Tehillah: Young, Gifted and Creative
In today’s world, not all of us can say we have multiple skills and talents. Tehillah, a singer-songwriter, music producer, writer and creator of web series – Angie’s House, stopped by Afrowoman online to talk about how she started her multi-faceted career, creative inspiration and her advice for other creatives:
Tell us about your music- are you a singer/songwriter or both?
I am a singer-songwriter and music producer. I love it when I can develop a random ‘hummed’ idea from my mind, and turn it into a full song with a story and engaging instrumental.
When I think of the countless Black women in music and other industries that paved the way through overt racism and struggle to allow me the better opportunities that I have today, I realise what an honour it is to utilise my voice and make sure their efforts weren’t in vain.
Tehillah – Singer, Songwriter & Creator of web series – Angie’s House
How did you get started in music?
From a young age, I wrote poetry, played the piano, and often fantasied about composing a musical score for a movie! I would spontaneously create melodies and beats, and I built up quite a collection of recordings.
It is only from 2019 onwards that I started to pursue a music career, and after winning Future Youth Records ‘Think Women 2021’ Songwriting Contest that I had the confidence and prize money to follow this dream and get to work songwriting and experimenting with my sound.
What’s the message in your music?
The ethos of my work is to unleash creativity and unleash hope. Therefore, I aim to create music that is enjoyable to listen to, and unique to me in terms of experimenting with sounds and genres. However, I also aim to uplift people through my music, usually by drawing from my own experiences or observations of the world to encourage someone in a particular situation.
As a Black woman, why is it important for you to use your voice?
When I think of the countless Black women in music and other industries that paved the way through overt racism and struggle to allow me the better opportunities that I have today, I realise what an honour it is to utilise my voice and make sure their efforts weren’t in vain.
With your other project – Angie’s House – how did this happen? Why did you create it?
With so much uncertainty and fear around the pandemic, I wanted to create a comedy series that would acknowledge the circumstances and people’s anxieties, yet mostly be a fun, light-hearted outlet to bring laughter and hope into people’s lives.
I also wanted to create a relatable show that I, my loved ones, and other Black Britons could feel represented authentically, with the main focus being on wholesome everyday fun, instead of racial struggle or trauma.
Did being in lockdown help or hinder your creativity with your projects?
Ironically, being stuck in lockdown actually helped my creative projects! I had more time to experiment with ideas, create, and learn lots of new skills.
Plus, the worldwide panic only made me more determined to want to spread hope through creativity to uplift others. As a result, I started my YouTube Channel ‘Lite Up’ during the first 2020 lockdown, and it has been growing ever since with original music and videos to encourage and entertain people.
Did you struggle to create Angie’s house or was there support to bring it from idea to completion?
As the Writer, Producer, Director and Voice Actor for Angie’s House, my workload was very full-on for months! However, I was fortunate to receive grant funding from Beatfreeks to produce Angie’s House. This meant I could hire the supporting actors, sound master engineer, and fund other aspects of production to help bring the idea to completion.
Would you recommend that other Black women take the same path to develop creative projects?
I would recommend that other Black women take the time to reflect on who they are, what they are about, and what they want to say through their creative work. This will help to find the most suitable path, and suitable people to support you on your journey.
What advice would you give to Black women creatives for making progress with their projects?
I would encourage other Black women creatives to figure out what is considered a ‘success’ and ‘failure’ to them. I feel this should be a personal thing, that reflects on personal development and realistic goals. It can be too easy to compare ourselves to others; without a context of where they started from and where they are going. Therefore, I hope Black women creatives can focus on their unique journey. Be kind and realistic in what will make them feel accomplished on this path.
I would encourage other Black women creatives to figure out what is considered a ‘success’ and ‘failure’ to them. I feel this should be a personal thing, that reflects on personal development and realistic goals
Tehillah – Singer, Songwriter & Creator of web series – Angie’s House
What can we expect to see from you in future?
I am very excited to be releasing my first EP later this year! I have some fun Dance and Disco tracks to empower women, and I have also been experimenting with cinematic and Hip-Hop sounds as well! The EP will be made available on major streaming platforms and YouTube. In the meantime, you can check out my past singles.
When and where will Angie’s house /your music be available?
Angie’s House is currently out now on ‘Lite Up’ YouTube Channel, and my BBC New Creatives Project is also pending release soon.
As a Writer and Filmmaker, I am continually drafting new ideas and scripts. I will be looking for the right timing and opportunities to bring these to life. This includes a potential second season of Angie’s House, as well as other animated and live-action comedy and drama ideas.
Follow Tehillah and access her songs and material at her following social media pages and channels:
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