Tais is the artistic name, Truth Arises In Search is the slogan for this 28-year-old lyricist from Sacramento, California. He holds a degree in Journalism, and now seeks to kick start a Masters in Counselling. His appreciation for music, meanwhile, started whilst sitting in on his mother’s choir rehearsals at church, getting to understand song range and structure. And this has led him to excel on his own, sharing the stage with the likes of Little Brother, Slick Rick, Kid Sister and The Pharcyde.
Tais is yet to release an official debut album, but has a bunch of credible mixtapes and remixes to his name that are freely distributed.
What good is or can Hip Hop do for the future generation?
I think Hip Hop is and always will be a tool that we use to communicate, relate, and identify. As long as the future generations respect that idea and build upon it, it will be good.
Songs such as 'Too Complex' explore the dynamics of personality and making impressions. If you could change a social view through your music, what would it be?
What I push to change is the way people view themselves and others. Most people don’t think that they are able to live their dream or that they aren’t able to do the things they’ve always wanted to do. And for the most part, that is false. We have the power to drastically change our lives, but most people don’t believe they hold that much power.
What encouraged you to pursue music professionally?
I’ve always accredit the relation of people to the reason I got into music. There is something that all of us can relate to through listening to a certain song, and I enjoy making that connection with people who listen to my music. It is the idea that someone else feels the way that I do, or sees things the way that I do that keeps me making music.
If you were not an emcee, what title in music biz would you adopt?
I would definitely say Songwriter. Ever since I was a kid, I have been known to write and sing silly songs that get stuck in people’s heads. It has been one of those things that I have always enjoyed to do.
What elements of live performances do you think make an artist stronger?
I think an artist has to always be able to connect with the crowd on a personal level. I don’t care if you are the biggest star or just starting out, if a crowd walks away not feeling engaged, you’ve failed.
Which European artists do you follow?
Alice Russell is my favorite artist right now. I saw her perform at SXSW last year, and it was phenomenal.
Which artist have you met whilst touring and connected with the most?
I would have to say this band called, “The Park” in San Francisco. We all meet at a show a few years back, and since then, we have developed a close relationship and done a lot of shows together. They are real good dudes, and they are always on tour somewhere in the world. And the best part about it is that they stay humble and open to everyone they meet.
What rituals do you practice outside of music?
I do a lot of reading. I just got one of those Amazon Kindles and I am in LOVE with it. I read a lot of Personal Growth and Communications books because I think that they are the key to living a great life. I also spend a lot of time talking too.
For your latest mix you remix Alicia Keys single 'Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart'. What is your mixed gender Hip Hop collaboration of all time?
I would have to say, “You’re All I Need” by Method Man and Mary J. Blige.
As an indie, what is your take on major labels releasing and marketing sexualised Hip Hop/ rnb music to the mainstream? also, What is your advice to indie´s who choose this direction?
I really don’t give it too much thought because that would be giving it my energy. I have come to accept that it will be that way. There are actually some people who truly like that type of music, so who am I to say that it shouldn’t be out. I think instead of people making a big fuss over it, they should find the music they do like and support it 100%. If everyone would do that, I’m sure the problem would fix it’s self. My advice to the artist that go that way would be to make sure you are THE BEST at what you do, or have a solid back up plan.
Any exclusives for Black Sheep readers?
Hint: All TAIS exclusives are in three places before they are ANYWHERE on the web. Check there NOW and see what you find!
