Tarius

Multi-Genre Artist

When did you first get into music?

Well, of course I fell in love with everyone’s favorite performer Michael Jackson, but it didn’t stop there. I grew up listening to great music played by my parents like James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Kool and the Gang. I started singing at an early age, sang with kids in school and such, but it wasn’t until I was in my twenties and on into my thirties that I really got into it and formed the r&b trio 120. We were wildly successful at the time and were on national tv like BET and NBC a few times and won awards and recognitions.

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

As I said, Michael Jackson was the number one reason that I started loving music, but later in high school, singing groups were the cool thing; I followed groups like Jodeci, H-Town, 112, Drew Hill, Boyz to Men, and BBD. I was young and wanted to sing, dance, have all the girls scream for me and go on tour! It all just looked like a lot of fun! I got my taste by joining a few performing groups and it was exciting; I always wanted more!

How have your skills evolved since you first got into music?

I’m a completely different person than I was, when I’m writing my songs now it’s a lot more emotion involved and stylized -- it’s very therapeutic at times, I’m definitely even more connected to it. I feel like I’m capable of writing in any genre. I was even commissioned to write a country song! Many of my early songs were fun, upbeat, and had meaning too, but my life and personal experiences add a depth that just wasn’t there before. My vocal range has increased and my personal vocal style has improved too.

Have you collaborated with any other artists? If so, who?

Over the years I have collaborated with so many indie artists, it’s way too many to name! A few honorable mentions are my own

South Jersey group 120, South Jersey rapper Boss, New Mexico 34 rappers Madd Hatter and EnVee, the Bay area’s Slapp Turner, C-Doe from Australia, and I cannot forget to mention my good friend Adam Fierro also from New Mexico. Right now I’m working on collaborating with several artists, and putting something together with my former group-mates from 120. But I’m most excited by the chance to work with Mark Calderon (Color Me Badd) -- I really respect Mark’s accomplishments and who he is as a person.

If you could open for or collaborate with a famous artist, who would you like to work with?

Back in the day, of course, Michael Jackson! If nothing else, just to watch him make magic; how awesome would that be! Now, I’d love to work with my all time favorite Usher Raymond, I’ve always respected his talent and work. I could list so many artists I respect...

I’m sure you have met a lot of celebrities and talented artists along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us?

I’ve met John B, Mike from Boyz to Men, Case, Marlon Jackson and I met Mark Calderon of Color Me Badd ... and we’ve stayed in touch since! I was in my r&b group 120 and we were selected to be a part of a musical tribute show in Poughkeepsie New York. Keep in mind we were some young, struggling artists all the way in southern New Jersey, but we couldn’t miss that opportunity! My car wouldn’t make it all the way up there and no one else had a car. We ended up scraping up all the cash we could muster, taking 3 cabs 2 busses and a train just to get way out there. It was quite an experience. It was at this show that we ended up meeting and actually singing with Mike McCary from Boyz to Men and meeting and taking pictures with the legendary Marlon Jackson!

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

Desire. Raw desire. I need to write songs, I can sing. I have these gifts and really want to share. Desire to make my children proud of me, to build and leave them something.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new talent and ideas?

I’ve always been told I have the “look” lol, really, I have old school sensibilities, but with a newer sound. I think I have wide range of different styles and sounds to my writing and singing. I don’t believe that I’m an artist that you can put in a box.

What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Life. Like, no matter what your plans are, life can pop up and say “cute plan, but nope, this is what’s really going down.” and you just gotta roll with it. I guess I overcome what life throws at me by simply continuing to create and put out songs. Tenacity wins over everyday obstacles.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art”. Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

I don’t know that I agree with that completely, while I can agree there’s a lot of suffering that happens in this industry. So many people want to catch that break, get their foot in the door, and be that next shining star, but so few actually make it. I do think I’ve suffered, in that, the brass ring is always just out of my reach. Like I can smell the success but don’t get to take a bite. I’ve traveled to far off places with only a few dollars in my pockets; I’ve called out of work just to make appearances and taken time away from my family for performances. Yes, the struggle is real!

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

OMG, between YouTube and streaming alone, those two have changed everything! How many young artists have been discovered on YouTube? And streaming music has changed, so drastically, how people get their music that entire channels / music outlets have vanished to never return.

How has the pandemic affected how you utilize streaming and social media?

I recently released a video I’ve wanted to make for a while, Good Night, and am currently working on another video in the series of what I call the Quarantine Collection, which has become a bright spot in the dark. I’ve been watching a lot more than I’ve putting out, but what I’ve been watching has opened some doors and have been creating some opportunities (like collaborating with my former 120 group-mates).

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

If I could change anything I think it would be the quality of music that is in the mainstream. Personally I think majority of the music can tasteless and contain self-destructive messages. I hope to help to create a change in that direction. I want to have fun and have romantic music delivered with class and poise.

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today?

Off the wall - Michael Jackson, Usher - 8701, Usher - Confessions, Justin Timberlake - Justified, and Jodeci – Forever My Lady. These are just a few albums I listened to coming into my own as an artist. These are just a few of the artists I looked up to and aspired to be when I was growing up. I loved the styles of music, the topics, and the clothing styles of these great artists.

Tell us about your current project.

I have a project that is currently on all music platforms. The album is called, “Can’t Turn Back”. This is a project that is near and dear to my heart, it’s about love, life, and my personal obstacles. As I mentioned I’m also working on the Quarantine Collection of video shorts as well as many exciting collaborations.

What’s next for you?

I have various projects that I’m involved in. I am running my videography company shooting videos, I am writing new songs for others, and myself, exposing my music on all the radio platforms out there, collaborating with other artists, and performing on stage. Finally, I’m looking to create a much bigger Internet presence, by growing my fan-base by continuing to produce and release more and more music and music videos.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career?

Direct Access to me and links to new releases: tariusmusic.com Fan Page and where I announce new music and videos: facebook.com/TariusMusic Breaking News: twitter.com/tariusmusic My favorite and most personal: instagram.com/tariusmusic Find all my music videos and latest video releases: youtube.com/user/tarius27