Latifa Tee Games Interview

Latifa Tee Games Interview

Question: How would you describe your music?

Latifa Tee: My music is RnB pop. It's a little dark, but with a solid groove to it that brings out my musical roots.


Question: What was the main inspiration behind Games?

Latifa Tee: Games is a song about an ex-crush. For me it's about how vulnerable you are when you care about someone. When I sing this song I feel like I'm calling a guy out for his actions.


Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Latifa Tee: I've been writing lyrics with producers who have song concepts and melody ideas, and they have helped me learn new ways of song writing. Ideas for songs can come to mind anytime so I always find myself taking notes to create a library of ideas that I can draw on. Inspiration can come from places and people I see as well as personal experiences.


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Latifa Tee: I love Beyoncé, and would have to say her latest album is my go-to music. I also listen to artists like Childish Gambino, Rihanna, Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, Chris Brown, Drake, Frank Ocean, Jhene Aiko, James Fauntleroy, and of course, Michael Jackson.


Question: What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Latifa Tee: The music video of Games has been something my fans have been waiting for and I can't wait to share it with them. I've recorded a lot of music in LA and a will have new single out soon. I have performances coming up and travel will always play a big part in my career. I look forward to my music continuing to spread across the globe.

Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Latifa Tee: Never! Giving up is not an option. My passion for music and performing motivates me to be successful in this industry. I have always been a hard worker and I know that hard work pays off.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Latifa Tee: I've been performing since the age of 3, so a stage is definitely where I feel I belong. Recording music allows me to be meticulous with my vocals without dancing around the stage. Recording music is also a very cool way to emotionally express what I feel so the journey in a studio is quite an amazing experience.


Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Latifa Tee: My Dad is a dj and when I was younger he would play 90s Old School RnB and hip hop all the time. Whenever I heard music, I couldn't stop moving! My parents enrolled me into dancing classes at the age of 3. I also have an aunt and uncle who have a band and I grew up watching them gig. Another aunt of mine was an international pop star at a young age and she now still performs at the Opera House. I guess it's in my blood!


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Latifa Tee: It's definitely difficult managing my schooling and music career simultaneously. It can get very stressful when I have to travel overseas to work and record music in the holidays and write up a 2000 word history essay too! My school, my parents and my team are all very supportive of both facets of my life. It's a challenge I have learnt to take on by being very organised

Question: What's a typical day like?

Latifa Tee: I wake up daily at 5.30am to run on my treadmill whilst watching Beyoncés HBO documentary 'Life Is But A Dream". Usually I spend 7 hours at school and a couple of hours on homework however, there are often meetings or events to attend that require me to be flexible with my schedule. At night I spend time with family over a meal and then move on to singing, songwriting and dance rehearsal.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Latifa Tee: I will never forget what it felt like the first time I heard my own song on the radio as I was driving to Santa Monica in California. I have been blessed to work with producers who have the most incredible musical minds and I have loved the learning journey they take me through


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Latifa Tee: I would really love to collaborate with Pharrell or Miguel. I love their music and it would be dope working with them as producers and writers.


Question: Can you tell us about your association with the Australian Children's Music Foundation?

Latifa Tee: The Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF) provide funding and support to schools in an effort to encourage music to be a part of every child's life. This cause is very close to my heart. I first became involved with ACMF in 2013 when I performed at a charity fundraiser. Since, I have worked with Timomatic and I am the youth ambassador for the National Song Writing Competition.


Question: Can you share with us the excitement of traveling to Los Angeles?
Latifa Tee: I travel every school holidays. My first trip to LA was in January to record music. Working in a studio was new to me so I didn't know what to expect. What I did know was that I was in good hands with my manager & the line-up of producers he had organised for me to work with. Working in Hollywood felt like a dream! I love the people in America and LA has a very hipster vibe. I was wide eyed & taking it all in – the days were long, productive and super fun.


Question: Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?

Latifa Tee: 1. Keep family close and positive people around you always
2. Music
3. Become your own best friend! Know yourself, be kind to yourself and be proud of who you are.
4. Laugh and smile often
5. Know what makes you happy and step in that direction everyday


Interview by Brooke Hunter