[FEATURE] VIPER PRESENTS: TEE

Multidisciplinary London based artist TEE recently returned with ‘Getaway’, the first release from a string of singles, building towards his debut full-length EP ‘Valley FM’. Get familiar with the London rapper/poet via this VIPER interview…

What five words define your sound?

Dynamic, cinematic, Gospel-influenced, alternative, powerful.

Tell me something unique about your creative process.

I’m involved in every part of the process and most of the time I do it all, which I have learnt out of necessity. For me, sometimes I feel like this can be a blessing and a curse.

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?

‘getaway’.

What inspired you to make that song?

I am known as a rapper/poet, but I really wanted to test the range of my voice: how I can incorporate different vocal textures to help me spread more emotion and tell more of the story. 

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music? 

“But when she holds my face, I can’t help but hold hers.” – There are specific moments in my life which songs might be born from. There are certain lyrics in ‘getaway’ that trigger certain memories. These might be memories that only I have experienced but it makes my songs feel like time capsules, there are pieces of me in each one.

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?

Last year I played Eurovision festival to eight thousand people. It was one of those moments in my life that gave me a glimpse of where I want to be.

What is your favourite song to perform?

‘The Love One’. I always perform it acoustically because there is such a big story in it and I enjoy watching people’s reception to the story.

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?

‘The Love Below’ – Andre 3000. One of my favourite albums of all time. Every song seems to live in a different genre but there’s a cohesiveness that comes from the weight of Andre 3000’s artistry. That is something I am actively trying to peruse in my music.

What’s the meaning behind your name?

It felt strange to go by anything other than what everyone calls me already, so I didn’t really have the chance to choose. 

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

Some sort of youth work/mentoring. I have been able to have the opportunity to do some before and I loved it, so probably something in that vein. 

What’s success to you?

Doing what I love surrounded by people that I love.

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?

When I was 17, my Dad sat me down and asked me what I wanted to do with my life. It was the first time I felt like I could choose what path I wanted to take. It also showed me that I could do whatever I wanted with the full support of him. 

Where can people keep in touch with you?

@anartistcalledtee on all socials and streaming platforms.