NEW YORK (HUB Muzic) - TQ the singer/songwriter/producer is back with a brand new album full of smooth vocals and his trademark melodic "reality R&B" flow. He took a break from the music scene to reassess his situation and regain control of his music. A real musician needs full creative control to explore what's inside of them and release it to share with the world. "If nothing else I have to be true to myself. This time it's exactly the way I want to do it. This is the real me." TQ proclaims about LISTEN, his first album on the HUB Muzic/ Lightyear/WEA label.
He started his professional music career in '93, but after his debut solo album They Never Saw Me Coming, TQ bounced around the music scene lacing hot tracks until eventually becoming stifled by the corporate executive leash. His creativity was no longer allowed to blossom and his music did not belong to him. It no longer originated from his heart, it became what someone else thought it should be. Just take a listen to the new album and you'll find that the integrity of his art is fully intact and pure emotion is pouring out. This is the TQ fans have grown to love and LISTEN was worth the wait.
The first single "Right On" is (reminiscent of his '98 hit "Westside") a smooth laid-back summer anthem about how he's kickin' it in Cali, yet what he describes, are familiar scenarios to people everywhere. "I've been blessed with the opportunity to travel the world and broaden my horizons," says TQ. "I've noticed that no matter what country I'm in, everyone shares the same problems and life situations whether young or old, rich or poor. Through these experiences I have begun to figure out the truth about real life."
"Listen" represents for all people who go through the struggle that life delivers to all of us. We hear the classic hook and catchy tune of motivating encouragement to turn one's situation around and rise above the hardships. Through his music TQ shares what's in his heart and on his mind and allows the listener a brief glimpse at the truth that is a reality at any given moment in time.
"Relax" is for those times when you're rundown, stressed out and irritated with life. The perfect song for when all you want to do is escape and do absolutely nothing but relax, kick back and turn off the rest of the world.
Identifying with the experience a musician puts into a song is what truly makes music the soundtrack to our lives. Songs are meant to tell stories - sometimes poignant and scathingly truthful like on "Angela Jones" and sometimes just the kick back have fun vibe that is "Call Me." TQ lets the listener take a peek into his life as he showcases his style of "reality R&B" West Coast style.
"Fly" is an inspirational song, and another one of TQ's favorites on this album. He dreams of having the power to change the world and make a better life for all those who are going through the struggle. "My soul is looking for something and when my soul finds it that's when I write that touching line or verse that tells that story," he explains. His vision is a dream many hope will someday become a reality.
When a talented musical artist can paint a picture so clear and crisp, so full of emotion that it draws out memories of similar feelings, moments and thoughts, the artist has created a piece of music pure in its art form. An example of this is "Gone But Not Forgotten," a tribute to some of the fallen legends of music such as Miles Davis and Billie Holiday who go unnoticed by the younger generation but should be just as respected as the greats that have passed in our time like Tupac and Aaliyah. This is another one of TQ's favorites because "it was a really deep and emotionally personal song that touched me when I was writing and singing it," he explains. "When those close to us pass the memories we cherish become priceless."
"Until" is about maintaining and handling the responsibilities of life while never giving up or giving in to the hardships and instead standing strong, facing all obstacles head on. And "Adore" is a special bonus track that honors one of the greatest musicians of our time. And if you're going to do a Prince cover you better come with some heat and be able to hold your own and representäand he does.
