This time around we have with us our only R-n-B performer. It’s kind of surprising that the Battle of the Bands has not seen more R-n-B. It’s a popular genre. Anyway…here’s Tanisha Talley!
Tanisha Talley
Welcome to SIFF and the Battle of the Bands. It's great to have you here. I don't think we have ever had an RnB singer before. This is something new. Tanisha: Hi. Thanks for having me. That's what they told me when I entered the competition.
Let's start with the obvious. What brings you to the SIFF Battle of the Bands? Tanisha: Cat and Rob. I watched the SIFF Battle of the Bands but never thought I'd make it there so soon. It was Cat, the lead singer of Excessive Solution, and Rob, the manager of KDK21 Productions, who ot the idea. They encouraged me and Cat said it would be fun.
You got your start in the gospel choir at church at the age of 7. Isn't that a big young to be in a choir of any sort? How did you manage that? Tanisha: Well, my parents were part of the choir and my aunt was the leader, so I was into it at a very young age. My aunt always said I was gifted since I started singing as soon as I learnt how to talk. I'd always accompany her to the rehearsals and soon I started singing along. I was the youngest in the choir.
Did you have any professional voice lessons after that? Tanisha: I didn't have any professional voice lessons. It was mainly my aunt who was helping me and most of the time I'd do what almost everyone does; singing in front of the mirror using a hairbrush as mic. *giggles*
Obviously, you wanted to peruse singing in some way joining contests. When did you make that decision? Tanisha: In the beginning, I didn't consider it. It all happened because my brother kept teasing me about my singing. He said it was horrible to hear and I'd lose any contest as soon as I'd start singing the first note. Later I knew it was his way of encouraging me to join contests.
How supportive was your family growing up? Tanisha: Very supportive. Maybe sometimes too supportive. They are always there when I perform on stage, cheering and all. Sometimes it can get embarrassing. *giggles* At least it was at school.
Normally one gets discovered singing at clubs. How you get discovered singing at restaurants and parties? It's not the sort of circuit that producers frequent looking for new talent. Tanisha: It was a coincidence. I was asked to sing at a party and it happened that it was organized by Rob's niece. After my show, he walked over to me and asked if I'd like to join the studio. At first I thought it was a joke or some lie just to flirt with me, but when he gave me his business card I couldn't help but accept.
Describe your sound. Who are your influences? Tanisha: It's more R&B, pop and soul music. My influences are Aaliya, Ashanti, Alicia Keys, Jamelia and Janet Jackson.
Tell us a bit about Gotta Work. Is this your first CD? Tanisha: Yes, Gotta Work is my first CD. I'm quite excited and nervous about it. I've never done anything like this before. I mostly covered a bunch of songs from other artists. With Cat's help and support, I finally started writing and producing my own song
You have announced that you are working on a video. What's it been like shooting it and is it going to premier at SIFF? Tanisha: Yeah, my first video. It was amazing! Tiring as well but amazing. To see how the productions' team worked on it was awesome. Since I'm a beginner, I mostly watched and nodded from time to time when I was asked anything. *giggles* Cat directed most of it. I took care of the singing and the dancing. The choreography is 100% Tanisha Talley. ;)
What do you hope to do in the future? What is that one big thing that you hope to do or accomplish in your career? Tanisha: I hope to do more singles and videos. And also to always be part of KDK21 Productions. It's like my new home. I also hope to be able to work with other artists as well. Maybe collaboration with Excessive Solution if I find a way to fit in their music. *giggles* What I want to accomplish in my career is being recognized and be able to touch as much people as I can with my songs.
Now for some random questions from our fans. If you could be anyone animal what would it be? Tanisha: A black panther.
If you could immortalized in a video game, which one and why? Tanisha: Remember Me. I'd like to be as badass as Nilin.
Favorite movie? Tanisha: Rain. A 2006 movie about a talented young pianist who went to hide into the care of a woman who happened to be her biological grandmother. Her adoptive mother sent her there because her life was in danger. This movie made me cry.
Star Wars or Star Trek? Tanisha: Patience you must have my young padawan. *giggles* Star Wars of course! Now don't make that face Newt.
This one is from me. I really don't understand either of these bands and I am hoping that some of the Battle of the Bands participants can help me out. What are three differences between N'Sync and the Backstreet Boys? Tanisha: Do they still exist? I can't even find a single difference and you're asking me three!? You want to join one of them or what? *giggles*