Life and Work with Tanisha Clarke

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanisha Clarke.

Tanisha, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Toronto. My first memory of falling in love with music was at ten years old. My dad was a DJ and brought home a sound system, with a wireless mic, that was the first time I heard my voice in a mic. I practiced all the time and gained confidence in by performing covers and eventually I began writing my own music. In the 8th grade, I auditioned for a performing arts company called TC3 (The Toronto Children’s Concert Choir), where I learned how to perform, arrange harmonies, and became the choir’s alto section leader. After touring with TC3 to the Bahamas in 2012, my eyes were open to the impact that music had on people despite their backgrounds and beliefs. I never felt more connected to anything, it allowed me to share my stories all over the world.

After graduating from TC3, at eighteen years old, I committed to being an independent artist and went on to perform at a number of events, live showcases, and venues in Toronto, and New York City. Performing on stages such as Hard Rock Cafe (Toronto), The Village Underground (New York City), MOD Club, and Yonge and Dundas Square (Toronto). I spend each day in the studio creating my projects, songwriting with and for other artists, producers, doing support vocals for other artist live shows and projects, and managing independent and major label projects. Began releasing my own original music, for the first time in 2016. I released a new single every week for a month which gained a lot of support from Radio stations in Toronto, CBC Radio, Flow 93.5, and G98.7.

After working in music for 5+ years I decided to found an independent record label and entertainment company to support the development of talent like myself — Not What You Expected. The label’s headquarters are located in Toronto and encompasses a creative workspace, recording studio and rehearsal space. The label offers Artist Development services that encourage career sustainability and network/career growth. NWYE has been awarded with the final round of MUCH FACT funding to create my first music video “Wild World”. “Wild World” made it’s debut on MUCH Music’s “Brand New Sh*t” TV show, as the first single I had released under my label. 2019, NWYE also received an award from Black Music Month, being recognized as Canadian Pioneers, also receiving the “Black Music Month” Proclamation from Toronto Mayor John Tory. It has truly been a Not What You Expected journey.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a young black woman who is an artist and business owner has been a special type of Journey because it is a lot of learning, and self-discovery at the same time as applying everything you’re learning. It’s lonely…some of the closest people to you are skeptic of your progress and question your ability while strangers support you. Family members often don’t understand the sacrifices you make, nobody really understands how you make money…You’re still learning how to make money.

I always keep in mind when I am navigating these tough situations, that I am following the path I am most passionate about and I am fortunate to have the problems I have. Everyday is a challenge, but I constantly am reminded that I am living my dreams. Songwriting, Recording, Performing, building my platform, strengthening my voice both in music and the community. This is important to me, as my community built me.

The realist advice I can give, and am always living by is to live in your truth and believe in the power of being who you are. Often times, we get caught up trying to be what we think is expected, instead of just being true to who we are.

Please tell us about NWYE, INC. (Not What You Expected).
I am a creator. This can be in the form of music, an event, or just an idea. I love to improve things, develop good ideas and watch them transform into great things. More specifically, I am a Singer/Songwriter, Artist Manager, and Label/Studio Owner. My days currently consist of songwriting, recording for myself and with other artists, running artist development programs out of our studio, managing my label roster, recruiting and hiring team members, curating and appearing at events (music live shows, conferences and camps). shopping music to labels, writing and applying for grants and sponsorships.

NWYE is known for assisting the development of upcoming talent in Toronto and pushing them forward independently. I am not just a songwriter, I am not just a singer, we are not just a label or just a studio…Not What You Expected is all of it. We are a family of creative people. A hub for creativity and networking and a place to be challenged while seeing results.

Growing up in music in Toronto, we have always had incredibly talented creative people in our city, but not enough business structure to propel us forward. I am most proud of being able to contribute to the sustainability of Canadian talent and grateful to see the results. It is an exciting time for Canadians as a whole, as the eyes on us have tremendously increased. Everyday, NWYE works toward strengthening its community and network. We are here to build alongside artists who are here for longevity.

Who have you been inspired by?
The most inspiring woman in my life is my mom because she has taught me how to have Faith. I believe that if we do have faith in something, the days will eventually seem hopeless. I am able to push forward each day, hold my head high, and know my worth because I have faith in the plan God has for my life. This is something my mom has taught me by watching how she lives.

Musically, Lauryn Hill has inspired me from a young age to share my truths in my songwriting. Not every song needs to be about melody. Sometimes, it’s just a feeling. I listen to her ” The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” album everyday.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nwye.co
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @TanishaMusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWYE.co/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanishamusic

Image Credit:
Shania (@thecanvas.jpg), Matthew Pompey (@designyoursoul), Eberson Asencio (@eber.nwye)

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