5 Questions With Tessellated

Musician, songwriter, producer, you name it, this 21-year-old continues to do it for the melting pot of culture that he holds so dear to his heart: sweet Jamaica. As he gears up to bring back the magic of music on the virtual staging of Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, The Gleaner caught up with the recording artiste about his recently released EP and so much more. Here’s 5 Questions with Tessellated.

1. You have production credits on a number of tracks on your new EP. Who are some of the other recording artistes you have produced for and how was the experience?

I’ve also produced for Naomi Cowan, Tobi Lou, and Jada Kingdom. When I make music for myself, I’m trying to execute the vision in my mind, but when I’m working with someone else, I’m trying to find a balance, presenting them in the best way, as well as helping them to create their vision. So I switch into playing the supporting role and figure out how to let someone shine in the best way. It is a different experience, but it is really rewarding.

2. What was the inspiration for the lead song on your new EP, Tropics Vol. 1?

I wanted to make a song that represents me, and gives the energy that I feel as a young person in Jamaica. I wanted to share with others, especially those internationally, that Jamaican culture and the youth are not just about reggae and dancehall. I wanted to bring an urban element to the mix, which is our day-to-day, and a better representation of other parts of the Caribbean as well.

3. Why was it important for you to include a variety of musical genres and fuse them with your own style on your EP?

There are many different styles of music to enjoy and draw inspiration from, like hip hop, jazz, Spanish and African, among others. When creating, the things I listen to and appreciate are what I will turn to. It’s about wearing the influences on my sleeves and being open about what I hold in high regards and where some of my ideas are coming from originally.

4. How have you grown as an artiste since you debut ‘Pine and Ginger’?

I’ve matured as an artiste. I have been able to refine my sound, image and I’ve grown mentally in regard to a clearer vision of where I want to go and the types of artiste I’m trying to be. And that comes from experience; making more music, spending more time in the industry, performing and practising more.

5. When the world reopens, which artiste would you want to perform with and why?

I would love to do a show similar to one at Jamaica Rum Festival earlier last year, where we [he and his friends] all got to run out on stage together. But it would be dope to do a set with Protoje, since we have our new song together, Sweeter. We had that energy in the studio and online so to bring that same vibe to a stage would be a cool experience.

BRAWTA:

What are the top five songs currently on your playlist?

Betty by United Kingdom artiste Pa Salieu; Shima by African artiste Crayon; Miss You Most at Christmas Time, the Mariah Carey classic, covered by Naomi Cowan and produced by myself and CircaEleven; Blessings by Sevana and What’s the use? by Mac Miller.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com