Taura Stinson

Q: First of all, we want to say how much we appreciate you for interviewing with us and sharing with us this part of your life and career as singer/songwriter.

A: I’m honored, thank you! I am so proud of you guys. So many speak of changing the scope of media, but you all are actually doing it. Obviously, there is a shortage of black voices…thanks for doing your part to close that gap.

Q: We know you pretty well here at So FN Dope Magazine as you have written articles for us on several occasions, but please let’s give our audience an opportunity to get to know you a little better. Tell them a little about yourself and where you are from.

A: I was born in Birmingham, Alabama and raised in East Oakland, California. I always mention the “East” part of Oakland, because it’s such an important part of the city. It is rich in culture, unapologetically black and the part of the city that raised me. It also hasn’t been gentrified and I don’t think that’s a mistake. It’s also the place where I had my first kiss and wrote my first song. I started writing as child who filled up blank books with adult sized dreams. By the time I graduated High School, I moved to NY to record an album with a group that I started along with Brely Evans in High School. Our record was not a commercial success, but I developed skills and grew as a songwriter there. Soon after, I copenned my first multi-platinum song for Capital recording group, DRS. The song was called “Gangsta Lean aka This is for My Homies.” Following that, I started the scenic route that eventually landed me where I am now.

Q: We couldn’t help but notice that you have written songs for and with some of the largest names in entertainment from Rafael Saadiq to Mary J. Blige just to name a few. How does it feel knowing that songs that you’ve written have impacted the lives of millions of people through these powerful vessels?

A: Yes, it feels good have a career paved with many gems that I have had the honor of working with. I just love music and writing it. Sometimes I have written for amazing people that no one even knows, and I love those songs too, but working with people that have a platform is equally rewarding. Because I write mostly for film, people are not as familiar with my work, but honestly, I am just blessed to do what comes naturally for me, for a living.

Q: 2017 was big year for you as a songwriter. You won an HMMA and a Critics Choice Award for a song entitled “Jump” you cowrote that was featured in a documentary and another song you co-wrote entitled “The Mighty River” performed by Mary J Blige was even nominated for a Golden Globe and an Academy award for Best Original song. What was the process like when writing these two songs?

A: 2017 and 18 have been a whirlwind! “Jump,” reads like a motivational letter to self, because that is partly what it is. When it won the Critics Choice Award, I felt as accomplished and proud for the girls that inspired the song from the movie “Step” as I did for myself, Laura and Raphael. Mighty River surprised us all because we woke up one morning with news of the Golden Globe nomination and boom, life changed for a season. I was enormously happy for Mary and Raphael and couldn’t wait until the Oscar noms were announced. When that happened, I knew that it was God. I had prayed to Him since I was child and He had to remind me in the biggest way that HE IS MY SOURCE. The processes for both songs were very different. In fact, they all are. Some start with music and end with lyrics; while others are collaborative efforts from start to finish. Raphael and I have a rhythm since we have written together forever and on both songs, that was the nucleus, but the post work was equally as important. Darien Dorsey arranged Mighty River and played various instruments on both songs and Candace Coles sang background vocals with me on both as well. It feels like we broke some code. I’m still pinching myself.

Q: After the songs were complete, did you already sense or have a feeling that these songs at least had the potential to be nominated for awards?

A: Definitely with Jump. In fact, I thought that it would be nominated for an Oscar. I can’t wait for someone to license it or remake it. I would love to hear Brandy sing it. Fantasia too. Cynthia Erivo did an incredible job on the original but I can only hope that this song has nine lives.

"I am just blessed to do what comes naturally for me, for a living."

Q: Let’s switch gears a bit and talk about career as a singer. You have a new single that was recently released entitled “Gossypium Thorns (Freedom)” by Rafael Saadiq and I must say that it is nothing short of amazing! What was your inspiration for this particular record?

