Generally speaking, R&B / soul artists are highly dependent on strong lyrics and pure musicianship to succeed in the market, and TooSweet is well-positioned to excel in this regard. Perhaps that's why critics had this to say about the R&B / soul artist's award-winning work: ‘Grown Woman' is alluringly feminine in contour but unabashedly aggressive in romantic ambition - an intoxicating prospect to any daring man.’ Now that her new radio single ‘Grown Woman’ is catching fire on radio, it's clear that we'll be hearing a lot more of her. Reporter Lauren Scott recently caught up with TooSweet to learn more about this intriguing new R&B / soul artist and what inspires her to create her music.
LAUREN: As an artist on the rise, what is one thing you are most excited about and one thing you are most afraid of happening in your career?
TOOSWEET: The thing I am most excited for my career about are the new adventures that are happening now and in the near future. I’ve met and worked with so many great people that have challenged me and pushed me to do my very best in everything I do. The one thing I do get afraid of is falling while I’m on stage; that would be so embarrassing.
LAUREN: Your song 'Grown Woman' ’Grown Woman’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
TOOSWEET: When I heard my song I literally “paused”. All I could do was smile and say to myself “wow I that’s actually me…. I sound good on the radio”. I was experiencing so many different emotions it felt good to accomplish something so big.
LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
TOOSWEET: Grown Woman' actually was not meant to be a song. I’d just gotten out of a relationship and wrote it as a “venting letter” for myself. A year had passed and I found an old composition book which had the words to 'Grown Woman' written in it. While reading over the words I felt inspired and empowered and knew another woman would be as well because it was a real situation someone experienced. I wanted females to know to value themselves and that no matter what situations may come their way, whether its relationships or everyday life, they can get through it.
LAUREN: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
TOOSWEET: I started writing music when I experienced heartbreak. Even though I can write at any given moment, when I’m under pressure with life or I’ve been mistreated all I have is my music to run to and express myself. That’s when that diamond song is created. When I create music I want my listener to feel my emotions whether it’s happy or sad. I want them to picture me as if I’m in front of them speaking about what I’m going through. Turn up music is nice but people also want music that they can relate to.
LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
TOOSWEET: I would say I’m a jack-of-all-trades type of artist. Most of all, loving and caring. When working with other people I’m down to earth and serious yet fun. One day I was in the recording studio and the engineer told me that he admires how I always come prepared and ready work. Time is money so I take people’s time seriously and don’t like to waste it. I try to make things as easy as possible for myself and others. That way we can enjoy what we love.
LAUREN: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
TOOSWEET:
“Team TooSweet” or “my day one ‘A’ ones” as we say, are awesome, couldn’t ask for a better team. They treat my music career as if it was their own. We hustle together, celebrate together and go through the motions together. They are so supportive of my creativity and ideas. My dad who is my manager, is awesome. He works so hard day and night to make sure business is taken care of and he teaches me the ins and outs of the music business. My team is tough on me and sometimes I don’t like it but I know at the end of the day they want what’s best and for me to win.
LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
TOOSWEET: My background is Gospel music; I was raised in church, singing in the children’s, teen and adult choirs. Elementary and middle school I was in band. I played the flute and violin and was taught how to read sheet music. By the time I got to high school I joined the school choir. I get my singing from my mother. She sings so beautifully and powerfully. My dad is very good with instruments. He plays by ear and that’s where I get my instrumental talent. Both of my parent’s talents were passed on through me. My family on both sides are talented. On my mother’s side are more singers and rappers, on my dad side they are music-business knowledgeable and connected. When I was around 5, I remember my parents had a singing group named ‘Voices of Praise”. It was a Gospel group. So I’ve always been around music. It’s been my life.
LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
TOOSWEET: What I find most rewarding is being able to work with so many great people and express myself in my own way. I love to interact with my fans, I get emails from them telling me how they can relate to my music and how my music motivates and inspires them to keep working hard for their dreams. There was one fan who wrote me on Facebook and who had been following me ever since I’ve started my music career. Because of me, this person went back to school to pursue the dream of being a nurse. That made me so happy knowing that following my dreams caused someone else to follow theirs.
What I find most challenging being an artist is juggling my personal life and my artist's life. I don’t hang out much and I don’t date at the moment, which is ok with me.
LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
TOOSWEET: One of my role models hands down is Missy Elliot. She is so talented and is not afraid of being herself and showing her creativity. Growing up I was a big dancer (still am) I knew all the dance moves to her songs and when the music video came on I was right there doing the moves. Her work and style are just a few of the things I love; she is one person I would love to work with one day. Another person is Rihanna. She is edgy and not afraid to show who she is as an artist. I love how she promotes “be yourself”.
LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
TOOSWEET: My most memorable performance was October 31, 2015 (Halloween) I had a performance in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. I was opening up for the rapper Mystikal. After a long flight my team and I went to pick up our luggage and it wasn’t there, it was lost. I was so furious it felt like everything was falling apart, I had no clothes (only the ones on my back) and no equipment. With one hour of sleep my manager and I went to the nearest mall to find something to wear. A few hours passed and it was show time, I was not feeling it at all. While preparing for the show I called one of my good friends to tell them what was going on and how crazy the situation was. He suggested that while on stage I should tell the crowed what happen to show them through all the trouble I still came because it’s not about what you wear, it’s how you perform. I took his advice and that was one of the most memorable performances I’ve ever had. I learned a valuable lesson, no matter the circumstance “the show must go on”. After the show so many fans told me that they felt valued and important. At the end of the day that’s what matters.
LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
TOOSWEET: The advice I would give is study the business, take a chance, stay authentic, take constructive criticism, trust your gut instinct, don’t limit yourself, and pray every day. I’ve noticed that most people pursue a career in music because of what they see on television. which is the fast cars, lots of money, etc. and lose focus on why they wanted to make music in the first place. I would say take the time and ask yourself where do you want to take your career and do you see your music still playing when you are gone or is it just a temporary sound. As a young aspiring artist, set goals on what you want to accomplish in the next year or so and work on those goals.
LAUREN: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
TOOSWEET: There’s so much going on for me right now, very little I can speak on at the moment but I can assure you it’s a big step in my career. I am finishing up my EP called “True Events” which I should be dropping hopefully in mid-October mid-November, and which will have my single “Grown Woman” on it. I’m really excited about this project because I opened myself up a little more and I sing about things I was hesitant to speak about before. Overall I’m still growing as an artist and mastering my craft which makes me excited about what the future holds.
LAUREN: I look forward to hearing your new work! Thank you for letting us get to know you better as a musician and I wish you the best of luck and continued success.
http: //www.officialtoosweet.com
