TESFA THE TWIN – Q&A Interview
Tell us a little about yourself. Where you are from? How long have you been making Hip Hop?
My names Tesfa, I’m from crown heights Brooklyn. I’ve been making music for as long as I’ve been living, it’s in my blood. My father is the Trinidadian steel pan arranger “Denzil Botus”. I began producing and recording my own material around 2009 after getting in trouble with the law.
What influences you in making Hip Hop?
My influences are life, & everything I go through in it. I look at the experiences of people I know or have known, and incorporate it into music that hopefully everyone can enjoy. I’d have to say my biggest influences as far as artists would be tupac, after my mother took me to see the resurrection, I’d never forget the “ill spark the flame that’ll change the world” line.
Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs?
My music is of my own. I build it from the ground up, in my room, off FL Studio & Cakewalk. I know I may not be the number one lyricist, or even producer, but I know that I can make overall great music for people to relate to, because to me that’s what matters, relating to people, and being related to.
Who have you collaborated with? Who would you like to collab with in the near future?
I’m not much of a collaborator to be honest, but if the opportunity arises I’d love to collab with Yeezy, The Underachievers, and Sango, the producer.
Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?
My definition of “underground hip hop” is the lifestyle not yet tapped by mainstream, the foundation of rap, the battles, the top five lists, the block.
Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production? And who would you like to work with?
Production wise, I have a lot of influences, ranging from soca to dubstep. To throw a few names in; Timbaland, Deadmau5, Cookin Soul, and many more. I produce my own music.
Any current or future projects you are promoting?
My current project is my debut EP “The Gemini”. It features 8 songs, all produced by me. I plan to release at least 3 more projects before the end of the year.
Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of THE GEMINI EP? Also/ what was the idea or concept description about your Album Art Cover.
The Gemini took about two years to fully complete, even though I was releasing mixtapes in between. I was truly crafting my own sound, going through my own ups and downs as well as learning who I am. The first song recorded was “Maintain”, which is ironically the only one I didn’t feel the need to re-write at any point. That particular song carries a certain emotion that I hope people relate to the project. I created every beat on FL Studio 10, and recorded then mixed every song myself on cakewalk. The cover, which is me walking through a desolated environment, alone, shows how I felt at the moment, alone, yet somehow keeping a smile on me face.
Where can we find your music and info?
My music can be found everywhere, google, YouTube, soundcloud, spotify, you name it. Just search for “Tesfa, the twin”.
Any Shout Out?
BROOKLYN!
