HTF recently interviewed upcoming South London singer Tanika. We chatted about her big plans for 2013; including new videos, loads of gigs and her debut single. She told us a little about her fiery fashion sense and about the artists that inspired her. Doesn’t look like this’ll be the last HTF see of this rising talent!
HTF: Hey Tanika, for those who don’t already know: could you give us a bit of a background on who you are and what you do?
Tanika: I’m from Brixton, south London and I’m a singer songwriter.
HTF: When did you start taking music seriously, and what artists inspired you to make the kind of music that you’re producing today?
Tanika: I’ve always been singing really. I was pretty serious from the first time I went to the studio, which was when I was about 14, and I’ve been recording since then really. I’m inspired by the likes of Bob Marley, Celine Dion, Beyonce, Tupac, Lauryn Hill, Mary J Blige, Etta James… The list goes on!
HTF: What genre would you categorise your music as?
Tanika: This is probably going to sound really cliché, but I don’t put my music in a box. I don’t categorise it as anything but good music. I’m into all different types of music and I’ve always listened to different artists. I believe in musical freedom!
HTF: You’ve got big plans for 2013. Tell us a bit about what’s to come in the year ahead.
Tanika: Lots of gigs! I’ve got some viral videos, I’ve shot three already and the first single should will be released around April; its called ‘Bad for You‘. Hopefully we can progress from there when we see what the response is from the public.
HTF: Is your music taste mostly current, or would we be likely to find you blasting out some old classics through your iPod?
Tanika: I probably play older classics than new to be honest. It’s a blend, but I’m more of an old soul. Old classics are the one for me. Every Sunday, you’ll hear me playing my Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill without fail and it’s the same albums every Sunday. The current music is amazing too though, it’s a growth and I appreciate it.
HTF: Any upcoming artists you can see a bright future for?
Tanika: Myself! [Laughs] I love Maiday, Krept & Konan, Jessie Ware, Sneakbo, DVS… It’s mostly the guys that I’m looking out for at the moment. They’ve got the sounds that can hopefully cross over from the underground. I haven’t seen or listened to many females because there aren’t that many in the underground scene at the moment.
HTF: If you could pick any artist to wipe off the face of the earth – who would it be?
Tanika: No comment! [laughs]
HTF: You released the video for your track ‘Casualty’ featuring DVS at the end of last year. What was the experience of shooting a video like?
Tanika: It was amazing. I did two videos in two days and I did Casualty on the second day, it was a Sunday. It was so cold; I can’t even describe how cold it was! It was so cold my hands were hurting. It was an incredible experience and I’m really happy with how it came out.
HTF: For some of the ‘Casualty’ video you’re donning a spiked jacket. Do you often find yourself making fashion statements like this?
Tanika: I’ve had quite a few fans mention my outfits and calling me like… a style icon and such [laughs]. I’ve always been into fashion and looking cute. My mother always wanted me to look cute whether it been designer wear of just high street fashion. It’s a nice when people pick up on what I wear and try to emulate it almost. When I saw that jacket for the first time, I just said I have to have it.
HTF: Finally, anything else you’d like to share with the HTF readers?
Tanika: If you wanted to get the down low on what I’m doing and what’s coming up, you can catch me on Facebook and Twitter on @iamTanika and follow me on Instagram @Tanikagram. Thanks for rocking with me!
http://www.facebook.com/iamTanika
http://www.youtube.com/user/IAmTanika
Tweets by iamTanika
Instagram: tanikagram
