Chicago’s T.L. Williams is delivering a sound out of Chicago that hasn’t been heard in a long time. From working with the likes of Rhymefest, T.L. has mastered blending modern R&B with Hip-Hop, Soul, and Blues influences. We sat down with him to discuss his latest project, The New Normal; as well as his latest single, “New Politician“:
RESPECT.: Your latest project, The New Normal, has an interesting title, what exactly does it mean and how does it relate to the project?
The New Normal is a declaration. As urban artists we seem to have this automatic obligation to make music that has “crossover appeal”, and it seems to be only one-sided. Someone like Taylor Swift didn’t “need” to make a record with Kendrick Lamar, she was considered a massive pop success before it. Aerosmith didn’t “need” to collaborate with Run-DMC, they were rock icons before it. They didn’t have to “reach over to get the urban audience”. The New Normal is me saying “Yo, I’m gonna make the music from my soul and if you want it, you come over here and get it.” I will not make music with other people’s opinion in the back of my mind. These are the new rules..the new definition of pop success..this is The New Normal.
RESPECT.: What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of being a Chicago-based artist that doesn’t do Drill music?
In the last couple of years Chicago has been getting a really bum rap in the media. The unfortunate part is the picture ain’t even 100% accurate. Sure the city got it’s good and bad points just like others, but people looking in on the outside don’t really know so they tend to assume. Those folk look at me at 1st and don’t know what to do, cause they “ASSUMED” I was something I’m not. However, those that hear my work soon see that I rep my city thoroughly. Chicago is an incubator of soul, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and Gospel. Everything you see in the media ain’t always true.
RESPECT.: Being that your latest single is so politically driven, how do you feel about the current events going on around the nation? (Trump’s latest executive orders)
It’s tomfoolery in it’s purest form! The messed up part about this administration is their bigotry is fueled by stupidity. They really don’t have a clue what people need. People really gotta understand that politicians are public service which means they SERVE THE PUBLIC, that’s we the people. You don’t have the power to do executive orders if that’s not what the people want. If Trump and these folks are doing something they not supposed to, then we fire them cause they work for us, That’s where New Politician is coming from. We got the power. Politicians work for us! If you don’t do the job the way we asked, we find somebody who will. We [the people] run this!
RESPECT.: So you’re stuck on and island and you can only bring 3 albums, what are you taking and why?
1. Voodoo by D’angelo – I learned a lot from that album in terms of the elements of funk and soul. That album spoke to me as a young teenage musician and helped me find my sound and voice. Not to mention I still haven’t heard anything like it so far.
2. The Score by The Fugees – I remember my older sister bringing this home for the first time. I was a child but it spoke to me in such a way. How Wyclef, Ms. Lauryn, and Pras did multiple things. They sung, rapped, produced, and played instruments and nothing felt forced. It was like God showing me a slight preview of what I wanted to do in life before I knew it. This was the first time I was like “oh yeah, I like this music thing, I could do this”! That album still speaks to me to this day.
3. Parachutes by Coldplay – I love the clarity of this album. Everything Coldplay does is pretty amazing but it’s something about the minimalistic beauty of it that makes it stand out even years later.
RESPECT.: What are some projects or songs from 2016 that you were a huge fan of?
I really dig what A Tribe Called Quest put down in 2016. It was great to see such visionaries put out a body just as legendary as what we know them for. I love the creative journey on Solange’s “A Seat At The Table”. Chance’s “Coloring Book” was great to hear as well.
RESPECT.: Tell us what you can about your next project you plan to release, (date, title, number of songs, etc.)
I got a lot of music that I’m excited to put out. There’s more hits from The New Normal that’ll be taking the world by storm. Later this year I’m probably gonna follow all that up with a project I’m working on called Anti-Social.
RESPECT.: How can our readers stay in contact with you?
My website is whoistlwilliams.com. There’s always new exclusive material and events on there. My Instagram is @tlwexperience. My Twitter and Facebook is the same.
Make sure you stay connected with T.L. Williams, and for now, listen to his most recent offering.
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