Interview with Von Tae

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

Music has always been one of my biggest passions since I was a little kid. If I wasn’t singing, I was dancing, acting or modeling. Outside of the music business I’m not sure what exactly I would do, maybe something in the food business. I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur owning multiple businesses.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

When I’m not playing music I study artists who have inspired me. I spend hours on YouTube watching performances and studying interviews on how to become a better artist. I also love attending live shows with bands. I also enjoy connecting with nature, taking walks and spending a lot of time outside when I can. I feel at peace when I’m surrounded by the sound of nature. It gives me time to think outside of social media and all of the other distractions that challenge the positive aspects of our thinking.

How long have you been making music?

I’ve been making music since 2012. I’ve been singing long before but professionally recording and writing since 2012.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

My hometown is Calvert County, Maryland. It’s a very small town. The music scene there isn’t much at all. It’s close to major cities like Baltimore and Washington DC that have a huge landscape of independent artists that I’ve had the pleasure of networking with. Being amongst other talented artists like myself and seeing them chase their dreams definitely has an influence on my music.

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

I think my most memorable show was my very first public performance, which happened at a strip club in Baltimore, Maryland. It was very interesting because I’ve never been to a strip club and I felt very awkward at first but once I got into it, it was an amazing show. Although there were only about 10 people there, the show was amazing. One day in the future, I would love to do something intimate, similar to Tiny Desk and also something very extravagant like a Las Vegas show.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I don’t have a favorite venue yet, but I would love to perform at The Fillmore. I’ve always seen the one in Washington DC and attended a concert there. It was amazing looking at how the venue was so big but felt very intimate with a bar and multiple levels to view the stage. I also would love to perform at Madison Square Garden and have a residency in Las Vegas. There’s so much that I would love to do!

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

I think like most artists, I would love to perform during Coachella! That would be an amazing first time experience. I would really love to open for someone like Beyoncé, Usher, Chris Brown or Tyler The Creator. Anyone really! I’m just a big fan of Hiphop/R&B.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

For both, do not rush the process. There are things that are going to happen that’ll teach you more about yourself and the industry. I wish I understood that more growing up. Also, do not put so much pressure on yourself to be like anyone else.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

My latest album, “Note to Self” is full of songs that mean alot to me. Two of the most personal ones are “Beauty” because it talks about self love and “Champagne Bottles” because it’s very cocky. Some days you have to have music that’ll uplift and empower you to be greater than you feel. Those two songs do that for me!

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

Right now, “On God” is my current single and it’s been getting amazing feedback from the fans. It’s one of my favorites to perform because I get the crowd involved in the performance and so many people can relate to the lyrics. “Love Games” and “Beauty” are also some of the most requested songs as well.

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

My creative process is usually silencing my phone and being alone. I love recording in a dark studio with colorful lights. What inspires me to write music is my life and also experiences from others who share their stories with me. I tend to write about things that I fantasize about and things that I personally have experienced. It’s a great feeling to be able to express myself through music. Sometimes I vent more through my music than with friends and family.

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?

Honesty and passion are two things that I incorporate in all of my music. Whether it’s something sexy or something super emotional, I put passion into it and I think that’s why people gravitate towards my voice. They see the love and passion in my performances and hear it in my music.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I’m planning so much right now! I’m currently working on a talk show, podcast and also new music that will be released hopefully by winter this year or spring of 2023. I started my new blog through my website and so many people have enjoyed the first few posts. I can’t wait to share more once things are ready.

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

Yes, please check out all of my music, videos and more on my website: www.theofficialvontae.com