Life and Work with Tiara Purnell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiara Purnell.

Tiara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a passion for music in all regards. Anything involving the culture, whether that be artists or song production, I truly love it all. While attending undergrad at Howard University, I met Devin White, who at the time created an organization in DC that allowed local artists to showcase their talent during homecoming events. I teamed up with him and we eventually started to build with one another developing a small but popular buzz. During our last event, we invited Rel Carter, and from there, Devin birthed the idea of having a “Rel Carter Culture Tour.” The goal at hand was to invite artists to perform but also give them insight on the business and tools to use for their careers in the long run. We also wanted to bridge the gap between record labels and artists. This would help an artist get a better understanding of what the label does as well as gain a better understanding and obtain more information from the source.

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?
Ha, I wouldn’t call it a smooth road, but I can definitely say that everything I experienced was worth it. With any startup, there are struggles. I think one of the biggest things for us was getting people to understand and believe in our vision; as well as respect the fact that we built it on our own. Working with Rel Carter, his family lineage is no secret; so a lot of people assumed we were handed a lot of opportunities, when in reality we all had to work tirelessly to get to where we are. There was a point during our first leg of the Culture Tour in Atlanta, the second show to be exact, when Devin and I didn’t know how we would get home. We were completely broke, after two shows. I ended up taking the train from Atlanta to DC, which was about 13 hours, (and that wasn’t the last of the long trips to get to a show.) I can laugh at it now because we are past it, but in moments like that, you start to feel helpless and consider whether its all worth it. However, as soon as that long journey is over and you step into the venue and you see artists who are eager to learn and take full advantage of the opportunity, it’s all worth it.

When we first started the Rel Carter Culture Tour, I was the only female on the team. I have an older brother so, I know what it’s like to be the little sister in the situation, but traveling with three grown men was surely a challenge.

My advice for other women would be to speak up, stick to your goal and take every L gracefully. There is only one YOU in the world and you have earned your position; never let people diminish your character or your opinion. It’s okay to be bossy when you’re the boss. Everything in life will teach you something, and some lessons will kick your ass, but learn from them and keep it moving. I know that sounds clichè however, I believe that’s really what got me this far; that, God and my support system. There have been so many times that I’ve felt defeated on this journey however, once I remembered why I was here and what I wanted to accomplish, it made me turn those moments of defeat into ideas that fit the bigger picture better.

Please tell us about Rel Carter Culture Tour.
I am the Vice-President and Production Coordinator for The Rel Carter Culture Tour. The Rel Carter Culture Tour is a platform designed to provide independent creatives with an informative, affordable, and accessible alternative to the traditional artist showcase. The Rel Carter Culture tour aims to provide artists with real facts and deliver upfront realities of the music business while simultaneously providing the opportunity to build rapport and engage with an experienced industry professional. In hopes of bridging the divide between enterprise and independent creativity, The Rel Carter Culture Tour designs a unique bridge between community, industry, and arts that encourages a heightened understanding of business and the tools necessary for artistic elevation.

As a brand, I believe we are most proud of the elevation of the artists we’ve had the opportunity to work with. There are a few artists from the first leg of the Culture Tour that came back to join us and we see the growth in their stage presence, their catalog, and mindsets. It’s deeper than rap, we’ve watched bonds form and friendships build, that have enhanced their growth as artists, and adults. We put together an album that we recently released titled ‘No Handouts,’ where we locked 15 artists in the studio for three days. For most of them, it was the first time they’d ever met. Watching them collaborate and connect ideas and hooks together, it felt like they’d known each other a whole lifetime; and I am extremely proud of them and that album.

I believe what sets us apart from others is our commitment to the culture. We are committed to educating and influencing every artist that participates in our events and that commitment doesn’t end when the event is over, we stay in contact with our artists and try to be as impactful as we can in their lives.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I grew up in Philadelphia listening to Meek Mill, and every summer, my mom would take us to Florida to the Tom Joyner Family Reunion in Orlando, and for years we would request Meek Mill and no one knew who he was. After a while it became frustrating, I didn’t understand how he could be so popular in my city and so unknown in other cities. I believe that frustration turned into my passion for helping upcoming artists and helping create this tour. Artists from all over can participate in any city our tour goes to, which gives them an opportunity to expand their fan base and connect with their fans.

Contact Info:

• Website: relcarterculturetour.com
• Email: tiara@relcarterculturetour.com
• Instagram: @relcarterculturetour // @teetwist

Image Credit:
Pablo Productions LLC

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