INTERVIEW

TQ - "People always need songs. So I write them..."

TQ-People always need songs. So I write them...
We are getting closer to the Christmas holidays. You already know what will you ask to Santa Claus?

Same as every year really. Just good health, prosperity and a blessing.

End of the year is also a great opportunity to summarize the previous months. 2015 is good to you so far?

No complaints! Nobody would listen anyway... Lol!

We all know you as a talented musician. Without a doubt, you love what you do. Would you say that music is a form of art?

Yes! Creativity without limits. I can create something that can touch another person. One of the highest forms of art...

According to Picasso, art is a lie that makes us realize truth. What did you learn about life after all of these years in music business?

It doesn't take much art. It's a business 100%. It's up to me to keep mine art and do business. Most people don't know that going in...

And what about yourself? You often talk about changes in your songs. How much have you changed as an artist since your solo debut?

100 ways. #1 I'm a father now. Being completely responsible for someone else will grow u up fast!

Your musical career has continued for more than 20 years now. Such a long period of time is conducive to reflection. Have you ever wondered about abandoning this profession, about leaving it alone? You no longer have anything to prove...

Well... I don't have anything to prove. You're right. I'm a songwriter though. That was before "TQ"... I don't think I'll ever stop writing songs for people to sing.

What is the role of memories in your music? You sing a lot about the people you knew or the things that you've done in the past. Writing lyrics can be a good psychotherapy?

Yes. I've had some life. It's nice to be able to write about and re-live from a different perspective. Then people receive it in many different ways, most of which are different from what you intended... But they've made it relevant to their lives.

You also pay tribute to many prominent musicians like Tupac, Eazy-E or Biggie. Have you ever had a chance to meet any of them personally?

Met Eazy and Pac. Never met Biggie.

17 years ago you were one of the most popular artists not only in the USA but also here in Europe. I remember your music videos on our television and the famous "Bye Bye Baby" played by the Polish radio stations. Did you ever expect that your first album – ”They Never Saw Me Coming” will meet with such enthusiasm from the audience?

Never. I had been told that my kind of R&B would never work. I just didn't care lol. I had something to say and a lot of people in a lot of places felt it. Thank God for that!

Well, fame has a different faces and I have a feeling that you already know each of them. How often have you had moments of doubt, moments when you were afraid that this success is beyond your capabilities?

So many changes have happened in the music industry due to technology and just a different way of attaining music. I'm sure for a pure performing artist it can be overwhelming and frustrating. When that has happened to me I've been lucky enough to take of that hat. I'm a songwriter first. Regardless of what device or process takes the world by storm they'll need a song for it. People always need songs. So I write them... lol.

One of my favorite songs from your debut album is the song called "Better Days" which in its content touches the subject of losing your loved ones. It seems you know a lot about that. Do you believe in life after death?

Still may be my favorite that I've written... Yes I do. It's gotta get better than this. I think there's a reward in store for the life you live... As well as a punishment.

You also sang about your grandfather. You said you wish he could see you now. How do you think, what he would say to you if he actually had such an opportunity?

Oh I'd take him everywhere. He was handsome and cool as a cucumber. Everybody would love him. He'd be proud...

Another song I would like to ask you about is "Fly" which came out on your third album ”Listen” back in 2004. It was one of the examples of your incredible social sensitivity. What was your inspiration to record this track?

I've always had ambition. I never wanted to be caged up. Even at this age I'm as wild as a bird and there's always some chain to break. I'm still breaking them now...

You were talking about the world and what would you do to make it better. If you really had that power, how would you like to change the reality in which we live in?

I'd make people elect who they wanted to lead them... Without the influence of money. Every country needs fair, transparent, elections for the people and by the people. Lobbying, and pacts, etc., is what has the world fucked up. Most people on earth want good for all mankind. If those people had the TRUE right and power to elect they would elect someone who felt the same way.

Your last CD was released two years ago. It was called “Legendary”. How long have you been working on this project?

It took about 8 months I guess?

Did it fulfill your expectations?

Naturally as an artist you want your project to be the biggest thing since sliced bread! Lol it wasn't that... But I only have about 20 left so I guess I can't complain...

What’s next? What are your plans for the near future?

Developing a TV show called Brothers. Stay tuned!

Biggest goals for the New Year?

I definitely wanna tour this year... And Europe.

Did you enjoy our conversation?

I did! Thanx!

And if you could interview yourself, what would you like to ask?

Hmmm... This was the hardest question of all time!

Journalist: Kamil Mrozinski
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