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Interview by Brynn Edwards, Photos by Mathew Guido
Listen to Tedy's music here!:
You went from making YouTube videos to making music. How was that transition for you, and what triggered it?
The decision was very abrupt. I just woke up and said “I’m done.” I wanted to make people feel…I wanted to feel! I was numb for a long time, every day felt the same. Music is what I’ve always wanted to do. Risking everything for that felt right, so I started over from scratch. Growth was slow but steady! That gradual progress definitely motivated me to keep going and through it I’ve been able to garner an amazing group of followers.
Do you think making the switch to the music industry was easier because of the following you were able to gain through being a content creator on YouTube?
I didn’t use my YouTube platform as a means to transition into music. I abandoned that side of me and started over from being “no one”. I didn’t show my face on artwork nor did I have any social media presence. I wanted people to fall in love with just my music!
What would you say your music style is? Who inspires you?
I wouldn’t necessarily say I have a specific style. I just do what feels right to me in the moment! I express myself through the songs naturally. That could be in any format: soul, rock, RnB or alternative. People like Rihanna, Drake and Taylor Swift definitely are role models to me.
You just released a new single, “Boys Don't Cry,” and have an EP on the way. Can you talk about what you were going through while writing it, and how that affected the tone of your music?
I was definitely in a headspace where I wanted to start becoming my own person that didn’t need to rely on relationships to feel whole. That it was okay to start loving myself and okay for me to just be…whether I was perfect or not. I wanted to turn my world upside down and rebuild myself into a better more confident me!
Everything you write is very sincere, and it shows in your music. Can you talk a bit about your songwriting process and how you go about conveying different messages?
I always come back to the question: Does what I create make me feel something? If I feel nothing, it’s not good and I toss it. Melodies shouldn’t only be pretty, I want to try to convey a reaction when people listen to my music. Whether that is sadness, happiness or anger, I make sure to pay attention to every little detail and focus on finding ways to express those feelings in my songs.
You are currently based in Montreal. What is the music scene like there? Do you think it’s easier or harder to be an artist there as opposed to a place like LA or Nashville?
I don’t think it makes much of a difference what city you live in nowadays. Social media puts the world at your fingertips, someone in their room in Texas for example, can build a following that is literally world wide.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I just want people to go for what they want! Loving yourself is hard to do, and most people probably don’t take the time. You don’t need to be this perfect being to follow your dreams and try to reach your goals. Believe in yourself and take risks but be smart about it!
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