Coming straight out of Detroit, Michigan, the birthplace of Motown music, TaQuita Thorns is the ultimate Rock&Soul diva. Impressing crowds with her solid powerhouse vocals and charismatic presence, the singer performs a sultry mix of pop songs set to unique R&B, house, disco and funk inspired beats. Following two hit shows on MTV (Making the Band 3, The TaQuita and Kaui Show, ) TaQuita has been working diligently as a prolific songwriter and recording artist. TaQuita’s artistry draws from her life journey and brings to life the boundless energy and positivity that drives this exceptional young talent. Fully equipped with a sparkling gift and charisma to match, TaQuita Thorns is surely one of the most exciting new R&B music artists to emerge in years.
01. How did you get started in music?
I’ve been singing and performing all my life and started writing when I was five. Music is something that I have to do, I want to do and I need to do. My parents and grandparents began to showcase me at an early age. I was exposed to some of the best music ever created, especially that of the Motown Era. I have been working toward my dream of performing my music on the world’s stage.
02. Where did your direction come from?
My direction comes from within. From G-d if you will. I am inspired by and pay homage to the many great artists who came before me and have made this walk easier for me and generations to come. These artists showed how great music can connect with people all over the world to inspire and uplift them and help make them happy.
03. Who were your major influences and inspirations and who do you despise?
Little Richard, Tina Turner, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Michael Jackson Aretha Franklin, Jimmie Hendricks, Rick James, Bob Dylan, Martha and The Vandellas, The Temptations, Anita Baker, Sade, En Vogue, Luther Vandross, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cook, Junior Walker and the Allstars, and many more. I despise no one. I have no strength for grudges or negativity in my heart.
04. What inspires you to make your current type of songs and sound?
I have no particular sound. It’s a never-ending river of grooves and blues. My mood at the time of creation tends to influence the type of song that I write at any given moment.
05. What can someone who has never seen you live before expect from your live shows then & possibly even now?
Love and excitement. I give of myself completely on stage in the most generous and purest fashion. My music comes from my heart and experience. Fans would have to come out and be a witness themselves.
06. How do you begin your songs? What types of themes and subjects do you deal with?
My songs all tell a personal story from my life. The themes and subjects deal with love, being honest with yourself and others, the virtues of self-respect, self-love and self-confidence. My songs also often address the need to stand up to adversity and adversaries.
07. How has your music evolved since you first began playing?
It’s still evolving! Lol. You can never know enough. For example: my music has evolved from taking online classes about music, reading various books about music, producing and song writing, and working with a vocal coach like Seth Riggs. I feel like I’m constantly growing as a songwriter.
08. What has been your biggest challenge? Were you been able to overcome this? If so, how?
One of my biggest challenges was to completely trust my thoughts and ideas over others. This is my mind, body, soul and art. I own it! The opinion of others is a distant song. My first mind is usually the best way for me to go, and I have learned to trust my own judgment and intuition about my music.
09. Do you play covers? If you could pick any song, which would you like to cover most and why?
I love to play covers. It’s a great way to pay homage to artists who I look up to as leaders and who motivated me. I love to cover “Proud Mary” by Ike and Tina Turner. I also like to cover “Shot Gun” by Junior Walker and the Allstars, “Survive” by Gloria Gaynor and “Love Child” by Diana Ross and the Supremes. I also love Michael Jackson’s music and recently covered “Black & White.”
10. Where did you envisage being in five years time?
Five years from now, I hope to be performing music for fans all over the world.
11. Who would you most like to record with?
Stevie Wonder
12. What should we be expecting from you in the near future?
Too much to list here. There’s exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the “Believe (Power of Love)” music video shoot, as well as other goodies like a dance remix of “Believe,” which I will be releasing soon. I also will be releasing a new single at the top of the year. Everything is building up for the release of my debut album, Rough & Fancy, in March 2013.
Links
taquitathorns.com
facebook.com/TaQuitaThorns
twitter.com/TaQuitaThorns
