s how I came up with the title “SOUTHSIDE LOUNGE”.
What inspired you to pursue music?
Music has always been an escape for me. I’ve decided to pursue music because it was the one thing in life that I’ve felt that has given me creative freedom. I started off playing different musical instruments, but in the long run I’ve picked writing songs.
I never was taken serious as a writer because I was like 14-15 years old so I started recording myself. When I think back on some of my favorite musicians and hip hop groups like Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Digable Planets , Fugees, Common and more, their music really has inspired my style to keep pushing the envelope to create creatively.
What has been your greatest career accomplishment so far?
My greatest accomplishment is yet to come being an upcoming artist. I’ve had the chance to share my music with all of the Neo-Soul based radio stations across the nation and overseas in countries like UK, Germany, Japan, India and more. I also have my first debut EP dropping this year as well entitled “THE SOUL JONES COLLECTION”.
What has been your biggest challenge?
I honestly don’t look at anything as a challenge we all go through ups and downs as recording artist. The industry can have its cons but when you believe in what you do I feel that your light will show regardless. I was told that my music is not likely to be a smash, but I just take one day at a time and continue to pursue my dream. Thanks to everyone who has purchased, supported, streamed, and liked my music it helps the movement to bring creative music to the for front.
Who is your favorite artist?
My favorite artist has to be Digable Planets LOL!!!! I loved that group and I hate that they broke up because they embodied jazz and hip hop. I love jazz music and smooth music with lyrics that just made you feel alive. I hope that I can have the same influence on people that they’ve had on the world. A lot of people felt like they were weird but you can’t deny the fact that they had a great run when they were around.
What’s your career goal for the upcoming year?
Next month I will be releasing my very first EP “THE SOUL JONES COLLECTION”. It’s an exciting time for me and I’m grateful to have this experience because I’ve worked really hard to make this happen.
It’s most def my greatest body of work. So for the rest of the year I’m focused on the EP and my upcoming EP with my producer KREATEV. We just wanna bring our sound to the world.
