Dantae Tillman, a.k.a TCM Pain is a musician by profession and has brought to life his distinct sound in Modern Hip-Hop with his use of emotional verbiage in his unique melodies. He began composing music as an escape technique when he was 20 years old, when he was suffering from heartbreak, sadness, and anxiety. He desired to utilize music as a creative outlet through which he could express himself in a healthy and positive way. His self-proclaimed moniker “9” stems from his profound interest in Numerology- the study of the vibrations and meanings of numbers. He was born on 18th April, 2000 and is 21 years old.
Our team of interviewers paid a visit to the rising musician and had a lovely conversation with him. Let us now see how the exclusive conversation went.
Q 1. When did you first decide you wanted to pursue music and how did you start?
A. It was a couple years back when I was going through the motions of life, I was conflicted. I remember one day I had so much going through my mind, I picked up the pen and starting writing my thoughts for the first time… and the rest is history. It wasn’t until I actually got in the studio a few times that I decided I actually wanted to pursue music.
Q 2. Who is your Influence or your Inspiration to this musical journey?
A. Some of my biggest inspirations (in no particular order) would have to be, Rod Wave, Juice World, and Post Malone. I spent a lot of time listening and picking up things from these artists. I feel my style of music now is most comparable to theirs.
Q 3. Who is your favourite artist and why?
A. My favorite artist is undoubtedly Drake. I’ve been listening to him for as long as I can remember and honestly his music got me through most of high school!
Q 4. Can you throw some light on opportunities one gets as a Rapper?
A. Well I mean I get constantly inspired from other rappers, which I feel like is an opportunity itself. Aside from that I get to work with people from different backgrounds with different talents and it’s all very exciting.
Q 5. How do you see yourself as an artist?
A. I see myself just as a guy with a story to tell. These feelings and experiences that need to be expressed, because I know I’m not alone and I want other people to know they’re not alone either.
Q 6. What are some challenges you faced to reach this level, till now?
A. Honestly? Developing my sound, and truly understanding the process of making music. That is something I have gotten a whole lot more familiar with and I am actively working on everyday.
Q 7. How would you describe the music that you typically create?
A. Well because I put my life in my music, I would describe it as naked, pretty sad and revealing. All you have to do is listen a little closer.
Q 8. Do you often have to keep upskilling yourself?
A. Well long story short, yes. Every song I make I always tell myself it’s my favorite and that I leveled up. It’s my way of getting excited, but in a way I feel like every song is better than the last.
Q 9. What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring artists?
A. Keep going. Don’t look back either. I don’t care what they tell you. Focus on yourself and making a plan. Build relationships. Actively work on your quality of music. Never suppress your love of music.
So this is all about our exclusive interview with TCM Pain, who is very soon reaching the prime and pinnacle of his music career.