Royal Sound’s Teffy recently released his Exposed Thoughts Mixtape. Shortly before it was due we met up with him and spoke on his inspiration, growth in his music and his plans going forward to further establish himself.
How did you get into music?
When I was a lot younger my mum used to arrange piano lessons so that was where I got the first drive for music. Then my dad also loved music so hereditary I guess.
Who were your early influences?
Wyclef Jean, T-pain & 50cent to name a few.
What was the first single you released and how was it received?
I was making music a long time before this but Eja Tutu was my first official single back in 2012 that brought me in. We shot a dope video as well with Butter so people loved it and all the top radio and TV stations showed love.
You came into mass recognition when Eja Tutu dropped. How did that track come about and what did It do for your career?
I mess with Butter’s sound and I only thought it was right for us to work on a project like Eja Tutu together. We had a couple of Skype conversations and in no time the the track was ready. I think people started to take me more serious after Eja Tutu. It was on radio for a long time and industry cats were messing with it. It was a good sign.
You had a decent run after Eja Tutu, gaining momentum with other singles, then you went on a hiatus due to some unfortunate events. If you don’t mind, please share with your fans as much as you could.
Well, my dad was my major motivator and he always supported me. Mama always wanted me to be good with the books which is usual but my Pops saw something people weren’t seeing. I was also very close to him so when he passed away in 2013, I felt trapped. So I took a break to fully discover myself properly cause I realized it’s time to do this for real.
You announced your return with Burn My Pain featuring 3 feat. Why 3 feat? How was the track accepted?
3 has been in a similar situation of losing a loved one. We’ve also been cool for a while. I therefore felt it was right for him to share his pain on the track too.
You recently introduced your brand, Royal Sound Music. What was the inspiration behind this?
I decided it was time to start my own movement and I’m happy with the way it’s going so far.
What plans do you have for the Royal Sound brand?
We have merchandise for sale as I’m branching into the fashion industry as well. I’m also going to shoot videos eventually. The website is up and all Royal Sound information can be found there.
The first release from Royal Sound is your recently released mixtape, Exposed Thoughts. What was the theme of the mixtape?
Exposed Thoughts is basically me venting and saying the things I normally would just keep in my head. I express myself as much as I can on this 12 tracker. With some tracks having emotion and some a good vibe for the clubs. So much variety.
What type of sound are you going for and which producers did you work with?
I produced most of the tracks myself as that’s one of the things I learned to perfect over my 10-month break. My production skills. Shout out to Dare. He produced track 11- My People. The tape is alternative. It has a blend of trap with. It’s a new sound. Royal sound.
What inspired your features on the project?
I didn’t put a lot of features on this one because I feel it’s my first main project and I want people to hear what I’m actually like. But big ups to Fresh L, 3 Feat and BAJERR Bay on tracks 1, 7 and 10 respectively.
Should we expect any videos ?
Royal video is gonna be shot soon, so hopefully out by June.
What do you aim to accomplish on this project?
As I said I want people to recognize my sound and appreciate it. When people mess with the music then the only way is up.
Off the record, you told me this project is not Afrobeats. How do you feel your Afrobeats fans will accept the project ?
I feel my Afrobeats fans also listen to Trap and all other sorts of music so they will love the sound of this. However I made track 11 specially for them.
This project is launching a new sound as you have come into your own. Would you still release Afrobeats tracks further on?
Eventually through features and collaborating with Afro Pop producers
You have also made a name change. What inspired this?
The change is just to signify a fresh start.
It seems to be entirely a new phase in your career. What are your goals?
Well, I need to make Royal Sound a leading fashion brand as well as one of the best platforms for music creation.
Do you plan to do anything different in this new phase?
Work harder.
It’s been nice speaking to you. Any closing comments?
More blessings to all the people showing me love and I’m grateful to be on here with Culture Custodian. #ROYAL