A: Thank you! We wrote it specifically for the TV show, Underground, so it was inspired by Harriet Tubman, the lion, the goddess, the supreme force, the light bearer and truth speaker…Araminta Ross. Before Raphael asked me to write for that episode with him, I was visiting family in Birmingham. Oddly enough, I had strange urging to visit a Cotton Field and I am so happy that I did. It was pivotal moment in my life. Days later, I was in the studio and the title came to me as soon as we watched the clip. Gossypium is the flower that is Cotton. So, in addition, the song was inspired our ancestors. The line that resonates with me most is “You can’t cage a spirit that is the wind.” That was whispered to me in Alabama on that cotton field.

Q: As a singer/songwriter... (A very good one, by the way) How do you usually determine which songs you’ve written to keep for yourself or to send to other artists?

A: The song is always first. I don’t normally release music, so it’s never a tug of war for me.

Q: Are you planning on releasing an album here soon? I’m sure anyone who has heard “Gossypium Thorns” is anxious to hear more. At least I know we are! [Laughs] If so, do you have a release date?

A: Maybe with Artpeace again or possibly connected to a film. I’m not sure. I just love writing and that has been my focus. I’m currently finishing up a film project, scoring a TV show with Darien Dorsey and writing my next book.

Q: Being that you are well connected in the industry and that you’ve obviously have a network of friends and associates in the entertainment business, do you find it easier or harder to make a name for yourself as an artist?

A: My goal has not been to make a name for myself as a vocalist, but as a songwriter, it gets better when you don’t give up. I have considered it many of times but staying the course has been key to my success.

Q: Who have you collaborated with on your music and name someone you would you like to work with in the future?

A: I love collaborating and love working jumping the confines of genres. That said, I am excited cross-pollinating sounds and experimenting more. My mind if more focused on working with directors and writers that inspire me like Ryan Coogler, Ava Duvernay, Lena Waithe, Shonda Rhimes and up and coming creative’s too.

Q: Last year among your many other accomplishments, you also published a book entitled 100 Things Every Black Girl Should Know, which undoubtedly made a huge impact on little girls of color all over the country. You also have written for a number of magazines including Oprah Winfrey’s “O” Magazine and even our publication as well. You are truly a Jack-of-all-trades. What else can we expect from Taura Stinson in 2018? Any other ventures or endeavors outside the realm of music that we can look forward to?

A: I am a brand ambassador for O magazine, but I have not written for them before. Thanks for being prophetic. That is goal of mine. Without zero promotion, 100 Things Every Black Girl Should Know received an “In the Margins” book award and I was as proud of that as I am for being nominated for an Oscar. Since then, I have learned so much since it was released, so my expectations for book two is even more exciting. I am writing it every day and truly enjoying the process. I can’t wait to share. In addition to my impending second book, I am looking forward to being heavily involved in all aspects of music for Film and TV. Carolyn Richardson, my long-time friend and veteran music supervisor (former Music Supervisor for The Insider and Entertainment Tonight) and I recently started a company called “Our Music Department”. In addition to original songs and score, we also offer music supervision and consultant services. I am so looking forward to sinking my heart into that. I know that’s within the realm of the music business, but it’s a lot different from what I do now.

Q: Do you have any advice to other aspiring singer/songwriter/ authors out there that may have hopes of getting their foot in the door to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?

A: My advice is not to give up. You never know what is waiting for you around the bend. Also, as I get over, I am learning that nothing weighs heavier on your heart than regret. Do it scared. Don’t find your self-regretting the chances that you didn’t take. The other thing is to be good. That sounds simple but sometimes we need a reminder. Karma is real and God sees you, so always be integral. Always do what’s right and never snuff someone else’s light, thinking that it will make your light shine brighter. Things take time… stay in it and build on being better at what you do every day.

Q: Taura, thank you again for giving us a bit of your time. We sincerely appreciate this.

A: Thank you guys! I wish you all the absolute best!

Q: Before you go tell everyone where they can pick get your latest single and reach you on social media!

A: My single is available everywhere that digital music is sold.