EQUATE Meets Tessellated
“When I was around 16 it just clicked that this is something I could actually do and make a career out of...Haven’t stopped since.”
Sipping sweet cocktails at a beach bar seems but a distant dream, yet it’s not beyond the scope of imagination when you listen to the latest track from Tessellated. The Jamaican multi-faceted musician makes waves with his most recent instalment ‘Me and My Lady’, a Caribbean-Jazz fusion that’ll no doubt make you leap from your office chair and shake your hips. Hailing from an island oozing with rich musical and cultural heritages, Tess creates his own unique flare whilst merging Reggae, Jazz, R&B influences. Co-produced by renowned Rotterdam based producer Tera Kòrá, ‘Me and My Lady’ further teases his pending EP release, one that we are salivating for. We caught up with Tessellated for a Q&A discussing culture, relationships, and plans for his future.
Read the interview below…
Words by Elle Watson
EQ: Hey Tessellated, firstly could you tell us a little about yourself? What makes you tick?
T: Hey! Interesting question, normally people just jump straight into the music. I think the basis of my existence is rooted in exploring new things and creating, I’m always pushed by learning or trying something new.
EQ: ‘Me and My Lady’ is such a jam, it feels rich and organic with a modern lyrical flare. Talk us through your creative process? Do you play any instruments?
T: Thank you! My musical process is a bit haphazard but it always starts and revolves around solid composition and musicality. I always start with the beat & composition first then add the lyrics on top. I do play a bit of a few different instruments - keys, guitar, trumpet, wouldn’t call myself a master in any yet though.
EQ: We love hearing how your culture has influenced your music, could you give us an insight to the music scene over in Jamaica?
T: In my opinion, the scene in Jamaica is in a really good place right now. We have a new wave of musicians coming forward with a set of fresh new sounds that are all different from what the expected ‘Jamaican sound’ is. Everything is rooted in the same energy and style but I think we’re taking it to a new level and pushing the boundaries.
EQ: Who were your musical influences growing up?
T: Too many to name! I was exposed to so many different styles - from Dancehall, Reggae, Soca, Motown, Jazz, R&B, Rock & more, it honestly makes sense hy my music ended up being the way it is.
EQ: ‘Me and My Lady’ tackles the challenges couples face in the modern world, what has been your experience? How does social media affect you and your relationships?
T: I think even before the modern world, couples have always faced many challenges, however, as rightly stated, technology and social media bring on a whole new set that we could have never predicted. For me, to be honest, social media has been a non-factor in any of my relationships as I prefer to keep certain private things private. It’s hard enough trying to build a relationship with someone without the whole world giving their opinion.
EQ: What would be an ideal setting/date for you and a loved one?
T: Honestly, it really doesn’t matter to me, it’s more just about being in that person’s company. However, if I had to choose, I like doing new things and sharing experiences, so going somewhere far off, like up in the mountains or taking a road trip to the beach together is what I’d go with.
EQ: Your single was originally inspired by the characters in the film ‘Queen and Slim’, where else do you find inspiration? Are you a film fanatic? Or is there something we might not expect?
T: Life is full of inspiration at every turn. I love films, as well as photography (specifically analog) and pretty much all forms of visual art. I’m equally inspired by visual media as I am by music, and even more so when the two can co-exist.
EQ: When was the first time you realised you wanted to be an artist?
T: When I was around 16, I had been producing for a little and one day it just clicked that this is something I could actually do and make a career out of if I kept at it. Haven’t stopped since then.
EQ: Is there something you’ve been meaning to say to someone right now, but haven’t. If so, why haven’t you?
T: I tend to get things off my chest in the moment or relatively quickly, I don’t do well with hiding my emotions and have realised its not healthy for me or my relationships so thankfully there’s nothing I can think of right now!
EQ: Finally, what’s on the horizon for you? Could you let us in on an Equate exclusive?
T: Next up is my first project Tropics vol. 1 which will be out next month! After that, just new music & videos, lots of content I’ve been working on that I’m ready to get out to the people. Hope that’s exclusive enough for you!
YouTube/TESSALATED
Stream ‘Me & My Lady’ HERE
Follow TESSALATED on socials
Instagram: @tessvibe
Twitter: @tessellated