Both my brother and myself would like to express that we are very appreciative of the opportunity given to us with this interview. We would like to thank the magazine and all of our followers, listeners and our family.
What first drew you into music?
We both loved listening to music as kids, we used to do concerts for our parents. Pull out the hamper as a drum set and a broom as a mic and we were ready for the show!
I’ve always loved a large variety of music but I never got into making it until I watched a genies deconstructed video. I thought to myself “I can make this!” then I just got to work.
I always loved music from singing to Shania twain as a toddler to trying to master Micheal Jackson’s and Chris brown’s moves as a teen. It wasn’t until I hit a really hard point in my life when music actually kinda saved me. I always made fun rhymes and tunes growing up but for the first time in my life I took it seriously. I felt like no body could understand and I couldn’t get the words together to express it. When the music came on it was different, it was easier. My brother showed me some beats and I kinda put my heart on my sleeve and got some weight of my shoulders. I fell in love with it. I fell in love with the lyrics, the late night studio sessions, the early photo shoots and the long music video days.
Listening to your music we can tell you love incorporating interesting new sounds and techniques within each track! What inspires you to experiment and evolve?
I love all kinds of music so for me its getting that unique quality sound. I like to use different styles of music and instruments. I’m not trying to make music with someone else’s template, I wanna make it my own. To do that you have to be willing to step outside the box, bend the view a little bit. I believe I deliver that with every one of my beats.
A lot of it comes from the life situations I’ve already been through at such a young age and working side by side with my brother. His mind is amazing and our heads together is like magic. We have different perspectives of the same image and when we collaborate the picture is breath taking. When you work with your sibling it gets real, they aren’t afraid to tell you that you messed up or that something sounded off. They’re going to give it to you in all honestly. I think that helps because we constantly push each other like siblings do and I think it allows us to constantly keep learning and expanding.
It seems like you already found your signature sound 😊 Do you have any tips for upcoming musicians that can’t seem to find their own sound?
It took me a long time to find my sound. I remember making “Disappointed” and I knew I had something. I made a few tracks after that and it just wasn’t cutting it. Then one day we walk in the studio knocked out 2 songs and from there it was like a light turned on. My advice to anyone trying to find their sound is to work on it. Listen to the little things tone, mood, and the way you bend your words. Let the people like your music for you and not who your trying to be. Get comfortable with your voice and the sound will come to you. I hate to be the one to say it takes time but it does, just don’t give up.
Your track “Dissapointed” is your best track in our opinion! From its artwork to the Incredibly powerful sound we absolutely love it. Could you tell us more about the story behind this track? Also, what is your creative process like?
” Disappointed ” was one my first original tracks I ever released my brother showed me the beat and it was the first time I got vulnerable with my music. My emotions at the time were literally ” I’m not mad or upset … I’m just disappointed”. I put my feelings into the track and was amazed with the final result. The creative process in making my music is interesting when you work with your sibling. My brother usually will ask me what kind of mood I’m in and based on that he makes a melody. Nine times out of ten I can make my lyrics right of the bat. I think chorus’s always come to me first and I couldn’t tell you why but that’s usually how it starts. I empty my brain and really start with a clean slate then I freestyle a little and get a base of something I want. The tone, the energy. What mood is going to go nice with the message or picture I’m creating. Then I usually run it past my brother and from their it’s on to recording, mixing, etc. The result normally leads to us listening to the song nonstop for the next few days.
What are your musical goals for the future?
Some of my musical goals for the future are make an impact in the game. Help the people who have the talent but not the resources. I would eventually like to own my own label and studio. As well as work with the man who inspires me most Kenny Beats.
For me getting to perform at Cochella or a festival, winning an award, and connecting with people through music in general would be a big achievement. I want to express to the people that we all go through it and that there emotions are valid. If I can get that message across I would feel accomplished. I would also love to be on a red carpet! I would also love to be able to do multiple trades. I wrote a book and love to write so it would be awesome if I could be a music artist, author and a model/actress.
What do you have planned for the coming months? Any upcoming projects we can get excited about?
I have a lot of things in the works! We have a lot of singles coming out this year and we are also releasing an album on April 3rd so be on the look out for that! They’ll be out on all platforms you can keep up by following us on insta (queentay_16_ and gibb_guap) always uploading updates and videos. Also Twitter @Qtay7. Aside from the music I also work with my mother in a HUMAN campaign which spreads awareness for anti-bullying by contributing to youth activities in the community and by providing financial assistance to those in need. So feel free to check that out on insta to @ _wearehuman_2020 proceeds go to cause. Honestly I’m excited my brother and I spend a lot of our time in the studio, for hours. So, definitely a lot to be excited about music videos (youtube: Queen Tay), collaborations, shows and much more!
