By: Jamie Steinberg
Photo By Taz Bentii Management
Q) Your music is often described as hip-hop, but how would you describe your sound?
A) New gen /Trap
My sound is also very mainstream so I wouldn’t classify my genre as underground
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Drake, Tory Lanez, Future, Don Toliver
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Realest.”
A) It was a statement record to show people I can really rap.
High up beat energy with a fast pace beat and different cadence switch ups
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) The authenticity
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) I just filmed the video in Miami and will be out soon and it’s a high energy feel good song and the message is just a statement – that I’m for realest and going to be around for a long time repping my city Ottawa.
Q) You actually collab with DJ Holiday quite a bit on your new album The Kid From Ottawa. How did you two come to work together so closely?
A) DJ Holiday heard from about seven different music people down in Austin, Texas at SXSW. He finally decided to look me up on social media and immediately believed in me. He FaceTimed me at 3AM and the relationship started from there.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) I actually listen to beats first and if I like the beat I’ll write to it or freestyle. I also punch in and punch out sometimes.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) It all depends on the producer. If I work with them directly I’m completely involved with the production. I went to TERA Music Academy for music production so I’m very involved at the studio and production of my songs.
If I don’t know the producer and use YouTube beats I’m not involved.
Q) My favorite tracks on the album are “In the Dark” and “Trouble & Trials.” Which songs hold a special place in your heart and what makes them standout to you?
A) My favorite track on the album is “TAGS.” Why it’s my favorite is because it’s a captivating new sound that’s different from the norm right now.
Q) What do you hope lingers with people that explore The Kid From Ottawa as a whole – either as a message or emotion?
A) I hope first people love what I have to say in my music and my message that if you work hard anything is possible, even a kid from Ottawa. Hey I got DJ Holiday’s attention in Canada and Ottawa is not the biggest music scene out there. Another thing I want to resonate with people is that I’m born and raised in Ottawa and I love Ottawa and will always be a big part of my life and journey.
Q) What can fans expect from a live Taz Bentii performance?
A) It won’t be boring. [laughs] Expect high energy and crowd interaction and it’s going to be a BIG party vibe feel good music.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) The 27 Club Ottawa is my go to because it fits three hundred and fifty people. The shows are intimate in an underground warehouse vibe with the best sound in the city. The Rolling Stones shot a music video back in the day at the 27 Club. It’s a real music venue.
Q) You’ve worked with Xav, DJ Holiday, WorldChamp and others. Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) Well, it will most likely be DJ Holiday. We are like family now he’s like my big brother. ❤️
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) Don Toliver because he’s very different.
Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?
A) It’s a must now and it is really important for me to get my name out across the world. The reach social media has is endless. I’ve become a content creator and artist and it is a source of an income stream. I actually just landed my first influencer/ branding with True Religion out of LA in the USA. 🇺🇸
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) First from the bottom of my heart, thank every single one of you. If I can just make one person happy after listening to me everyday that makes me happy and makes me more determined and motivated to go create more and more. Thank you and LOVE ❤️ you all.