Today we’d like to introduce you to The Teeta.
The Teeta, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started making music at 17 as a member of the Austin hip-hop collective Team Next. Like many independent artists, I began with very few resources, relying on consistency, community, and a commitment to improving my craft.
Over the years, I transitioned into a solo career, performing all throughout the country, appearing at SXSW multiple times, headlining a set at ACL festival and earning recognition from outlets including The Austin Chronicle, NPR, Spectrum News and KUTX.
My work has always been about more than just making songs. I’ve built my career independently by combining music with visual art, branding, education, and entrepreneurship. Projects like The Teeta World art exhibit have allowed me to merge music with gallery-style experiences and collaborate with professionals and creative minds like Keyheira Keys and More Jane. I recently became a voting member of the Recording Academy which also helps me to contribute to the larger music community as a whole. I haven’t publicized it much, but for the past three years I’ve been in partnership with a local nonprofit called MeArts as well; we teach groups of incarcerated youth how to write, record, collaborate, market, and publish their own music as a creative outlet and entrepreneurial possibility.
I’m currently transitioning into a new chapter where my focus is on creating music with greater intention and purpose, building a sustainable independent career, and using my platform to inspire and connect with people through authenticity, faith, perseverance, and growth.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In my opinion, for the majority, it’s never a smooth road when you’re stepping into the unknown. There’s so much you have to learn through trial and error while being human and also trying to reach beyond your limits without backing. I’ve had to learn the business side, and have largely had to fund everything myself while still trying to make a living. I’ve had still build even when I felt the results didn’t match the amount of effort I put in. I will say that each step along the way I’ve been blessed with having a supportive fanbase and people in my corner who made it worth it.
Overall, I think the struggles of being an artist, finding your identity, and navigating entrepreneurship have a way of shaping who you become. As you try to put all the pieces together, you learn more about yourself. For me life and career has been a winding road that has ultimately brought me closer to God.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At my core, I’m a storyteller, I enjoy building worlds that invite people to think, reflect, and experience something beyond the music itself. Music for me is more of a vehicle to explore bigger ideas about identity, purpose, faith, and the human experience.
I think I’m best known for being unconventional. My aim has never been to chase trends or simply entertain people, though I feel like I’ve always been able to strike a good balance by being keeping people intrigued whether it be visually, through abstract thought and ideas, or sonically. At this point in my life, I’ve matured a lot, so anything I create and release now will reflect that growth. I pray that the audience that’s been with me over the years is willing to take that journey with me; but if not, I’ve learned to trust that the people who are meant to connect with me will.
More than anything, I’m most proud of who I’ve become as a man. I can’t take credit for what God has done in my life, whether it’s my partnership with MeArts, the opportunities I’ve had to perform on big stages, or the recognition I’ve received from people, publications and media platforms. Those are all blessings to me.
My goal now is for my music and personal life to reflect that transformation because If I’m being honest, I don’t know that my music has always made that clear. Some of my most popular songs certainly didn’t but as I’ve grown, my priorities have changed, and I want my work to be a more authentic reflection of who I am and what I believe currently.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First and foremost, all glory belongs to God. I don’t believe any of this happens apart from His grace. Looking back, I can see His hand covering my life, opening doors I couldn’t have opened myself.
I’m incredibly grateful for my mother, who has supported me through every season, even when my ideas probably seemed a little out there. My sister, Nikki, believed in me from the very beginning, letting us record some of our earliest projects in her kitchen. My entire family has been my foundation, and the love they’ve shown me is something I never take for granted.
I’m grateful for my wife. She’s been one of my biggest supporters through all of the highs, lows, pivots, and craziness.
My Team Next family changed my life. They introduced me to a world I had only dreamed about and taught me lessons that went far beyond music such as unity, brotherhood, perseverance, and believing in something bigger than yourself.
I’m thankful for people like Moe Jane, a true sister and lifelong creative influence, Tre Yett, who has always been open hearted and believed in us early enough to book some of our first opportunities outside of what we could create ourselves. Gregg Evering, Ulovei, Wane, Kwame Quebec, Mitch Ballard, and Bernard Davenport have all looked out for me and impacted my journey in different ways, whether through mentorship, friendship, collaboration, creating opportunities, or simply believing in me whether they had anything to gain from it or not.
Honestly, there are too many people to name but the love and appreciation is the same. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that none of us gets where we’re going alone. Every opportunity I’ve had has been built on the encouragement, sacrifice, prayers, and generosity of people who chose to pour into me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theteeta.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theteeta
