Tafari Anthony – Centerfold

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would describe my sound as real talk Pop/Soul. I’m that friend that’s gonna give it to you straight up because I know you need to hear the hard realities.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I grew up really taking in artists like Brandy, Prince and John Legend. They all, to me, represent the best parts of Pop while still being soulful and true to their natural instincts.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Centerfold.”

 

A) The story behind “Centrefold” is that I was kind of casually seeing this guy and maybe like six months in things fell off. Even to this day I don’t really know if I got the real story. He felt it would be appropriate to start posting things about me online, not that my name was used directly but it was really fucking obvious. But the real problem was, he couldn’t understand the loss of trust after I explained why posting something about me online and then directing me to go look for the reason why he was upset instead of talking to me directly would hurt me.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) This song seems to give voice to what people wish they could say to someone who has done them wrong. I think it’s just super relatable and we’ve all been there at some point in our lives.

 

Q) What is your song-writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) My process varies a lot. I’m often jotting down one-liners that come to me at super random times. Then, when I sit down to actively write these can come in handy to reignite an idea or concept.

Other times I may play something or hear some music from a producer and that will speak to me and basically inform me what it wants to be.

 

Q) How did working with Brandon Unis, Kelly Alaina & OBLVYN help push your boundaries as an artist? 

 

A) These three came into the picture at a time where I was really starting to open up to collaborations. Working with them allowed me to not get stuck in only doing what I was comfortable with. When I do writing sessions, I feel this need to try and impress the people I’m working with and really push for more than I would on my own.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music? 

 

A) Every bit of it! One of the benefits of being an independent artist is there really isn’t anyone putting pressure on me to create a specific thing, just myself. So, with that, I have the opportunity to really create the sound I want, when I want.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Tafari Anthony performance?

 

A) Vocals for days and bad jokes! In all seriousness, I’ve mostly been doing quite intimate performances, usually stripped down to just piano and vocal or guitar. So, with that there isn’t anywhere to hide really.

 

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming in the near future?

 

A) There may be…We’ll see how these next few singles do and if I end up with a cohesive body of work, you may just get that EP or album soon…

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

 

A) Hmmm…I feel like I haven’t even done this yet. I have this weird connection to London, UK. Something about the city and culture just makes me feel at home. I think getting to perform there and be a part of that scene would just be so amazing to me.

 

Q) You have performed with the likes of Shangela and MAX. Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) This question…Right now I would so love to get in a room with Julia Michaels, MNEK and Bibi Bourelly. I respect all of them as songwriters and artists and what they bring to the table.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) Allie X – Cape God. She is just so fucking dope! I love her vision of Pop and this new album is so dark, theatrical and eclectic, even more so than her previous work. Believe me, I am studying up.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Being able to reach your audience directly through social media is instrumental in building your career. It allows me to be able to create and release music even without the support of a label. If it weren’t for social media, there are a lot of amazing artists that we may not have ever gotten a chance to love.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you a million times over! Without the support and people really taking these songs into their lives, this would be that much harder. The support keeps me going and knowing that my voice matters in this crowded space.