Meet Teeya Skipper

Today we’d like to introduce you to Teeya Skipper.

Teeya, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
How I started? Lol, I started by going to open mics on the south side of Chicago when I was 18! I had never seen anything like it and didn’t even know that random people would/wanted to sit down and hear what you had to say or sing. This also my first time being introduced to “Artist Entrepreneurs”! The moment I walked in there people selling oils, handmade jewelry, clothes, music, and services. And most of them did this full time. So being there just made me want to learn and soak it all in. I was inspired! Until one Sunday, which is the open mic night.

This artist came to me who are normally sing background for said to me “Teeya I appreciate you are helping me out on vocals but this is not what you’re supposed to be doing. You’re playing! You have so much to give, and you’re not doing it you need to start taking it seriously! It’s not cute!“ Imagine how embarrassed I felt I tried to live off what she was saying but couldn’t deny the fact that she may have been right. I was scared, and I never thought I had anything anyone wanted. But I was obedient, went home, cut the TV off, and wrote my first song. That was the beginning to who I would become to most, “Thee Teeya Skipper.”

After writing that first song, I completed an EP. Within less than a year, I was in rolled in college, and this EP was leaked all over campus. Next thing I knew, I was selling demos and performing my requested song, which was also the first song I wrote, “Beyond the Stars.” Those songs lead to more performances, those performances lead to more gigs, and by the time I graduated from college with a degree in music performance, it only made sense to move to Atlanta to further my career as an artist.

I moved to Atlanta the last week of November, and by December I was in a full production stage play at a megachurch alongside some awesome artist one of them being Que Parker from 112. Things and opportunities just began to take off the more exposure I got, the more my fan base grew. I became a full-time artist in October 2014 and am now producing my own shows!

Has it been a smooth road?
Chile smooth? I don’t have that testimony yet. Life has been good to me but hard on me at times. I wish it felt as good as it looked sometimes but that’s not true. And to be honest, I’ve had a lot of empty, unfulfilling moments on this road. I’ve tried to walk away from it. And I’ve half a—Ed it before. There’s always the thing you love to do, and then there’s the BS that comes with it. I’ve lost a lot along the way. Jealousy causes you to lose people too. In some areas, I became more open and some more guarded. I think my biggest battle was accepting myself and that I knew/know what’s best for me, and sticking to that.

I’ve had some great opportunities, I’ve met some great people, which left me with some great stories that I’m very grateful for. It took me a while to adjust to Atlanta, but I love it now. I feel like Atlanta grew me up, it’s also where my biggest fan base is currently. In short, I went through a lot, but I became a lot in the process!

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I’m known as a singer with a unique voice and an ability to easily connect to people through my songs or “freestyles.” People also know me as a speaker Bc I love to learn and therefore share what I’ve learned and/or experienced.

I’m known for my creativity and ability to freestyle. I’ve had two impromptu videos go viral, and I was just flowing. I use to do a show called “Teeya Tuesdays” on YouTube where I combined film, music and a message and the impact that show had on peoples life I will never forget!

And lastly, people know me for my transparency, openness and being myself unapologetically… though it’s not always easy, it’s always the result Because I want to help people and I can’t do that without showing them proof that I’ve been or am where they are!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I do think Atlanta is a great place to come for music. However, I would just suggest to be yourself. Because there are so many people here for the same thing. And don’t let that scare you. Rather take it as “I can only make it if I show up as me!”

Lastly work hard and make genuine connections with people. That’ll make for a richer experience.

Pricing:

• I’m about to release my first book that couples with my upcoming ep called, “Back2tgeBasics” that ebook will be $10

Contact Info:

• Email: teeyaskipperinfo@gmail.com
• Instagram: @teeyaskipper
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teeya.skipper
• Twitter: @teeyaskipper

Image Credit:
@bradleyamurray @projectzeezy

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.