Exposed Vocals just caught an exclusive interview with Tey Yaniis
Born in Dallas, Texas Soul Jones Music Group CEO/Artist Tey Yaniis brings his old soul personality and smooth delivery blending genres such as Neo-Soul, chill out, house, funk and hip-hop to create an exhilarated experience to today’s new and old generation of music lovers.
Tey Yaniis love for music began at an early age playing a variety of musical instruments such as trumpet, violin, cello, and singing in theatre arts. Developing a love for performing and entertainment through music Tey Yaniis embarked on a journey to combine hip-hop and poetry with a live instrumentation soulful sound to create his award winning debut album “The Soul Jones Collection” with the debut single “My Coffee Brown” produced by Bink Wills featuring Chris Keys which reached #36 on top 100 top independent chart on digitalradiotracker.com and being the #1 played single on Santa Clara University college radio station. Tey Yaniis influences include John Coltrane, Art Blakey, Cab Calloway, Otis Redding, Jackie Wilson, A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, The Fugees, Digable Planets, Blackstar, and more. In addition to being a recording artist Tey Yaniis also is a songwriter in which he believes that tapping into a recording artist mind will have maximum results with bringing a masterpiece of a song. Being an experienced figure in the music industry behind the scenes as a tour organizer, hype man, DJ and more Tey looks to bring his soulful style to the forefront with the launch of his independent record label “Soul Jones Music Group” which Tey Yaniis and Co. will be releasing Tey’s follow up album as well as up and coming soul artist.
Tey Yaniis continues to make his mark in the music industry as a recording artist, songwriter and label head on his own terms. His brand will continue to bring not only soulful sounds but to uplift communities and inspire soulful artist to continue push out music that will help heal and bring light into the world. Tey truly acknowledges the support from his fans and family that keeps him making good music and pushing to greater boundaries. Peace, love unity and respect.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Whats good family. My name is Tey Yaniis. Im a Neo-Soul/Emcee. I originally grew up in South Dallas, Texas now im currently stationed in Northern California. Music has always been my refuge. I started out playing instruments then moved on to writing poetry and participating in cyphers. Being from Texas not only did I love creating music but, I was always curious about the business aspect of music. Texas at the time to me was the independent capital where artist put out there own music, merchandise, etc. Once I got into recording my own material I decided to put a mixtape with my own money at the age of sixteen. My vision expands broader than just being an emcee I always looked to the Russell Simmons, L.A Reid’s, J-Prince and more. Hopefully one day I could pursue more with great music.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Honestly man im always learning the game. One thing that I have had to take into my own hands is just not be afraid of rejection. That means reaching out to everyone including DJ’s, Radio, College Radio, Booking Agents, and so on. I always wanted a manager but I just always had to take things into my own hands and get the job done. Don’t be afraid to take those risks being an artist.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Always LOL!!! You just got to keep it pushing man. I pay to much attention to details of my performances but the audience might not even notice it. Just be comfortable with what your doing and make sure that your on point at the same time.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Looking to plan my first tour in 2018. So ill for sure bring my exposed vocals family some dope tour stories.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
I still believe that hitting the streets is still important. I go on promotional tours still like Dallas, LA Bay Area, Seattle and so on. I keep fliers, posters and always continue to stop in wherever I can to make my presence known and build awareness to my music and brand. The internet is a great tool aswell but I still believe in the old school way aswell.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Man honestly. I would perform with Erykah Badu, Common and The Roots anywhere!!! I grew up on their music and I love their stage presence. I would fan-out of course but I would love to have that type of company in colleagues with those artist.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Yes im currently pushing my debut album titled “The Soul Jones Collection” which is available on all digital retail stores right now! I will be releasing my second single form the album titled “SouthSide Lounge” which is produced by Chris Keys and Isaac Wynn featuring my bro Jaron. We just finished wrapping up the video in the Bay Area not to log ago so be on the lookout for “Southside Lounge” coming this May!
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
I would probably be a basketball coach LOL!! but seriously I have no clue man probably just living life without purpose man music really means that much to me. I could see myself in management or marketing/promotion soon.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
My follow-up album “The Soul Jones Collection 2” should be arriving this fall! Make sure to be on the lookout for my upcoming single “SouthSide Lounge” aswell dropping very soon!!!
Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?
Wanna give a shoutout the the exposed vocals staff for giving me this opportunity. To my wife and my beautiful children and my mother Love yall!!! To my folks Ailawishes, Chris Keys, Jaron, SwaggFX, Tello of Playmymuzik Radio, Miss MouthPeace, Bink Wills, Rashaad, Lindsey Leong My Band mates Mike Mccoy, Eddie Wroten, Lamar Green, and everyone who supports the music I truly appreciate yall. All of South Dallas, everyone in Sacramento/Bay Area much love and thank you for supporting me this far!!
